Cheddar Chive Scones with Turkey Bacon Bits

Indulge in these fluffy, cheesy, and utterly delicious Bursting with sharp cheddar, fresh chives, and savory halal turkey bacon, these easy-to-make scones are perfect for a hearty breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a satisfying anytime snack. Their golden exterior and tender, savory interior will have everyone asking for more!

📜 Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped

½ cup cooked and crumbled halal turkey bacon bits

1 cup cold milk (plus 1-2 tablespoons if needed)

1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

📝 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. Add the very cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh chives, and halal turkey bacon bits until evenly distributed.
  5. Gradually pour in 1 cup of cold milk, mixing gently with a fork or your hands until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should just come together. If it's too dry, add an additional tablespoon or two of milk.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones tender.
  7. Using a sharp knife or a round cookie cutter, cut the dough into 8-12 wedges or rounds. For wedges, cut the circle into halves, then quarters, then eighths.
  8. Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
  9. Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
  10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
  11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!

💡 Chef's Tips

  • Handle with Care: The secret to light and fluffy scones is minimal handling. Overworking the dough develops the gluten, resulting in a tougher scone.
  • Chilling for Flakiness: For even flakier scones, you can chill the shaped dough for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. This helps solidify the butter, leading to more steam and puff in the oven.