Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones

Perfectly buttery, slightly crumbly, and packed with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones are a bite-sized treat you’ll want to bake on repeat. These tender little pastries bring together juicy, tart apple chunks and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, flaky scone that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, teatime, or snack platters. Whether you’re serving them at a weekend brunch gathering, adding a unique twist to your Iftar spread, or preparing make-ahead snacks for a busy week, these mini scones hit all the right notes. Their smaller size makes them perfect for portion control, serving large groups, or pairing with other breakfast and afternoon tea bites. Slightly crisp on the outside, soft and rich inside, and full of comforting autumnal flavor, Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones strike a delicious harmony between fruity sweetness and cheesy savoriness. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory in One Bite

• The combination of tart apples and sharp cheddar cheese delivers a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and unique.

Perfect for Brunch and Snacks

• Mini scones are ideal for tea parties, brunch tables, lunchboxes, or appetizer platters.

Easy to Make Ahead

• Bake and freeze these scones, then warm them up when you’re ready to serve.

Tender and Buttery Texture

• Made with cold butter and a touch of cream, these scones have the perfect balance of flaky and moist.

Customizable and Versatile

• Add herbs, spices, nuts, or swap cheeses to create your own flavor variations.

Bite-Sized Appeal

• Their small size makes them easy to serve, easy to eat, and perfect for pairing with drinks or dips.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15–18 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 mini scones
• Serving Size: 2 mini scones

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Mini Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional for a slightly sweet note)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup heavy cream or buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg

Optional Add-ins & Toppings

• 1 tablespoon chopped chives or thyme
• 1 tablespoon honey (for a sweet glaze)
• Pinch of coarse sea salt for topping
• Extra shredded cheddar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and cinnamon.

3. Cut in the Butter

• Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
• Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.

4. Add Cheddar and Apples

• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced apples.
• Add herbs if using (like chives or thyme) for added flavor.

5. Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a small bowl, whisk together cream and egg.
• Pour into the flour mixture and stir just until the dough comes together.
• If the dough feels dry, add a tablespoon of extra cream.

6. Shape the Dough

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Gently knead and pat it into a ½-inch thick rectangle or circle.
• Use a small round or fluted cutter (1.5–2 inches) to cut out mini scones.
• Reroll scraps gently and cut out additional scones.

7. Prepare for Baking

• Place scones on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
• Brush tops with cream for a golden finish.
• Sprinkle with extra cheese or sea salt if desired.

8. Bake

• Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until scones are puffed and golden brown.
• Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Ingredient Background

Cheddar Cheese

A sharp, aged cheddar works best—it offers a bold flavor that balances the sweetness of the apple and enhances the savory character of the scone.

Apples

Granny Smith provides tartness and holds shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp adds a sweeter bite and juicier texture.

Butter

Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky, tender scones. It melts during baking to create steam pockets that lift and lighten the texture.

Heavy Cream or Buttermilk

Adds richness and moisture to the dough. Buttermilk also contributes a subtle tang that complements the cheese and apple.

Technique Tips

Keep Butter Cold

Chill butter and even the flour mixture before combining to ensure a flaky result.

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Mix and knead gently—overworking can lead to tough scones.

Size Matters

Mini scones bake faster and are great for entertaining, but you can make full-size scones by adjusting the baking time to 20–22 minutes.

Cut Cleanly

Use a sharp cutter and avoid twisting, which can seal the edges and prevent rising.

Cool Before Serving

Allow scones to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and the structure firm up.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Triangular Mini Scones

Instead of cutting with a cutter, pat dough into a circle and cut into wedges for a rustic look.

Open-Faced Scone Sliders

Slice mini scones in half and layer with apple slices and cheese for an elegant tea sandwich.

Skillet-Baked Scones

Press the dough into a cast iron skillet and score into wedges for a homestyle presentation.

Glazed Savory Scones

Brush cooled scones with a honey-butter glaze for a subtle shine and touch of sweetness.

Scone Tower Display

Stack mini scones in a pyramid on a brunch platter with herbs and flowers for a visually stunning centerpiece.

Additional Tips for Success

• Grate cheese fresh for better melting and texture.
• Dice apples finely to distribute flavor and ensure even baking.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
• Double the batch and freeze extras for later use.
• Serve warm with butter, honey, or fruit preserves.

Recipe Variations

• Apple, Cheddar & Sage Scones: Add chopped sage leaves for an aromatic herb flavor.
• Spicy Apple Scones: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
• Maple Apple Scones: Add a touch of maple syrup to the dough and glaze with maple butter.
• Caramelized Apple Scones: Lightly caramelize apple pieces before adding them to the dough for deeper sweetness.
• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days, reheating before serving.
• Freeze baked scones individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Freeze unbaked scones on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to bake time.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat pastry flour for more fiber.
• Reduce cheese by ¼ cup for a lighter flavor.
• Swap cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat buttermilk.
• Add chopped walnuts or flaxseeds for extra nutrients.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy alternative (flavor will vary slightly).

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Brunch Buffets: Pair with fruit salad, eggs, and coffee for a spring or fall gathering.
• Afternoon Tea Parties: Serve alongside tea, clotted cream, and mini sandwiches.
• Iftar Table: Add to a savory spread with soups and salads for a wholesome, filling option.
• Picnic Baskets: Easy to transport and great with a thermos of hot tea.
• Holiday Breakfasts: Serve on a platter with seasonal fruit and preserves.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or forks
• Rolling pin
• Biscuit cutter or knife
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Pastry brush

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Try gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor.

2. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes. You can omit the egg and add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of cream or buttermilk.

3. What apples are best?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well, but you can use Pink Lady or Gala for sweeter flavor.

4. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly but still delicious.

5. How do I keep scones soft?

Don’t overbake, and store in an airtight container. A brush of butter after baking helps retain moisture.

6. Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans complement the apple and cheddar beautifully.

7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect texture.

8. Can I make these into full-size scones?

Yes, cut into larger rounds or wedges and extend baking time to 20–22 minutes.

Conclusion

Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones are the perfect blend of buttery richness, savory cheese, and sweet apple in a bite-sized package. Whether you’re preparing an elegant brunch, a cozy snack, or a seasonal side for your dinner table, these scones are endlessly satisfying, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to impress. Try them once, and they’ll become a permanent addition to your baking repertoire!

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