Is buttermilk or cream better for scones?

When you make scones with buttermilk and also include baking soda, as in this recipe, the two ingredients have a chemical reaction that helps the scones to rise during the baking process. Cream would not work the same because it's not acidic.

What is the secret to a good scone?

Work the dough as little as possible. When you knead and work the dough, you're developing the gluten. Scones only need the briefest of working to form together and they're more crumbly and airy in nature, unlike most breads.

What should scone dough look like?

Scone dough should be soft and closer to the wet side than dry. If too dry, the scones will be dense and won't rise. So be careful not to add too much flour when you shape the dough.

Easy Cheese and Chive Scones

Name: Easy Cheese and Chive Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: English
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped chives (a small bunch); 1 egg, beaten

Description

Level up brunch or dinner with easy cheese and chive scones. Packed with cheddar, infused with a mild onion flavor, and ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped chives (a small bunch)
1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. On a rack in the middle of the oven, place a pizza stone or baking sheet to heat.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper to combine. Cut the butter into small cubes and use your fingers to work into the dry ingredients.
Stir in the buttermilk, cheese, and chives.
Use your hands to gently work the dough until it mostly comes together in the bowl. Then dump out the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and continue to shape the dough together into an 8-inch wide round. Sprinkle with a little more flour if the dough is extra sticky
Cut the dough into 8 wedges but leave the pieces where they are. Brush with the egg. Then transfer the piece of parchment with the scone dough into the oven and onto the preheated stone/pan.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Cool briefly before enjoying with butter.

Notes

Keep your butter cold in the fridge until right before working into the dough.

If you don't have buttermilk handy, add a teaspoon of vinegar to your favorite milk.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: English