Frederic Melton
Cheese scones are a delicious treat, perfect for afternoon tea or as a side to soups. They are also versatile, allowing for the addition of different ingredients to change the flavour. But what temperature should you cook them at? Well, it depends. Most recipes recommend preheating the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6, with one recipe suggesting 220C/200C fan/gas 7. However, one baker notes that their cheese scones were cooked at 220C for 12 minutes, but they turned out darker than expected, so they suggest using the fan setting at 200C instead. Another baker shares that their Very Cheesy Cheese Scones took about 25 minutes to cook at an unspecified temperature. So, while the general consensus is to bake cheese scones at a high temperature for a short time, the ideal temperature may depend on your oven and the desired colour of your scones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6 or 425°F/220°C |
| Baking Time | 12-25 minutes |
| Baking Tray Temperature | Hot |
| Baking Tray Preparation | Greased or lined with parchment paper |
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Oven temperature
Some recipes suggest preheating the oven to a temperature of 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas 7. At this temperature, the scones are expected to bake for around 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning. This temperature range allows the scones to rise adequately and develop a golden colour, a signature characteristic of well-baked cheese scones.
Other recipes recommend an oven temperature of 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. Baking at this temperature typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. This slightly lower temperature setting still achieves the desired golden brown exterior and ensures the scones are cooked through to the centre.
It is worth noting that oven temperatures may need slight adjustments based on individual oven characteristics and variations. Some ovens may run slightly hotter or cooler than indicated, so it is advisable to keep a close eye on the scones during the baking process to prevent over-browning or undercooking.
Additionally, the size of the scones can influence the baking time. Smaller scones, such as mini cheese scones, will require a couple of minutes less baking time than larger ones. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the baking time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the scones.
Finally, when baking cheese scones, it is essential to place them in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking. Placing the scones in the oven before it reaches the desired temperature can impact the rising process and the overall texture of the scones.
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Baking time
The baking temperature for cheese scones varies depending on the recipe. Some recipes recommend baking at a lower temperature of 180°C/160°C fan for 15-20 minutes, while others suggest a higher temperature of 220°C/200°C fan for 12-15 minutes. One recipe even suggests baking at 230°C for 12 minutes.
The baking time also depends on the size of the scones. Smaller scones will need slightly less time in the oven, while larger scones may need a few extra minutes. It's important to keep an eye on the scones as they bake, as ovens can vary, and the scones are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through.
Some recipes recommend brushing the tops of the scones with milk or a mixture of egg yolk and milk before baking to achieve a shiny glaze. Others suggest sprinkling extra cheese on top of the scones before baking, which will create a toasted cheese crust.
Cheese scones are best served warm, and they can be frozen and reheated in the oven or microwave if desired. They can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
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Dough preparation
To prepare the dough for cheese scones, you'll need a combination of flour, butter, cheese, milk, and a few other ingredients. The exact quantities and ingredients may vary slightly depending on the recipe, but here is a general guide:
Start by mixing together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This typically includes flour, baking powder or soda, salt, and sometimes additional spices or herbs like cayenne pepper, mustard powder, or rosemary. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are thoroughly combined.
Next, add cold butter to the dry mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into small crumbs, aiming for a texture similar to breadcrumbs. Make sure the butter pieces stay cold and don't melt into the flour.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Finely grate or shred your chosen cheese and mix it into the flour and butter mixture. A strong-flavoured cheese like mature cheddar, aged gruyère, parmesan, or blue cheese will give your scones a delightful savoury kick.
In a separate container, prepare a mixture of milk and, optionally, water or yogurt. Some recipes suggest using buttermilk instead of regular milk for added richness and fluffiness. You can also add an egg to this wet mixture if your recipe calls for it.
Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing as you pour, until everything comes together as a sticky, wet dough. Be careful not to add too much liquid at once, as you may not need all of it to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be soft but firm.
At this point, you can choose to refrigerate the dough for several hours or even overnight if you want to prepare it in advance. This dough can also be frozen for future use. Simply transfer the unbaked scones on a baking sheet to a freezer bag once they're frozen solid.
Once your dough is ready, it's time to roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to achieve a thickness of approximately 2 cm (about 0.8 inches). From here, you can cut out your scones using a round cutter or simply divide the dough into sections with a sharp knife.
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Shaping the scones
Firstly, lightly flour a work surface. This step is crucial as it ensures that the dough doesn't stick to the surface, making it easier to work with. Once you have a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of approximately 2 cm. This thickness ensures that your scones will be fluffy and cook evenly.
The next step is to decide on the shape of your scones. The traditional method is to use a scone cutter, which is usually about 5-8 cm in diameter. Place the cutter on the rolled-out dough and gently press down to cut out a neat circle. You can place the cut-out scones close together to minimise waste. If you don't have a scone cutter, don't worry! You can use a sharp knife to cut the dough into triangles, or you can simply divide the dough into sections, much like you would for a cake.
After cutting out the shapes, gently gather the remaining dough and lightly knead it. This step helps to ensure that you use all the dough efficiently. Roll out the dough again and repeat the cutting process until you have utilised all the dough. Remember to flour the surface as needed to prevent sticking.
Once you have cut out all your scones, it's time to add the finishing touches. Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk, which will give them a golden glaze when baked. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for an extra cheesy treat. This step not only enhances the flavour but also adds a beautiful golden colour to your scones.
Finally, carefully transfer the shaped scones to a hot baking tray or sheet. Place them spaced apart to allow for even cooking. Now your cheese scones are ready to be baked! Remember to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 200°C to 220°C, for that perfect golden crust.
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Serving suggestions
Cheese scones are a delicious treat and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Warm or Cold
Firstly, cheese scones can be enjoyed either warm or cold. Warm scones are perfect for those who want a comforting, indulgent treat. They can be warmed up in the oven, toaster, or microwave. Alternatively, cold cheese scones are a great option for packed lunches or picnics.
Butter, Cheese, and Chutney
A classic way to serve cheese scones is with a pat of butter, allowing it to melt into the scone. For an extra cheesy experience, add a slice of cheese on top. Chutney is also a popular addition, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury scone. Onion chutney, in particular, is a favourite.
Soups
Cheese scones are an excellent accompaniment to soups, especially during the colder months. They pair well with a variety of soups, including tomato, carrot and coriander, vegetable-based soups, and winter squash soup. The savoury flavour of the cheese scone complements the warmth of the soup, creating a satisfying meal.
Tea
Cheese scones are well-suited for afternoon tea, providing a savoury option to balance out sweeter treats. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, either warm or cold, for a classic British experience.
Additional Toppings
For those who want to enhance their cheese scone experience even further, there are numerous toppings to consider. These include marmite, pickled onions, garlic fried mushrooms, and crisps. Adding extra cheese, such as "seriously strong" spreadable cheese, can also take your scone to the next level.
Cheese scones are versatile, and you can customise them to your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed simply with butter or loaded with toppings, they make for a delightful snack or meal accompaniment.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook cheese scones at around 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
Depending on the recipe, you should bake cheese scones for 12-20 minutes.
If you're using a fan-assisted oven, cook your cheese scones at 200°C.
Your cheese scones are cooked when they are golden brown and well risen.
Mini cheese scones should be cooked at the same temperature as regular-sized scones, but for a couple of minutes less.
