Mary Berry, a revered figure in British baking, offers a treasure trove of culinary delights. Mary Berry cheese scones stand out as a quintessential feature for any afternoon tea or light lunch. Berry’s approach simplifies the baking process while producing delightful savoury treats that appeal to cheese enthusiasts and budding bakers alike.
Mary Berry cheese scones promise a golden, crumbly texture with a rich, cheesy flavour, making them an irresistible addition to any table.
The scones versatility also marks them as a popular choice for various occasions, from leisurely picnics to elegant gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a spread of butter or a generous helping of additional cheese, ensuring they cater to a range of palates.
With clear-cut instructions and basic ingredients, this recipe from Mary Berry empowers even those with minimal baking experience to craft sumptuous scones that are bound to impress.
Embracing the essence of traditional British baking, these cheese scones embody the simplicity and heartiness that have become synonymous with Mary Berry’s recipes. Every bite transports diners to the comfort of homemade warmth, reaffirming why Mary Berry’s guidance remains a staple in kitchens across the UK and beyond.
Why You Will Love This Mary Berry Cheese Scones Recipe
Mary Berry cheese scones recipe is a delightful treat that brings the quintessentially British experience of afternoon tea to your home kitchen. The recipe is renowned for its simplicity, making it a perfect baking project for those new to the art of scones.
Firstly, one can’t help but appreciate the ease with which these scones come together. Requiring only a few staple ingredients and a straightforward process, anyone can create golden brown scones with a tender texture.
Another compelling reason to try this recipe is the versatility it offers. The cheese scones are just as suitable for a quick breakfast as they are for brunch or paired with afternoon tea. This recipe ensures that each scone is delightfully savoury with the perfect hint of fluffy texture.
Mary Berry, a respected figure in British baking, has crafted this easy cheese scone recipe with the home baker in mind. Adhering to her instructions results in scones that bake to perfection, exhibiting a mouth-watering golden brown hue and a fluffy interior.
For anyone seeking a taste of traditional British cuisine, these cheese scones are a must-try. They embody the comforting flavours that are often missed when one is away from home. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful end to a leisurely morning, these scones are sure to impress.
How to Make Mary Berry Cheese Scones
In this section, you’ll learn how to create Mary Berry Cheese Scones with precise steps. The recipe requires a few essential ingredients and instruments, and then follows a straightforward, step-by-step process to yield delicious, fluffy scones with a golden finish.
Ingredients
To begin, gather the following ingredients:
- Self-raising flour: 450g, essential for the structure of the scones and to help them rise.
- Baking powder: 2 level tsp, ensures extra lift.
- Salt: a pinch, for flavour enhancement.
- Unsalted Butter: 100g, cold and cut into cubes, to create tender crumbs.
- Mature Cheddar Cheese: 150g, grated, provides the scones with a tangy taste.
- Mustard Powder: 1 tsp, for a subtle spicy edge.
- Cayenne Pepper: a pinch, for a hint of heat (optional).
- Whole Milk: 200ml, contributes to a soft dough and golden crust.
- Eggs: 2, beaten, to enrich and bind the mixture. Reserve a little for glazing.
Instruments
You will need the following instruments:
- Measuring Jug: for the milk.
- Mixing Bowl: to combine the dry ingredients.
- Sieve: to aerate the flour.
- Rolling Pin: to evenly roll out the scone dough.
- Fluted Cutter: to shape the scones without twisting.
- Baking Tray: lined with parchment paper.
- Oven: preheated to ensure proper rise.
- Pastry Brush: to glaze the scones with the reserved egg.
- Wire Rack: to cool the scones after baking.
- Fork: to combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Step by Step Making Process for Mary Berry Cheese Scones
The process for making Mary Berry cheese scones is as follows:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C).
- Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cold butter, and rub in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, salt, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Make a well in the centre and pour in the beaten eggs and most of the milk. Use a fork to mix quickly to a soft dough – add the remaining milk if needed.
- Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface, knead it very gently, and roll it out to about 2 cm thick.
- Using the fluted cutter, press down firmly without twisting to cut out the scones. Place them on the baking tray.
- Brush the tops with the reserved egg using a pastry brush. Ensure not to let the glaze drip down the sides, as it might affect the scones’ ability to rise evenly.
- Bake in the hot oven for about 10-15 minutes, until risen and golden brown.
