Savory Cheese Dill Scones

Fluffy, cheesy, dill-icious! 🧀🌿 These scones are a total flavor bomb! 😋

1. A Quick Note:

Savory Cheese Dill Scones are a delightful twist on traditional scones, offering a flavorful combination of cheesy goodness and fresh dill. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack.

2. Ingredients:

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon and a pinch of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (or 1 stick) and 3 tablespoons cold butter, sliced
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup coarsely grated Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

3. Step-by-Step Instructions:

Begin by combining the dry ingredients, then cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Mix in the cheese and dill, then gradually add milk to form a dough. Shape the dough into a disc, cut into wedges, and bake until golden brown.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is placed in the middle position for even baking. This ensures the scones bake evenly from top to bottom.

Step 2: Pulse butter and dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine half of the butter and half of the dry ingredients. Pulse the mixture until the butter is reduced to pea-sized pieces. The dough should still appear dry at this stage.

Step 3: Incorporate butter into dough

Place all the remaining dry ingredients and butter in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to create a crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Cut and gather the dough

Cut the butter by pressing down, then gathering flour onto it in two quick strokes. This helps create layers in the dough. Be gentle to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 5: Create pea-sized butter pieces

Continue cutting until the butter pieces are approximately pea-sized. Avoid over-processing or over-mixing the dough, as it should remain dry. Break up any large lumps of butter by hand, and toss the dry dough with your fingers. Then, blend cheeses, dill, shallot, and pepper into the scone mixture.

Step 6: Mix the ingredients

Use a wooden spoon to gently mix all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones. Combine until just incorporated.

Step 7: Add buttermilk and cottage cheese

Drizzle the buttermilk evenly over the dough. Drop the cottage cheese into the middle of the dough. Gently stir until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Adjust dough consistency

If the dough is too dry and doesn't hold together, add more buttermilk a little at a time. Mix gently until the dough forms a cohesive mass. The dough should be moist but not sticky.

Step 9: Shape and cut the scones

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Form each portion into a disc and flatten each to a thickness of about 4 cm. Cut each disc into 6 wedges for a total of 12 scones.

Step 10: Arrange scones on baking sheet

Arrange the scone wedges on a cookie sheet, spacing them about an inch (2.5 cm) apart. This allows for even heat circulation during baking. Ensure the baking sheet is ungreased or lined with parchment paper.

Step 11: Bake the scones

Bake the scones for 15 minutes, then rotate the pan. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the scones are light brown on top and darker at the bottom. The center of the bread should no longer be soft or doughy.

Step 12: Bake in batches if needed

If all the scones do not fit on one cookie sheet, bake them in two separate batches. This ensures that each scone has enough space for even baking. Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to unevenly baked scones.

Step 13: Cool and store the scones

Serve the scones warm or let them cool on a wire rack before wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap/bag. Freshly baked scones can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, and in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving for the best taste.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve the scones warm with a dollop of cream cheese or a side of soup. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or a crisp white wine.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 12 servings, Calories: 216kcal, Protein: 6g, Fat: 11g, Carbohydrates: 24g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 213mg

6. To Wrap Up:

Savory Cheese Dill Scones are a delicious and versatile treat that's easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast or as a snack, they're a delightful addition to any occasion. Share the recipe and enjoy!