Fennel and cheese scones

Name: Fennel and cheese scones
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 cups self-raising flour (450g); 1/4 cup butter (54g); 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (50g); 1 tbsp chives (16g); 1 cup buttermilk (230g); 1 tbsp mustard (16g)

Fennel and cheese scones combine the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and chives with a hint of mustard, enhanced by the distinct aroma of fennel seeds. This simple recipe yields tender, savory scones perfect for any occasion.

18 Feb 2026
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 30 min

Ingredients:

3 cups self-raising flour
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chives
1 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp mustard

Fennel and cheese scones are a delightful twist on the classic scone, offering a rich and savory flavor profile. Made with cheddar cheese, chives, and a hint of mustard, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The fennel seeds add a slight anise-like aroma that beautifully complements the cheesy goodness. Follow this simple recipe to bake these mouthwatering scones at home.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and fennel seeds if using. This helps distribute the fennel seeds evenly throughout the scones.

3. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter from melting.

4. Add Cheddar and Chives: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives until well combined.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and mustard until smooth.

6. Form the Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the buttermilk mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

7. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a few seconds, just until smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough to ensure tender scones.

8. Shape and Cut the Scones: Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick round. Use a floured 2-inch round cutter to cut out scones, re-rolling the dough as necessary until all the dough is used up. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.

9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with some butter or extra cheese.

11. Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious fennel and cheese scones with a cup of tea or as a savory snack!

Congratulations! You've made your own fennel and cheese scones. These delicious scones are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven with a knob of butter. Perfect for any time of the day, they are sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add a dash of your favorite spices to customize the recipe to your liking.

Fennel and cheese scones FAQ:

What is the optimal baking time for fennel and cheese scones?

Bake the scones in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes. They are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How can I tell if the scones are cooked through?

The scones are cooked through when they are golden brown on the outside and when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has wet dough on it, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other hard cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan. If you don't have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How should I store leftover scones?

Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their texture.

What pan size should I use for baking these scones?

A standard baking sheet works well for these scones. Make sure to line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal once baked.

Tips:

- Use cold butter to achieve flaky scones. You can even place the butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using.

- Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

- For perfectly round scones, use a biscuit cutter. Dip the cutter in flour before each cut to prevent sticking.

- Brush the tops of the scones with a little buttermilk before baking for a nice golden finish.

- You can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the scones before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 380kcal
Protein 11g
Carbohydrates 54g
Fiber 2.42g
Sugar 0.36g
Fat 12g

Fennel and cheese scones