- Remove and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with softened butter.
Mary Berry Cheese Scones Recipe Tips
When attempting the Mary Berry Cheese Scones Recipe, precise ingredients and techniques are vital for success. One should measure the self-raising flour and baking powder accurately to ensure a proper rise. The sugar and salt must be proportioned to balance the flavours, considering that cheese scones inherently tend to be savoury.
Ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature is a key step that should not be overlooked. However, cold butter is essential to achieve a flaky texture.
When incorporating butter into the flour, make sure to rub it in gently until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. This technique aerates the flour, giving a lighter scone.
While combining the dough, one must not overwork the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense scones. When cutting out the scones, avoid twisting the cutter, as this can affect the scones’ ability to rise evenly.
Explore Mary Berry’s cookbooks for further guidance and inspiration. They offer a treasure trove of tips to perfect one’s baking prowess. Always remember, a light touch and adherence to the recipe will yield the best results.
Mary Berry Cheese Scones Ingredient Substitute
When making Mary Berry cheese scones, one may need to swap specific ingredients due to preference or availability. This section provides suitable alternatives for the original recipe items.
If self-raising flour isn’t on hand, one can use plain flour mixed with 2 teaspoons of baking powder to achieve a similar rising effect. Each cup of self-raising flour can be replaced with a cup of plain flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
For whole milk, a common substitute is buttermilk, which can add a richer flavour to the scones. If buttermilk isn’t available, then mix a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with a cup of whole milk and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
In cases where softened butter is not available, unsalted butter at room temperature can serve as a substitute, ensuring not to alter the scone’s texture.
Switching caster sugar with granulated sugar is possible, but one should ensure it’s finely ground for a texture closer to the original recipe.
When it comes to cheese, mature cheddar cheese provides a stronger flavour, but one can also use a good-quality cheddar cheese or even gouda for a milder taste.
| Original Ingredient | Substitute | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Self-raising flour | Plain flour + baking powder | 1 cup + 2 tsp |
| Whole milk | Buttermilk / Lemon juice + milk mixture | 1 cup |
| Softened butter | Unsalted butter | As required in recipe |
| Caster sugar | Finely ground granulated sugar | Same as recipe |
| Mature cheddar cheese | Cheddar cheese / Gouda | Same as recipe |
These alternatives should be used as a guide and may not replicate the exact flavour profile or texture of the original Mary Berry cheese scones recipe, but they will provide a satisfactory result.
What to Serve With Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Mary Berry cheese scones are a delightful treat, serving as a versatile base for a variety of accompaniments. They pair superbly with a selection of spreads and toppings.
Clotted cream and strawberry jam offer a classic combination, balancing the scone’s savouriness with sweetness. For those who prefer less sweetness, a dollop of whipped cream provides a lighter alternative.
If aiming for a more savoury option, one can opt for a rich chutney. Its tangy flavour complements the cheesy scones, creating a sumptuous taste experience.
Finely chopped chives sprinkled on top add a fresh, oniony bite, which enhances the scones’ taste.
Regarding beverages, a hot cup of tea or coffee stands as the quintessential drink to enjoy with these scones. The warmth of the drink softens the scone’s texture, making the pairing even more satisfying.
For those considering a fuller meal, these scones are an excellent side for soups and salads.
The rich, buttery texture of the scones provides a pleasant contrast to light, brothy soups or crisp, fresh salads.
One should serve Mary Berry cheese scones warm to fully enjoy their buttery, flaky texture alongside these accompaniments.
How to Store Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Storing cheese scones correctly ensures that they maintain their taste and texture. Once they have cooled down to room temperature, transfer the scones to an airtight container.
Lining the container with parchment paper can help absorb any excess moisture. They should stay fresh for a couple of days when kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
To lengthen their shelf life, one might consider refrigeration; however, this can sometimes result in a loss of tenderness, making the scones slightly drier.
If you decide to refrigerate, bring them back to room temperature before serving to restore some of their original texture.
When one needs to reheat the scones, a brief stint in the oven or a gentle warming in a microwave can rejuvenate them.
Be careful not to overheat as this can dry them out. Wrapping them in parchment paper before lightly warming can also help to retain their moisture.
Should you have leftovers that you can’t consume within a few days, freezing is an option.
Wrap each scone individually in parchment paper, then place them into a freezer-safe bag or container.
