Delicious cheese and herb scones

Here’s a delightful recipe for Cheese and Herb Scones that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (e.g., chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
• 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing on top, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cut in the Butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
   • Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Cheese and Herbs:
   • Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs until evenly distributed.
5. Mix the Dough:
   • Pour in the milk (or buttermilk) and stir gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
6. Shape and Cut the Scones:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
   • Use a knife or a dough cutter to cut the dough into squares or triangles, depending on your preference.
   • Alternatively, use a round biscuit cutter to cut out circular scones.
7. Prepare for Baking:
   • Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
   • Brush the tops with the beaten egg, if desired, for a golden finish.
8. Bake the Scones:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

These Cheese and Herb Scones are best enjoyed warm and can be served with butter or alongside soups and salads. Enjoy!