Delia Smith Cheese Scones Recipe combines mature cheese with mustard, cayenne and chives. The dough needs very little handling, which helps keep the scones tender after baking.
Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- 25g cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 75g mature Cheshire cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely snipped
- 1 large egg
- 2½–3 tablespoons buttermilk
For the topping
- 25g mature Cheshire cheese, grated
- A little milk for brushing
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
How to Make Delia Smith Cheese Scones
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 220°C, 200°C Fan, or Gas Mark 7. Grease a baking tray.
Sift the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl. Add the salt, mustard powder and cayenne pepper.
Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the grated cheese and chives.
Step 2
Beat the egg with 2½ tablespoons of buttermilk. Pour it into the flour mixture and mix with a knife.
Bring the mixture together to form a soft dough. Add the remaining buttermilk if the dough is too dry.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat or roll it to about 2.5cm thick. Use a fluted cutter to cut out the scones, pressing the cutter straight down.
Place the scones on the prepared baking tray.
Step 3
Brush the tops with milk. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the scones have risen and the tops are golden.
Transfer them to a wire rack and leave them for a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm.
What to Serve With Delia Smith Cheese Scones
Serve the scones with:
- Tomato soup
- Leek and potato soup
- Vegetable soup
- Butter and chutney
- Ham and salad
- Pickles
- Cold meats
- A green salad
They also make a simple savoury snack with butter and a cup of tea.
Delia Smith Cheese Scones Nutrition Information
The nutritional values will vary according to the cheese, butter and final scone size. An approximate serving contains:
- Calories: 230–260 kcal
- Protein: 8–9g
- Carbohydrates: 24–27g
- Fat: 12–14g
- Saturated fat: 7–8g
- Salt: about 1g
These figures are estimates.
FAQs
Why are my cheese scones tough?
Overworking the dough can make the scones tough. Mix the ingredients until the dough comes together, then stop.
Can I use Cheddar instead of Cheshire cheese?
Yes. Mature Cheddar works well and gives the scones a stronger cheese flavour.
Why do cheese scones need a hot oven?
The high temperature helps the scones rise quickly and gives the tops a golden finish.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
It is best to bake the scones soon after preparing the dough. This gives the raising agents the best chance to work in the oven.
How should I store leftover cheese scones?
Store cooled scones in an airtight container and eat them within one or two days. Warm them in the oven before serving.
Can I freeze cheese scones?
Yes. Cool the baked scones completely, wrap them well and freeze. Thaw them at room temperature, then warm them in the oven before serving.