Mary Berry Cheese Scones Recipe

The Mary Berry Cheese Scones are a savoury twist on the classic British scone, perfect for serving warm with butter or alongside soups and salads. Light, fluffy, and full of rich cheese flavour, these scones are easy to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes. Mary Berry’s method keeps the texture tender with a golden, crisp top — making them an ideal addition to afternoon tea or a simple weekend bake.

What are Mary Berry Cheese Scones?

Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones are a traditional British baked treat made from self-raising flour, butter, and cheese, bound together with milk and a touch of egg. They’re baked until golden brown and soft inside, offering a buttery flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These scones are savoury, delicious on their own, and even better with a light spread of butter or chutney.

Other Mary Berry Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Soda Bread
• Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread
• Mary Berry Coconut Cake
• Mary Berry Rock Cakes
• Mary Berry Meringues

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick and easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect texture – Soft, flaky center with a crisp top.
• Versatile – Works as a snack, a tea-time treat, or a side for soups.
• Simple ingredients – Uses everyday pantry staples.
• Classic Mary Berry reliability – Foolproof and always delicious.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Cheese Scones

• Self-raising flour – 225g
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Butter (cold, diced) – 50g
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Cayenne pepper or mustard powder – pinch (optional, for extra flavour)
• Mature cheddar cheese (grated) – 100g + extra for topping
• Egg – 1 large
• Milk – 100ml (plus extra for brushing)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry blender or fingertips
• Rolling pin
• 5cm (2-inch) round cutter
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Cheese Scones

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the tray

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / 425°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper or mustard powder. Stir well to evenly distribute.

Step 3: Rub in the butter

Add cold diced butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, rub it in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Add cheese

Stir in grated cheddar cheese, keeping a little aside for topping later. Mix lightly to coat the cheese evenly through the flour.

Step 5: Add egg and milk

In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Gradually pour into the flour mixture, mixing gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Shape and cut the dough

Lightly flour your surface and turn out the dough. Roll or pat it to about 2cm thick. Cut out rounds using a 5cm cutter, re-rolling scraps gently as needed.

Step 7: Add toppings and bake

Place the scones on the prepared tray. Brush the tops with a little milk and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until risen and golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, chutney, or even a slice of ham for a savoury snack.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Scones turned dense – Overmixed the dough; next time, I handled it lightly.
• Didn’t rise well – Made sure the oven was preheated and used fresh baking powder.
• Burned bottoms – Used parchment and baked on the middle rack.
• Dry texture – Added slightly more milk for a softer dough.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones

• Use half wholemeal flour for extra fiber.
• Replace some butter with low-fat Greek yogurt.
• Choose reduced-fat cheddar to cut calories.
• Add herbs like chives or parsley for flavor without extra salt.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Cheese Scones

• Cheddar cheese – Use Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, or Gruyère.
• Milk – Any dairy or plant-based milk works well.
• Butter – Substitute with margarine or vegan butter.
• Flour – Gluten-free self-raising flour for a coeliac-friendly option.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Cheese Scones

• Tomato soup – The sharp cheese flavor pairs beautifully with a smooth tomato base.
• Butter or herb butter – Classic accompaniment for warm scones.
• Chutney or relish – Adds sweetness and tang.
• Soft cheeses – Like brie or cream cheese for a creamy finish.
• Salad or cold cuts – A great addition for light lunches.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Cheese Scones

• Use cold butter – Keeps the scones flaky and light.
• Handle dough gently – Overworking makes them tough.
• Add a touch of spice – Cayenne or mustard enhances the cheese flavor.
• Bake immediately – Don’t let the dough sit; the rise depends on a hot oven.
• Grate cheese finely – Helps it distribute evenly through the dough.
• Check doneness early – Every oven varies; look for golden tops.
• Serve warm – Cheese scones taste best straight from the oven.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Cheese Scones

• Cheese and herb scones – Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives.
• Spicy scones – Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or paprika.
• Cheese and bacon – Add cooked, chopped bacon pieces to the dough.
• Cheese and onion – Stir in caramelized onions for a richer taste.
• Mini scones – Make bite-sized versions for parties or tea trays.
• Cheese and chive loaf – Bake the dough as a single loaf for slicing.

Storing Mary Berry Cheese Scones the Right Way

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate – Keeps for up to 4 days; warm before serving.
• Freeze – Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven to restore freshness.
• Avoid air exposure – Wrap tightly to prevent drying out.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Cheese Scones (If Needed)

• Oven – Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 5–6 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat for 10–15 seconds; cover with a damp paper towel to keep moist.
• From frozen – Bake directly from frozen at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.

Nutritional Breakdown (per scone)

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

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FAQs

Why did my Mary Berry cheese scones turn out dense instead of light?

Dense scones usually result from overmixing the dough or using warm butter. For the best texture, use cold butter, mix lightly just until combined, and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones airy and soft.

How do I get my cheese scones to rise higher?

To achieve a good rise, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and use fresh self-raising flour or baking powder. Press the cutter straight down without twisting it, as twisting can seal the edges and stop them from rising evenly.

Can I prepare cheese scone dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, cut out the scones and place them directly in a hot oven — the cold dough actually helps achieve a better rise.

Why do my cheese scones spread instead of holding their shape?

If the dough is too wet or warm, the scones can spread while baking. Use just enough milk to bring the dough together and chill it briefly before cutting if your kitchen is warm. Also, avoid overgreasing the baking tray, as this can cause spreading.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Cheese Scones are a true British baking classic — light, flaky, and packed with cheesy goodness. They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for entertaining. Serve them warm with butter or enjoy alongside soups and salads. Once you’ve baked a batch, you’ll see why these savoury scones are one of Mary Berry’s most beloved recipes — comforting, versatile, and irresistibly delicious.