INTRODUCTION

Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones are a tasty treat that blends the rich taste of cheese with a spicy kick from jalapeños. These scones are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even served with soup. With a crumbly texture and a burst of flavor, they are sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Making these scones at home is easy and rewarding.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are plenty of reasons to love Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones. First, they are packed with flavor. The sharpness of cheddar cheese combined with the heat of jalapeños creates a delightful combination that excites the taste buds. Second, these scones are easy to make. Even if you are new to baking, you can follow the recipe step-by-step and achieve great results. Lastly, you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later. These scones are versatile and can be served in many ways.

HOW TO MAKE Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones

Making Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones is simple. You will need some basic ingredients and a little time in the kitchen. Let’s get started with what you need.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you begin, gather the following equipment:

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Grater (for cheese)
Knife (for chopping jalapeños)
Measuring cups and spoons
Pastry cutter or fork (for mixing)
Rolling pin (optional)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Now that you have your equipment ready, here are the ingredients required for the Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones:

225g all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
50g cold butter, cubed
150g cheddar cheese, grated
1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
150ml milk (plus extra for brushing)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). This will ensure that the scones bake evenly and become golden brown.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until the ingredients are well combined.
Add the Butter: Toss in the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the Cheese and Jalapeños: Add the grated cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños to the mixture. Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Mix in the Milk: Pour in the milk gradually. Use a spoon or a spatula to fold the mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix.
Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat it into a round shape about 2-3 cm thick.
Cut the Scones: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into wedges (like a pizza), or use a round cutter for traditional scone shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the Scones: Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk to help them achieve a nice golden color while baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
Cool: Once out of the oven, let the scones cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

HOW TO SERVE Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones

Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but you can also enhance their flavors by pairing them with butter, cream cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream. The heat from the jalapeños is perfectly balanced by the creamy toppings.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones

To store your scones, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These scones are fantastic for a variety of occasions. You can serve them:

At brunch with eggs and bacon.
As a snack with coffee or tea.
As a side with chili or soup.
At a picnic or outdoor gathering.

VARIATIONS

You can get creative with your Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones by trying different ingredients. Consider these variations:

Cheese Choices: Use other types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for different flavors.
Herbs: Add fresh herbs like chives or cilantro to enhance the taste.
Spices: Incorporate spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for added flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Include other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or corn to add texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh scones when you’re ready.
Can I use frozen jalapeños?
Yes, frozen jalapeños can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the dough.
What can I do with leftover scones?
Leftover scones can be repurposed in other dishes. Crumble them into a salad or serve them with soup for added texture.
How can I make these scones less spicy?
To reduce the spice, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes where most of the heat is found.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones

To make your baking easier, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time:

Chop the Jalapeños: You can chop the jalapeños a day before and store them in the fridge.
Grate Cheese: Grate the cheese and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in advance and keep them ready for when you want to make the scones.

Creating Cheddar & Jalapeño Scones is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. These scones are easy to make and offer incredible taste. Enjoy them fresh, share with friends, or make them your go-to snack. Try this recipe today, and savor the delicious flavors!