Few things are as comforting as the smell of freshly baked scones, and when you add cheese to the mix, it’s a whole new level of delicious! Mary Berry’s cheese scones are a quintessential British treat, blending the light, flaky texture of a scone with the rich, savory flavor of melted cheese. Perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or a snack, these scones are simple to make and even easier to enjoy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step recipe for making these delightful scones, share some of Mary Berry’s top tips, and even answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into the world of fluffy, cheesy goodness! ✨
1. What Makes Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones Special? 🧑🍳✨
Mary Berry, the queen of British baking, is renowned for her simple yet delicious recipes, and her cheese scones are no exception. What sets them apart is their light texture, balanced flavor, and, of course, Mary’s expert tips that help ensure the scones rise beautifully every time.
Key Features of Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones:
- Fluffy and Light: The scones are perfectly light and airy, thanks to her careful balance of ingredients and baking techniques.
- Cheesy Goodness: A generous amount of sharp cheese gives these scones a rich, savory flavor, making them perfect for cheese lovers.
- Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients, these scones can be whipped up in no time for an afternoon treat or a savory snack. 🧀
2. Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones 🧀🥄
Before you start baking, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 225g self-raising flour
(If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with plain flour + 2 tsp baking powder) - 1 tsp baking powder
- 55g cold butter (cubed)
- 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated (plus a little extra for sprinkling on top)
- 1 egg
- 100ml milk
- A pinch of salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp mustard powder or paprika for added flavor 🌶️
The key to these scones is the use of mature cheddar, which adds a sharp, intense flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyère or Parmesan, for a unique twist. 🧀
3. Step-by-Step Recipe for Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones 🍞🧀
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly fluffy cheese scones:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F. Prepare a baking tray by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re using mustard powder or paprika, mix it in now for an extra kick of flavor.
Step 3: Rub in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. This will create a light and flaky texture in the scones. 🧈
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. Set aside a little extra cheese to sprinkle on top of the scones before baking.
Step 5: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in the wet mixture. Use a fork or a spatula to gently bring the dough together, being careful not to overmix—this ensures your scones stay soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Gently knead it a few times until smooth, then roll or pat it out to about 2 cm thick. Use a round cutter (about 5 cm in diameter) to cut out your scones. Re-roll any scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.
Step 7: Add Extra Cheese on Top
Place the scones on your prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with a little extra milk or egg wash for a golden finish, then sprinkle the reserved grated cheese on top. This will give the scones a beautiful cheesy crust when baked. 🧀✨
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’ve risen and are golden brown. The cheese on top should be melted and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. 🥐
4. Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Cheese Scones 🧀🍽️
Mary Berry’s cheese scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Fresh from the oven: Enjoy them warm with a dab of butter or cream cheese for a simple yet indulgent treat.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve with a selection of savory toppings like chutneys, ham, or pickle for a more substantial snack. Perfect for tea parties or cozy afternoons. 🍵
- Soup Sidekick: Pair them with a bowl of hot tomato soup or butternut squash soup for a comforting meal that’s hard to beat. 🥣
5. Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones Every Time 🧑🍳🥐
Here are some of Mary Berry’s expert tips to ensure your cheese scones come out perfect every time:
- Use cold butter: Keeping the butter cold helps create a flaky texture. Rub the butter into the flour quickly to avoid warming it up with your hands.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can make the scones tough. Mix the ingredients just until combined for the best texture.
- Grate the cheese finely: Finely grated cheese blends more evenly into the dough, giving a uniform cheesy flavor.
- Cut straight down: When cutting the scones, avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones (and Tips for the Perfect Scone) 🧀
Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones are a classic, simple delight, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid to ensure yours turn out fluffy, flavourful, and perfectly golden every time.
- Overworking the Dough
One of the most common mistakes when making scones is overworking the dough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Over-kneading will make the scones dense rather than light and flaky.Tip: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it tender. If the dough seems too dry, add a splash of milk, but avoid overmixing. - Using Cold Ingredients
The butter and milk should be cold, as this creates little pockets of steam as the scones bake, giving them that characteristic light and flaky texture. Room temperature or melted butter will result in flat, greasy scones.Tip: Cube and refrigerate the butter before rubbing it into the flour for a better rise. - Not Grating the Cheese Finely Enough
Large chunks of cheese can sink to the bottom of the dough, leading to uneven distribution. Finely grated cheese will melt evenly throughout, giving a better flavour and texture.Tip: Use a strong cheddar for maximum flavour and grate it finely to help it distribute evenly. - Rolling the Dough Too Thin
Many people roll the dough too thin, resulting in flat scones. Scone dough should be about 2-3 cm thick to ensure a good rise.Tip: When cutting, press straight down with the cutter without twisting to keep the sides straight and encourage an even rise. - Skipping the Egg Wash
The egg wash is key for achieving that beautiful golden top. Skipping this step will leave your scones looking dull and less appetizing.Tip: Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk or egg wash before baking to enhance their colour.
Additional Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones 🧑🍳✨
- Baking Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature (usually around 220°C for cheese scones) so they rise well.
- Resting Time: Let the dough rest for a few minutes after cutting before putting it in the oven, allowing the gluten to relax and giving a more tender crumb.
- Flavour Enhancers: Add a pinch of mustard powder or cayenne pepper to the dough to give the cheese a little more punch and depth of flavour.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfect cheese scones every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 🔍
1. Can I freeze cheese scones?
Yes! Cheese scones freeze beautifully. Once they’ve cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
2. Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor.
3. How do I keep my scones light and fluffy?
To keep your scones light, avoid overmixing the dough and handle it gently. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh, as this helps the scones rise.
4. Can I make these scones without self-raising flour?
If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding 2 tsp of baking powder to every 225g (1¾ cups) of plain flour.
5. How long will the scones stay fresh?
Cheese scones are best eaten on the day they’re made, but they’ll keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To refresh them, warm them in the oven before serving.
6. Can I make gluten-free cheese scones?
Yes! Simply substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the flour blend used.
Conclusion: A Deliciously Cheesy Treat for Any Occasion 🧀✨
Mary Berry’s cheese scones are the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and light, fluffy texture. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for afternoon tea, serving them alongside soup, or just craving a cheesy snack, these scones are guaranteed to satisfy.
With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, these scones can be made in under 30 minutes—ideal for both experienced bakers and beginners. So, gather your ingredients, follow Mary’s classic recipe, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy deliciousness of freshly baked cheese scones. 🧀🥐💛
