Cheddar Chive Scones Recipe

If you’re looking for a baked good that’s both comforting and a little fancy, you absolutely need to try this Cheddar Chive Scones Recipe. I promise you, these scones come out flaky, cheesy, and just perfectly savory with bursts of fresh chives. When I first tried making these, I was hooked right away—the flavor combo is unbeatable, and they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to make these beauties that my family can’t get enough of!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient really plays a starring role in this Cheddar Chive Scones Recipe. Using good quality cheddar and fresh chives makes all the difference, while the heavy cream ensures the dough stays rich and tender. Here’s what I always make sure to have on hand before I start baking:

• All-purpose flour: Gives the scones their perfect structure and crumb.
• Baking powder: Essential for that light, fluffy rise that keeps these scones from getting heavy.
• Kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances all those cheesy, chive notes.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful—grate it fresh for the best melt and taste. Reserve some for sprinkling on top!
• Fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony freshness that complements the cheddar beautifully.
• Heavy cream: Keeps the dough rich and tender, and a bit extra for brushing the tops to get that golden crust.
• Flaky sea salt: For that irresistible finishing touch that makes every bite pop.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what’s in the fridge or the mood we’re in. Feel free to customize this Cheddar Chive Scones Recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—it’s a forgiving recipe that handles tweaks well.

• Herb Variations: Swap chives for thyme or rosemary for a different but equally delicious herbal note—I once used dill and it was a pleasant surprise!
• Cheese Alternatives: Try sharp white cheddar, gruyère, or even a smoky gouda. Each cheese adds its own twist, so experiment and find your favorite.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or a thick unsweetened plant-based cream and vegan cheese to make these scones dairy-free without sacrificing richness.
• Add-ins: Toss in some cooked, crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra savory layers my family adores.

How to Make Cheddar Chive Scones Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that’s important to prevent sticking and get you that perfect golden bottom crust. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, grated cheddar (reserve a bit for sprinkling), and minced chives in a large bowl. I love doing this with a pastry cutter or even just your fingers to break up the cheese evenly and distribute the chives. This way, every bite is full of flavor.

Step 2: Add the Heavy Cream and Form Your Dough

Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir everything together until it just comes together as a dough. Don’t overmix—you want it lightly combined so the scones stay tender and flaky. Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a couple of times to bring it together. Press the dough into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch thick. From my experience, keeping the dough cold at this point if your kitchen is warm really helps the texture.

Step 3: Cut and Prep for Baking

Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges—something I learned early is that a sharp knife prevents squishing the dough, so your scones keep their nice shape. Place the wedges on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch gap between them to allow heat circulation. Brush the tops with the 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and the reserved cheddar. This little step gives the scones an irresistible crust once baked.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and puffed up beautifully. Keep an eye on them near the end—ovens vary! When they come out, the smell alone will convince you this recipe was worth the effort. Serve warm or at room temperature. Trust me, you’ll want to eat them fresh from the oven with a pat of butter, or save some for later.

How to Serve Cheddar Chive Scones Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a little fresh snip of chives right after baking. It adds just the right bit of crunch and freshness that makes the scones look as good as they taste. For a richer experience, a dab of softened butter or a smear of cream cheese on warm scones never fails to impress.

Side Dishes

These scones shine alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh green salad for a light lunch. For brunch, I like serving them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or even smoked salmon to balance the richness. They’re also perfect with a homemade herb butter or a dollop of tangy sour cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to arrange the scones in a circular pattern on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of assorted spreads—think honey butter, herbed cream cheese, or spicy mustard. It turns an everyday recipe into a beautiful centerpiece that gets everyone talking. You can even stack some for a “scone tower” with fresh flowers to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover scones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I find that they stay surprisingly tender, but if you prefer a little crispness, you can refresh them in a warm oven briefly.

Freezing

These scones freeze really well! I like to freeze them individually wrapped on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or heat straight from the freezer; they thaw quickly and taste just as fresh.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked quality, I reheat scones in a 350°F oven for about 5-8 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the flaky texture intact—it tends to make them a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Cheddar Chive Scones Recipe has become one of those go-to comfort foods that I keep coming back to. They’re easy, delicious, and make every brunch or snack feel special without much fuss. Honestly, the combination of sharp cheddar and fresh chives creates a flavor that’s so satisfying—you’ll want to make a batch every week! Give this recipe a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too.

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