Cheese and Chive Scones
Soft and fluffy Cheese and Chive Scones made with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chives and buttery layers. These savoury scones are easy to make and perfect served warm with butter alongside soup, lunch or afternoon tea.
Cheese and chive scones
I love a good savoury scone, they’re simple, reliable and packed with flavour from freshly grated cheddar cheese and plenty of fresh chives.
Unlike sweet scones, these savoury scones pair beautifully with soups, salads and brunch spreads. They’re also delicious enjoyed on their own while still warm from the oven with a little butter melting into the centre.
The key to soft, tender scones is keeping the butter cold and handling the dough as little as possible. The dough should look slightly rough and rustic rather than perfectly smooth. This creates those fluffy layers that make homemade scones so good.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, afternoon tea or simply using up fresh chives from the garden, these cheese and chive scones are a simple recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Watch how to make it
Why you’ll love this recipe
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Freshly grated cheddar adds a rich savoury flavour throughout every bite.
Fresh Chives
Bring a mild onion flavour that pairs perfectly with cheese.
Soft & Fluffy Texture
Cold butter and gentle handling create tender, buttery layers.
Easy to Make
Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these ideal for beginner bakers.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or alongside soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All-Purpose Flour
Provides the structure for soft, fluffy scones.
Baking Powder
Helps the scones rise and creates a light texture.
Salt
Enhances the savoury flavours and balances the richness.
Unsalted Butter
Creates flaky layers and a tender crumb.
Fresh Chives
Add fresh flavour and colour throughout the dough.
Cheddar Cheese
Provides a rich savoury flavour and golden cheesy tops.
Milk
Brings the dough together and helps create soft, fluffy scones.
That’s exactly how your Lemon Crisp post is structured:
Arnott’s Lemon Crisp Biscuits
Provide the signature lemon flavour and crunchy texture throughout the slice.
Desiccated Coconut
Adds a soft chewy texture and helps balance the richness.
How to make cheese and chive scones
Step 1: Add the crushed lemon crisp biscuits to a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut, lemon zest and salt. Gently mix until combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Add the crushed lemon crisp biscuits to a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut, lemon zest and salt. Gently mix until combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a saucepan, add the condensed milk and cubed butter and slowly melt over low-medium heat, otherwise it can split, stirring until completely melted. Remove from the heat.
Step 4: Pour the melted condensed milk and butter mixture into the dry mixture and gently mix until well combined. Do your best to not break up any of the larger pieces of biscuits.
Step 5: Spoon and press the mixture firmly into the lined pan. Place in the fridge to set for 15 minutes while you melt the chocolate for the topping.
Step 6: Melt the broken up white chocolate with the coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat or microwave until melted and smooth.
How to store
Store: Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For best freshness, enjoy them soon after baking. To refresh, warm scones in an oven or microwave.
Freeze: After cooling completely, store the scones in a freezer-safe airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper, or in ziplock bags, labeled with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: To thaw, place scones at room temperature on a plate until defrosted. Reheat in an oven or microwave until warm.
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Cheese and Chive Scones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir until combined.
- Rub In Butter: Add the chilled cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs, this takes 1-2 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Chives: Add the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives and mix until evenly distributed.
- Add Milk: Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently mix until a rough dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Bring Dough Together: Lightly flour your work surface. Transfer the dough onto the surface and gently knead just enough to bring it together. The dough is meant to be a bit shaggy, not well formed or smooth.
- Shape Dough: Pat the dough into a thick disc approximately 3cm (1 inch) thick.
- Cut Scones: Dip a 6cm (2 inch) round cookie cutter into flour and cut out scones. Transfer to the prepared baking tray, placing them slightly touching.
- Re-roll Dough: Gather any remaining dough, gently pat it back into a 3cm thick disc and cut out additional scones.
- Add Topping: Brush the tops of the scones with milk and sprinkle with the extra grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and the scones are cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the scones to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter if desired.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!How to freshen up scones?
To freshen up scones, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes or briefly in the microwave or air-fryer until warmed.
What to serve with savory scones?
Savory scones pair well with soups, stews, or as part of a brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and cheese. They’re also great with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of chutney. Or enjoy these cheese and chive scones by themselves or with a spread of butter.
I made these and I didn’t feel they rose as much as I would have liked but they were crumbly and delicious so I will definitely make again
Hi Patricia, i’m sorry they didn’t rise as much as you expected, but I’m glad they were still delicious! It’s great to hear you’ll make them again. Thank you for your feedback! Kindest, Sam 🙂
Turned out amazing!! So yummy and easy to make. Delicious buttery and herby flavour 🙂
Hi Mel, i’m thrilled to hear that the scones turned out amazing! It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the delicious buttery and herby flavors and found the recipe easy to make. Thank you so much for trying it and for your lovely feedback! Sam