Can I freeze these scones before baking?

Yes, absolutely. After cutting the dough into wedges, freeze them on a baking sheet for one hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for the freshest texture.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a homemade substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it curdles slightly, then use it as you would regular buttermilk.

Can I make these scones vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the ham and consider replacing it with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian twist that still brings lots of flavor.

Why is cold butter important for scones?

Cold butter melts during baking, creating steam that helps the scones puff up and form flaky, tender layers. Warm butter mixes in too thoroughly and leads to a dense texture.

Flaky Ham and Cheese Scones

Name: Flaky Ham and Cheese Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes; ¾ cup buttermilk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ⅓ cup diced ham; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Description

These flaky ham and cheese scones are the perfect savory treat for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack. Easy to make, full of rich flavor, and beginner-friendly, they’re a versatile and comforting bake that pairs beautifully with soup, salad, or enjoyed on their own.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
¾ cup buttermilk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup diced ham
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. This ensures that all leavening agents and seasonings are well-distributed.
Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to gently work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to creating flaky scones.
Add the wet ingredients and mix-ins: Pour in the buttermilk and add the shredded cheese, diced ham, and chopped chives. Stir until everything just comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Form and cut the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently 3–4 times until it holds together. Pat it into an 8-inch round about 1 inch thick. Slice into 8 wedges like a pie.
Bake the scones: Arrange the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the scones are firm and golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

You can add a bit of grated cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust. To make them spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or swap cheddar for pepper jack. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking to keep the butter cold. Don’t over-knead the dough—handling it too much will make the scones tough.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scone
Calories: 310
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 490mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg