Introduction

Cheese and herb scones are a delightful savory treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack. These scones are rich in flavor, combining the sharpness of cheese with the freshness of herbs, all wrapped in a tender, flaky pastry. This recipe not only provides a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious scones but also includes essential nutritional information and Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints for those watching their dietary intake.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or thyme)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (plus extra for brushing)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  4. Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped fresh herbs until evenly distributed.
  5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and milk until smooth.
  6. Combine and Form Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the yogurt mixture into the well. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
  7. Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
  8. Cut Scones: Using a floured round cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out scones from the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each scone.
  9. Brush with Milk: Brush the tops of the scones lightly with milk to promote browning.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
  11. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Introduction

Cheese and herb scones are a delightful savory treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack. These scones are rich in flavor, combining the sharpness of cheese with the freshness of herbs, all wrapped in a tender, flaky pastry. This recipe not only provides a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious scones but also includes essential nutritional information and Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints for those watching their dietary intake.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or thyme)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (plus extra for brushing)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  4. Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped fresh herbs until evenly distributed.
  5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and milk until smooth.
  6. Combine and Form Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the yogurt mixture into the well. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
  7. Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
  8. Cut Scones: Using a floured round cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out scones from the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each scone.
  9. Brush with Milk: Brush the tops of the scones lightly with milk to promote browning.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
  11. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (per scone)

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 13g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 19g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 7g

WW SmartPoints

  • Each scone: 7 SmartPoints

Useful Tips

  • For a flakier texture, ensure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
  • Experiment with different cheeses and herb combinations to suit your taste preferences.
  • These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

These cheese and herb scones are a versatile addition to any mealtime, offering a savory twist on the traditional scone. With their balanced flavors and simple preparation, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether paired with soup, served alongside a salad, or enjoyed on their own, these scones are a delicious treat that satisfies both taste and texture.

By following this comprehensive recipe, including detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional insights, and WW SmartPoints, you can confidently recreate these delightful scones at home. Enjoy the process of baking and the pleasure of savoring these flavorful treats with family and friends.