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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
#### 2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. This is your dry mixture.
#### 3. **Cut in the Butter**
Add the cold, cubed **butter** to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still have some pea-sized pieces of butter visible, which will help create a flaky texture in the scones.
#### 4. **Add Cheese and Chives**
Once the butter is incorporated, stir in the **shredded cheese** and **chopped chives**. Mix gently to ensure the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
#### 5. **Add Milk**
Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the **milk**. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
#### 6. **Form the Scones**
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then shape it into a disk about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza), or use a round cutter for traditional round scones.
#### 7. **Prepare for Baking**
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between them. If you like a golden finish on your scones, whisk the **egg** and lightly brush it over the tops of the scones. This will give them a beautiful, golden sheen as they bake.
#### 8. **Bake the Scones**
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about **15-20 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be bubbly, and the scones should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
#### 9. **Cool and Serve**
Once they’re done, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm for the best flavor, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
### Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chive Scones Recipe:
– **Savory Delight**: These scones are the perfect savory alternative to traditional sweet scones, making them a great addition to breakfast or brunch.
– **Flavorful and Buttery**: The rich **cheddar cheese** combined with fresh **chives** creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile. The **butter** ensures the scones are tender and flaky.
– **Versatile**: You can easily experiment with different types of cheese or herbs. Try adding a bit of **garlic powder**, **parmesan**, or **bacon bits** for a unique twist.
– **Quick and Easy**: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and only 20 minutes of baking, these scones are simple to make, even for beginners. You can have freshly baked scones in less than 40 minutes.
### Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chive Scones:
– **Keep the Butter Cold**: For the best flaky texture, make sure your butter is very cold when you add it to the flour mixture. You can even chill the flour beforehand for extra assurance.
– **Don’t Overmix the Dough**: Be gentle when mixing the dough. Overworking it can result in tough scones, so stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
– **Customize the Cheese**: While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like **Gruyère**, **Parmesan**, or **Monterey Jack** for different flavor profiles. A mix of cheeses can also work well.
– **Add Seasonings**: Feel free to add other seasonings to the dough, such as **garlic powder**, **mustard powder**, or a pinch of **cayenne pepper** for an extra kick.
### Variations:
– **Bacon and Cheddar Scones**: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the dough along with the cheese for a deliciously smoky scone.
– **Herb-Infused Scones**: In addition to chives, you can add other fresh herbs like **rosemary**, **thyme**, or **parsley** for more flavor.
– **Cheese and Jalapeño Scones**: For a spicy kick, add some finely chopped **jalapeños** to the dough along with the cheese and chives.
### Conclusion:
The **Cheesy Chive Scones** recipe is a savory, satisfying treat that combines the flakiness of a classic scone with the rich flavors of sharp cheese and fresh herbs. They’re quick, easy to make, and versatile enough to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, alongside a hearty soup, or just enjoying them with butter, these scones will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to these mouthwatering, cheesy delights!
