These Sourdough Cheese Scones are fluffy and cheesy delights! They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack, with that lovely tang from the sourdough.
Honestly, who doesn’t love cheese in a biscuit? I always sneak a few fresh out of the oven. They pair wonderfully with soup or just a big smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use active and unfed sourdough starter for the best results. If you’re out of starter, you can try using plain yogurt or buttermilk mixed with a little flour, but it won’t replicate the sour flavor exactly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor to these scones. You can substitute it with any cheese you love! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a nice pepper jack for some spice work well.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is key for flaky scones. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or vegan butter, though the texture may change slightly.
Buttermilk: You can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
How Do I Get My Scones to Rise Perfectly?
A common struggle is achieving the right height and fluffiness in scones. The secret to tall, airy scones is to handle the dough gently and minimize kneading.
- Make sure your ingredients are cold, especially the butter. This helps create steam while baking, which adds lift!
- When you cut out the scones, press straight down without twisting the cutter. Twisting can seal the edges, making it harder for them to rise.
- Don’t overmix the dough! You want it just combined for a light texture, so mix gently.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have scones that are both beautiful and delicious!
Sourdough Cheese Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for extra lift)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active, unfed)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
- 1 large egg
Other Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of roughly 30 minutes. You can have these delicious scones ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your scones go in, helping them rise beautifully! You can line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cooling rack set on a baking sheet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar (if using). This combines the leavening agents evenly so your scones will rise well.
3. Cut In The Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or just your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. You want it to look like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces still intact. This step is key to getting those lovely flaky layers in your scones!
4. Add The Cheese:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it out evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the sourdough starter and buttermilk until well mixed.
6. Bring It All Together:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold it all together with a spatula until just combined. If the dough seems dry, you can add a bit more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time.
7. Shape Your Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just a few times to bring everything together. Pat or roll the dough out to about 1 1/2 inches thick.
8. Cut Out Scones:
Using a round biscuit cutter or a glass (about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter), cut out your scones. Press straight down without twisting to encourage them to rise evenly!
9. Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the scones on your prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Gather any scraps of dough, reshape them gently, and cut out more scones.
10. Optional Brushing:
If you want a golden finish, brush the tops of your scones with a little buttermilk or an egg wash.
11. Bake:
Place your scones in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Serve the scones warm with some butter, or enjoy them with your favorite jam!
Enjoy warm, fluffy, cheesy scones with a subtle tang from the sourdough!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may yield a denser texture. For the best results, consider using a mix of both, or whole wheat pastry flour if available.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Sourdough Starter?
If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can replace it with an equal amount of plain yogurt mixed with a little water to thin it out, or use buttermilk directly. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly.
Can These Scones Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and cut the scones out a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Just bake them straight from the fridge when you’re ready!
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
