Cheddar Chive Savory Scones – Easy Savory Scone Recipe
There's something magical about pulling a tray of golden, cheese-flecked scones out of the oven on a lazy morning. These cheddar chive savory scones are flaky, buttery, and packed with sharp cheese and fresh herb flavor in every bite.
Simple, everyday ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions — every recipe made in Dorothy’s kitchen before it reaches yours. Jump to the full recipe card below.
Cheddar Chive Savory Scones – Easy Savory Scone Recipe
Flaky, buttery scones packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives — perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/3 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until the dough comes together; do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat into a 3/4-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
- Place scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush tops with buttermilk, and chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
For extra flaky layers, keep all ingredients as cold as possible before baking. Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze unbaked scones for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheddar chive savory scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the dough, then refrigerate it overnight before baking, or freeze the unbaked scones and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Why are my savory scones not flaky?
Flakiness comes from cold butter and minimal handling. If the butter melts into the dough or you overmix, the scones will turn out dense instead of flaky.
What can I substitute for chives in this recipe?
Green onions or fresh parsley make great substitutes for chives if you're out or want a slightly different flavor in your cheddar chive savory scones.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely — sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but gruyère, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses all work wonderfully in this savory scone recipe.
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