Soft, golden scones infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan create a perfect harmony that delights the senses. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven at breakfast or as a savory snack throughout the day, these scones bring a comforting twist to your baking routine.
Originating from a British-American fusion tradition, these scones offer a delightful balance of buttery texture and bold flavors that make every bite memorable. Their simple preparation and inviting aroma will quickly make them a favorite in your kitchen.
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, perfect for beginners.
- Combines aromatic garlic and sharp Parmesan for a flavorful, savory taste.
- Soft, tender crumb with a golden crust that pairs well with any meal.
- Vegetarian-friendly snack or breakfast option that satisfies without heaviness.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure and tenderness for scones with a light, soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to give scones their signature rise and fluffiness.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed to create flaky layers and a rich buttery flavor throughout.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for an intense, savory umami essence that enhances the dough.
- Garlic clove: Minced fresh to add aromatic depth and a pleasant mild pungency without overpowering.
- Whole milk: Binds the ingredients gently while adding moisture and richness to the dough.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
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Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This high temperature ensures the scones develop a beautiful golden crust quickly while remaining soft inside.
- Combine dry ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This step distributes the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, ensuring a consistent rise and texture.
- Incorporate cold butter
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Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub it into the dry ingredients until resembling coarse crumbs. This method creates flaky layers that result in a tender scone texture.
- Add cheese and garlic
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Fold in the finely grated Parmesan and minced garlic, stirring gently to distribute evenly. These add savory flavor and subtle aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste.
- Bind with milk
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Gradually pour in the whole milk while mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as that can lead to dense scones rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Shape and prepare for baking
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, pat it into a 1-inch thick round disk, then cut into six equal wedges. Arrange these wedges spaced on the prepared baking tray to allow room for expansion.
- Bake to finish
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Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the scones turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and cool slightly before serving to enjoy the full flavors and texture.
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge to ensure tender, flaky layers in the scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor; avoid pre-minced for more vibrant taste.
Storage Tips
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly and reheat gently in an oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these scones warm with butter or cream cheese for breakfast, or pair them alongside soups and salads as a tasty appetizer. They also complement a savory brunch platter beautifully.
- For a golden glossy finish, brush the scone tops lightly with milk or beaten egg before baking.
- Experiment by adding herbs like chives or thyme to elevate the flavor complexity.
- Use finely grated Parmesan for even distribution and better melting into the dough.
FAQs
- Can I substitute the whole milk?
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Yes, you can use buttermilk or a milk alternative like oat milk for slightly different flavor and texture, though whole milk provides the best richness.
- Are these scones suitable for vegans?
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No, this recipe contains butter, milk, and Parmesan cheese which are not vegan, but you could explore plant-based substitutes for a vegan version.
- How do I make crumbly versus flaky scones?
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Incorporate butter until coarse crumbs for flakiness; for more crumbly scones, cut in the butter less thoroughly and avoid overmixing.
- Can I add other cheeses instead of Parmesan?
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Yes, sharp cheeses like aged cheddar work well, but Parmesan offers a distinctive nutty flavor that balances the garlic nicely.
- What is the best way to reheat leftover scones?
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Wrap scones in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore freshness without drying out.
- Can this dough be frozen before baking?
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Yes, you can freeze shaped scones on a tray, then transfer to a bag once frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Savory Garlic Parmesan Scones
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 pastry cutter or fork
- 1 baking tray
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Cut cold butter into small cubes and rub into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic evenly.
- Gradually pour in milk, mixing gently until a soft dough forms; avoid overworking.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface, pat into a 1-inch thick disk, then cut into 6 equal wedges.
- Arrange wedges on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake for 20 minutes until scones are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use cold butter for flaky texture.
- Do not overwork dough to keep scones tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
