Description
Fluffy scones bursting with savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. A delightful treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for hands and work surface
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, frozen
- 2/3 cup cold buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing
- 1 large egg, separated
- 3/4 cup finely chopped ham
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once combined, stir in the chopped fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Using a box grater, grate the frozen unsalted butter directly into the dry ingredient mixture. With a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small, pea-sized pieces. Place the bowl in the refrigerator or freezer while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of cold buttermilk and the egg yolk. Reserve the egg white for a later step. Pour this liquid mixture over the flour and butter mixture, then add the finely chopped ham. Gently mix until the dough just begins to clump together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. With floured hands, carefully gather the dough and form it into a ball. The dough will be somewhat sticky; if excessively sticky, add a little more flour. If it seems too dry, incorporate 1-2 additional tablespoons of cold buttermilk. Gently press the dough into an 8-inch disc. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges.
- In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon of buttermilk with the reserved egg white. Lightly brush this egg wash mixture over the tops of the scones. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Place the prepared scones on a plate or a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- While the scones are chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. After chilling, arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced 2-3 inches apart.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are lightly browned. Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes on the sheets before serving.
- Leftover scones can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use more flour for hands and work surface as needed.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape.
- Texture may soften by the second day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Savory Ham Cheese, Scones, Baking, Snack