How to Make Cheddar & Cream Cheese Scones with Garlic & Herbs

Looking for a savory, cheesy baked treat that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? These Cheddar & Cream Cheese Scones with Garlic & Herbs are the perfect choice. With a buttery, tender crumb and bold flavors from sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for soups and salads.

These scones are quick to whip up, freezer-friendly, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re baking for guests or prepping ahead for a busy week, they deliver rich flavor in every bite—without complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Best of all, they contain no pork or alcohol-based ingredients, making them accessible for more households.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar garlic herb scones

There’s so much to love about these savory scones. First, they’re loaded with flavor—tangy cheddar, creamy richness from the cream cheese, and the aromatic punch of garlic and herbs. Every bite is soft, cheesy, and deliciously herby.

They’re also super versatile. Serve them warm with eggs for breakfast, alongside soup at lunch, or as a dinner side. You can even enjoy them solo as a quick snack. They store and reheat well, so you can make a batch and enjoy them all week.

And if you love customizing your food, this recipe is for you. Add jalapeños for spice, extra herbs for freshness, or even olives or caramelized onions for a twist. These scones are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

What You’ll Need

To make these flavorful Cheddar & Cream Cheese Scones with Garlic & Herbs, you’ll need just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Most of them you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – for structure and fluffiness
• 1 tbsp baking powder – gives the scones their rise
• ½ tsp baking soda – balances the acidity from cream cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder – adds savory depth
• ½ tsp onion powder – enhances overall flavor
• ½ tsp salt – essential for balance
• ¼ tsp black pepper – adds mild heat

Cold Ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – for flaky texture
• 4 oz cream cheese, cold and cubed – adds richness and moisture
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – for bold cheesy flavor

Fresh & Liquid Ingredients:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, thyme, or dill)
• ¾ cup buttermilk – creates a tender crumb No buttermilk? Use ¾ cup milk + 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
• 1 large egg (optional) – for an egg wash to give a golden top

These ingredients come together to create soft, fluffy scones with pockets of melty cheese and bursts of herbaceous flavor. Keep everything cold until mixing to ensure the best texture!

How to Make Cheddar garlic herb scones

Making these scones is easy—even for beginner bakers. Just follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

3. Cut in Butter & Cream Cheese

Add ½ cup cold cubed butter and 4 oz cold cubed cream cheese to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

4. Add Cheese & Herbs

Stir in:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs

5. Add Buttermilk

Pour in ¾ cup cold buttermilk. Stir gently until dough forms. Do not overmix.

6. Shape & Cut

Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 triangles or use a round cutter.

7. Optional Egg Wash

For a golden crust, brush the tops with 1 beaten egg or a little milk.

8. Bake

Place on prepared sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and firm.

Let cool slightly before serving warm. The texture is soft and fluffy inside, with a slightly crisp outside—exactly how a savory scone should be!

You Must Know

To get the best Cheddar & Cream Cheese Scones, keep your butter and cream cheese cold—that’s key for flaky texture. Avoid overmixing the dough once you add buttermilk; stir just until combined to keep scones tender. Buttermilk’s acidity helps the scones rise perfectly, but if you don’t have it, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar as a quick substitute. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best melt and flavor, and fresh herbs add bright, fresh notes. If you use dried herbs, use less since they’re more concentrated. These tips will help you bake scones with great texture and flavor every time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Handle the dough gently—pat it into shape rather than kneading. Cut the scones cleanly to keep their shape and space them on the baking sheet so they bake evenly. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for a quick rise and golden crust. Brushing the tops with beaten egg before baking gives a beautiful shine but is optional. Bake until golden and firm, then let cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack. Following these simple steps ensures flaky, delicious scones every time.

Add Your Touch Cheddar garlic herb scones

One of the best things about these cheddar and cream cheese scones is how easy they are to customize. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite ingredients to make them uniquely yours. For a bit of spice, toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If you love extra herb flavor, try adding fresh rosemary or basil alongside the usual chives and parsley.

You can also fold in other savory mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist. For a nuttier flavor and crunch, sprinkle in toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts. The key is to keep the additions finely chopped so they distribute evenly without weighing down the dough.

Want to make these scones dairy-free or lighter? You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and try a sharp dairy-free cheddar-style cheese. Just keep the ratios the same to maintain the right texture.

Storing & Reheating

These scones are perfect for making ahead and saving for later. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the scones in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months.

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When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw frozen scones overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. You can also microwave them for 15–20 seconds if you’re short on time, but this may soften the crust.

Reheating in the oven is best for preserving that fresh-baked texture. These scones make a convenient, tasty snack or meal addition anytime you want a warm, cheesy treat.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Cheddar garlic herb scones

To get the best results with your cheddar and cream cheese scones, here are some pro tips:

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• Keep ingredients cold: Always use cold butter, cream cheese, and buttermilk to achieve flaky layers. Chill your mixing bowl if your kitchen is warm.
• Use sharp cheddar: A sharp cheddar provides the boldest flavor and melts beautifully.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until it holds together to keep your scones tender.
• Cut cleanly: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the scones without squashing them.
• Egg wash for color: Brush the tops with beaten egg or milk for a golden, shiny crust.
• Fresh herbs: Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount by half.
• Freeze leftovers: Scones freeze well and make a great quick breakfast or snack when reheated.

Following these tips will help you bake scones that look and taste like they came from a bakery.

FAQ for Cheddar garlic herb scones

Q: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour and your own leavening agents (baking powder and soda) for control over texture and rise.

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Q: What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Mix ¾ cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, then use as a buttermilk substitute.

Q: Can I make these scones dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute cream cheese and cheddar with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, keeping the same quantities.

Q: How do I store leftover scones?
A: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add other flavors?
A: Absolutely! Try adding jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to customize your scones.

Conclusion

These Cheddar & Cream Cheese Scones with Garlic & Herbs are a deliciously simple way to elevate any meal. With their rich, cheesy flavor, soft flaky texture, and fragrant hints of garlic and fresh herbs, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack any time of day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying scones for the first time, this recipe offers an easy, foolproof approach to homemade goodness without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

From the essential tips on keeping ingredients cold to the flexibility of adding your favorite extras, these scones are truly versatile and made to please a variety of tastes. Plus, their excellent storage and reheating qualities mean you can enjoy them fresh or make them ahead for busy days.

So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cheesy, herb-filled scones. You’ll love how quickly these come together and how often they disappear once they’re on the table. Happy baking!