Mary Berry Cheese Scones Recipe
There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh baking. If you want a treat, try this Mary Berry Cheese Scones Recipe. I remember my first time making these. They filled my kitchen with a warm, cheesy aroma.
Ingredients
- 250 g self-raising flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder optional for zing
- 50 g cold salted butter cubed
- 125 g mature cheddar cheese grated
- 150 ml whole milk plus a little for brushing
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for a tiny kick
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Set your oven to 220°C (200°C fan or Gas Mark 7). Line your baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures your scones do not stick to the bottom.
Sift the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into your large bowl. Add the mustard powder if you want extra flavor. Sifting makes the scones much lighter and airier.
Rub in the Butter
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour. Stop when the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
Add the Cheese
- Stir in about 100g of the grated cheddar cheese. Keep the remaining cheese aside for the topping later. Distribute the cheese evenly through the dry mix.
Pour in the Milk
- Make a small well in the center of the mix. Pour in the milk slowly while stirring with a knife. Stop when a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Knead the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Knead it very gently just to smooth it out. Do not overwork the dough or it becomes tough.
Roll and Cut
- Roll the dough to about 2cm thickness. Use your fluted cutter to stamp out circles. Do not twist the cutter, as this stops the rise.
Glaze and Top
- Place the scones on your prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with a little extra milk. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over each scone top.
Bake Until Golden
- Bake in the hot oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They should be well-risen and golden brown on top. The cheese should be bubbly and crisp.
Cool and Enjoy
- Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. They are best served warm with a thick layer of butter. Enjoy the fresh, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold butter and cold milk. This helps create steam in the oven for a better rise.
- Handle with Care: Only knead the dough a few times. Over-handling makes the scones hard instead of fluffy.
- The Cutter Trick: When cutting the dough, press straight down. Twisting the cutter seals the edges and prevents rising.
- Spice it Up: Add chopped chives or wild garlic for a fresh herb flavor.
- Change the Cheese: Use Red Leicester for a bright orange color. Smoked cheese also tastes amazing in this recipe.
- Avoid Thin Dough: Ensure your dough is at least 2cm thick before cutting. This gives you tall, proud scones.