Cheese scones are a classic British treat, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a savory snack any time of the day. This James Martin Cheese Scones recipe delivers scones that are golden, fluffy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
What Are James Martin Cheese Scones?
James Martin Cheese Scones are savory scones made with a generous amount of cheese, giving them a rich, flavorful taste. Unlike sweet scones, these are ideal for those who prefer a savory option. The scones are light, fluffy, and perfect when served warm, with a little butter or extra cheese.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of cheese and buttery scones is simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Enjoy them on their own, with butter, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep and baking time, you can have these scones ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients Needed to Make James Martin Cheese Scones
- 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour: The base of the scones, provides structure and a light texture.
- 55g (2 oz) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Adds richness and helps create flaky layers.
- 150ml (5 fl oz) milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the dough together.
- 75g (2.6 oz) mature cheddar cheese, grated: The star ingredient that gives these scones their savory flavor.
- 1 tsp mustard powder: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the cheese flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the taste of the cheese.
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing): Gives the scones a beautiful golden finish.
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Pastry brush
Instructions to Make James Martin Cheese Scones
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Rub in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Mix in the Milk: Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring with a knife to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the scones light.
- Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Roll or pat the dough to about 2 cm (¾ inch) thick. Use a round cutter or knife to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Glaze and Bake: Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, or enjoy them on their own.
What Goes Well With James Martin Cheese Scones
- Butter: A simple spread of butter enhances the richness of the scones.
- Tomato Soup: Pair these scones with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
- Chutney: A dollop of chutney adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory scones.
- Tea: Enjoy these scones with a cup of strong tea for a classic British experience.
Expert Tips for Making the Best James Martin Cheese Scones
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones light and airy.
- Use Mature Cheese: A strong, mature cheddar will give the scones a richer flavor.
- Brush with Egg: Brushing the scones with beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful golden color.
Easy Variations of James Martin Cheese Scones
- Herb Cheese Scones: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the dough for extra flavor.
- Spicy Cheese Scones: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of heat.
- Cheese and Onion Scones: Stir in some finely chopped green onions or chives with the cheese for added flavor.
- Double Cheese Scones: Sprinkle extra cheese on top of the scones before baking for a cheesy crust.
Best Practices to Store James Martin Cheese Scones
- Store at Room Temperature: Keep the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the scones for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Reheat Before Serving: For the best texture, reheat the scones in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes before serving.
How Can I Make James Martin Cheese Scones Healthier?
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the Cheese: Use less cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat content.
- Swap Butter with a Healthier Alternative: Consider using a plant-based spread or reduced-fat butter.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach, green onions, or grated carrots into the dough for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use Low-Fat Milk: Substitute regular milk with low-fat or plant-based milk to reduce fat content.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
What type of cheese is best for James Martin Cheese Scones?
The best cheese for James Martin Cheese Scones is a mature cheddar. Its strong, sharp flavor adds a rich taste to the scones, complementing the buttery texture. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Red Leicester for different flavor profiles.
Why are my cheese scones not rising properly?
Cheese scones may not rise properly if the dough is overworked or if the baking temperature is too low. To ensure good rise, handle the dough gently, use cold ingredients, and make sure your oven is preheated to 220°C (425°F). Also, check that your self-raising flour is fresh and hasn’t lost its leavening power.
Can I freeze James Martin Cheese Scones?
Yes, you can freeze James Martin Cheese Scones. Once baked, allow the scones to cool completely, then wrap them in cling film or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to restore their freshness.
How do I keep cheese scones from becoming dry?
To keep cheese scones from becoming dry, ensure you don’t overbake them. Bake until they are just golden on top and still soft inside. Using enough butter and not overworking the dough also helps maintain moisture. Store them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
Final Words
These James Martin Cheese Scones are the perfect savory treat, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them alongside a hearty soup. Their rich, cheesy flavor and light, fluffy texture make them a delightful addition to any meal. Give this recipe a try and savor the taste of a classic British favorite!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Nigella Lemon No-Bake Cheesecake
- Jamie Oliver No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
- Delia Smith Cheese Scones
James Martin Cheese Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
James Martin Cheese Scones are savory scones made with a generous amount of cheese, giving them a rich, flavorful taste. Unlike sweet scones, these are ideal for those who prefer a savory option. The scones are light, fluffy, and perfect when served warm, with a little butter or extra cheese.
Ingredients
- 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour: The base of the scones, provides structure and a light texture.
- 55g (2 oz) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Adds richness and helps create flaky layers.
- 150ml (5 fl oz) milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the dough together.
- 75g (2.6 oz) mature cheddar cheese, grated: The star ingredient that gives these scones their savory flavor.
- 1 tsp mustard powder: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the cheese flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the taste of the cheese.
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing): Gives the scones a beautiful golden finish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Rub in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Mix in the Milk: Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring with a knife to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the scones light.
- Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Roll or pat the dough to about 2 cm (¾ inch) thick. Use a round cutter or knife to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Glaze and Bake: Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, or enjoy them on their own.