To defrost, leave them out at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is Mary Berry Cheese Scones Healthy?
Evaluating the healthiness of a recipe involves a look at its ingredients and nutritional profile. Mary Berry Cheese Scones are no exception.
Typically, these scones consist of self-raising flour, butter, cheese, eggs, and milk. Cheese scones are not necessarily low in calories; they contain significant amounts of carbohydrates and total fat, mainly due to the flour, butter, and cheese used.
The typical nutritional breakdown per scone may look like this:
- Calories: Moderate to high
- Carbohydrates: Present
- Protein: Moderate, from cheese and eggs
- Total Fat: Substantial, from butter and cheese
- Sodium: Varies, the cheese and butter could add considerable amounts
- Dietary Fiber: Low, unless wholemeal flour is used
- Vegetarian: Mostly, if one uses vegetarian cheese
The recipe can be tweaked for health considerations. Using whole grain flour can up the dietary fiber content.
Free-range eggs contribute to the protein without affecting the vegetarian quality.
Replacing full-fat cheese with a reduced-fat option and using less butter can help lower the total fat content.
Regarding vegetarian diets, these scones are suitable if free-range eggs and vegetarian cheeses are used. However, they might not fit into strict low-calorie or low-sodium diets without adjustments.
Mary Berry Cheese Scones Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Traditional Mary Berry cheese scones contain a notable amount of energy per serving, essential for daily activities.
- Carbohydrates: They provide a quick source of energy, as scones are high in carbs due to the flour and sugar.
- Protein: Cheese contributes to the protein content, which is crucial for body repair and muscle maintenance.
- Total Fat: The butter and cheese account for the total fat, useful for long-lasting energy and satiety.
- Sodium: Scones may contain a moderate amount of sodium, important for fluid balance and nerve function, but should be consumed mindfully.
- Dietary Fibre: While not a major source of fibre, the use of wholemeal flour can increase the fibre content, aiding digestion.
- Other Nutrients: Depending on the ingredients used, such as the type of cheese, the scones might also contain calcium and other minerals.
Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Equipment
- Measuring Jug
- Mixing bowl
- Sieve
- Rolling Pin
- Fluted Cutter
- Baking tray
- Oven
- Pastry brush
- wire rack
- fork
Ingredients
- 450 g Self-raising flour
- 2 level tsp Baking powder
- Pinch of Salt
- 100 g Unsalted Butter cold and cubed
- 150 g Mature Cheddar Cheese grated
- 1 tsp Mustard Powder
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper optional
- 200 ml Whole Milk
- 2 Eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, salt, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Make a well in the centre and pour in the beaten eggs and most of the milk. Use a fork to mix quickly to a soft dough, adding the remaining milk if needed.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead it gently, and roll it out to about 2 cm thick.
- Using the fluted cutter, press down firmly without twisting to cut out the scones. Place them on the baking tray.
- Brush the tops of the scones with the reserved beaten egg using a pastry brush.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, until risen and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with softened butter.
Notes
Nutrition Facts for 1 Serving (estimated):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 9g
- Total Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Mary Berry cheese scones are renowned for their light texture and rich flavour. This section answers common queries to help bakers achieve perfect results.
What is the secret to making light and fluffy cheese scones?
The key to light and fluffy cheese scones lies in handling the dough gently and minimally. Overworking the dough activates gluten, which can make the scones tough.
Which ingredients are essential for the best cheese scones?
Self-raising flour, butter, cheddar cheese, and baking powder are fundamental. Mustard powder and cayenne pepper enhance their flavour without overpowering the classic taste.
How can one prevent cheese scones from becoming too heavy or dense?
To prevent a heavy or dense texture, ensure that the butter remains cold during mixing, and add liquid gradually to form a soft but not overly wet dough.
What are the steps to create Mary Berry cheese scones?
For Mary Berry’s mini cheese scones, first preheat the oven and prepare a baking tray. Combine dry ingredients with butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in grated cheese. Add enough milk to make a soft dough, cut into small rounds, and bake until golden.
Can you provide tips for ensuring cheese scones are perfectly risen every time?
For perfectly risen scones, use fresh baking powder and avoid pressing down the cutter too hard, as this can inhibit the rising process.
What are some variations of the classic cheese scone recipe?
Variations can include adding different cheeses, such as Stilton or Red Leicester. You can also incorporate herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
