Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp sugar
Fat and Dairy
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream, separated
Other Ingredients
- 2 green onions, both white and green parts, chopped
- 1/2 lb ham (about 1 cup), diced small
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Dice the ham: Cut the ham into small, uniform 1-cup pieces and set aside for mixing into the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate the butter: Using your fingers or a pastry blender, cut the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces, which will help create a flaky texture.
- Add cheese, green onions, and ham: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and diced ham until they are evenly dispersed throughout the crumbly mixture.
- Combine with cream: Gradually add 3/4 cup of the heavy cream, using your fingers to mix and squeeze the dough together. Add more cream as needed until the dough just comes together, but avoid overworking it to keep it tender.
- Shape the dough: On a well-floured surface, pat and shape the dough into a smooth 7-inch diameter disk about 3/4 inch thick. This uniform thickness ensures even baking.
- Cut into wedges: Transfer the dough disk to the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the disk into 8 equal wedges. Slightly separate the wedges on the baking sheet to allow room for expansion during baking.
- Brush with cream: Brush the tops of the scones with the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to promote browning and a shiny finish.
- Bake the scones: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Baking at a high temperature ensures a light and flaky texture.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature plain or with butter as desired.
Notes
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge for flaky, tender scones.
- Don’t overwork the dough to keep the scones light and crumbly.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar with your favorite sharp cheese for variation.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Western