If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate indulgence that perfectly balances fluffy, buttery texture with an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, look no further! The Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe is an absolute game changer in the world of breakfast treats and afternoon delights. With crumbly edges, tender interiors, and pockets of luscious cream cheese sweetened just right, these scones are guaranteed to brighten any morning or elevate your tea time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into homemade pastries, these scones will feel like a warm hug from the oven. I’m so excited to share this recipe that never fails to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients fool you — each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes this recipe stand out. From the flaky butter to the tangy cream cheese, every element contributes to the rich, satisfying experience you’re about to enjoy.
- All purpose flour (2 ½ cups, spooned and leveled): Provides the perfect structure without weighing down the scones.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Baking powder (1 ½ tablespoons): Ensures the scones rise beautifully and stay tender.
- Butter (½ cup, COLD): The secret to flaky layers — cold butter mixed properly creates that delightful texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to the sweet version (omit for savory scones).
- Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Creates moisture and helps tenderize the dough.
- Sour cream (1/3 cup): Brings a subtle tang and keeps the scones moist.
- Cream cheese (1 8-oz package, COLD and chopped): The star savory ingredient, giving pockets of creaminess with a touch of sweetness when coated in sugar.
- Sugar for coating cream cheese (1/3 to ½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese, making each bite a luscious surprise.
- Butter for glaze (2 tablespoons, very soft): Makes the glaze rich and luscious.
- Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a pretty finish.
- Milk (1-3 tablespoons): Adjusts glaze consistency to your liking.
How to Make Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the 2 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder in a large bowl. This blend will form the base of your scone dough, so whisk them together well for even rising and flavor distribution.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (skip this for savory scones), 1/3 cup heavy cream, and 1/3 cup sour cream. This luscious mixture adds moisture and richness that will produce tender, flaky scones.
Step 3: Cut In the Butter
Now for the fun part — incorporate your cold or frozen butter into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or a cheese grater to grate the butter, mix until pieces about the size of peas remain. These little chunks are crucial; they melt while baking to create those irresistible flaky layers.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mix and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough is just forming a shaggy ball. Resist the urge to overmix — you want some rough texture to keep things tender.
Step 5: Knead Gently
Lightly flour your hands and a working surface, then finish folding and kneading the dough with as few strokes as possible. Folding the dough over itself creates beautiful layers. If it feels dry, add a tablespoon or two of ice-cold water, but don’t overwork the dough — aim for 5-8 folds.
Step 6: Add Sweet-Coated Cream Cheese Chunks
Here’s where the magic happens. Chop your cold cream cheese into ½-inch chunks and roll them in ⅓ to ½ cup sugar to coat thoroughly. Gently fold the sugared cream cheese into the dough to get pockets of sweet, creamy goodness in every bite. This step transforms the scones into the Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe you’ll ever try.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough
Flour your working surface liberally and pat the dough into a thick 6 to 8-inch circle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, halve the circle and then cut each half into three equal triangles. The thickness here ensures tall, tender scones with fluffy interiors.
Step 8: Chill the Scones
Arrange the scones on a lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart, and freeze for 30 minutes. If freezer space is tight, refrigerate for 45 minutes. Chilling helps the butter stay firm, resulting in those iconic flaky layers during baking.
Step 9: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
Fifteen minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the chilled scones with cream to encourage a golden, glossy crust. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the sweet scones or a pinch of salt for a savory finish.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and continue baking for another 8 to 15 minutes without opening the oven. Keep an eye on that color! Pull them when golden brown, and resist overbaking to keep your scones tender and moist.
Step 11: Cool and Add Glaze
After baking, let the scones rest 10-15 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Whip up a simple glaze by creaming 2 tablespoons soft butter with 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle generously and let the glaze set for 20-30 minutes.
Step 12: Enjoy!
Serve warm or at room temperature with butter and your favorite jam or preserves. You have just mastered the Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe — time to savor every flaky, creamy bite!
How to Serve Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Scones are a canvas waiting for your creative touch. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of coarse or sanding sugar, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can make the flavors pop. For savory lovers, try chives or freshly ground black pepper to accentuate the cream cheese pockets.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a hot cup of tea, rich coffee, or your favorite latte for the ultimate experience. They also work beautifully alongside fruit compotes, clotted cream, or even a dollop of honey butter. For a savory meal, a simple green salad or a bowl of warm soup rounds out the plate wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these scones stacked on a tiered cake stand for a special brunch or tea party. You can also slice them horizontally and layer with smoked salmon, cucumber, or ham and mustard for an easy savory mini sandwich that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your scones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container on the counter for 2 to 4 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh on day one for that perfect crisp edge, but they hold up nicely if you’re careful to keep moisture at bay.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully! After cutting and freezing on a baking sheet, transfer them into a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a fresh-baked treat, just pop them straight into the oven from frozen — no thawing needed. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat your scones gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a toaster oven until warm. Avoid overdoing it to keep them soft and tender. A quick dab of butter melts into the warm crumb perfectly, making leftovers taste just as divine as day one.
FAQs
Can I make these scones entirely savory without sugar?
Absolutely! Simply omit the vanilla extract and the sugar coating on the cream cheese. You can add herbs, cheese, or spices to the batter for savory twists. The texture and flakiness will remain just as wonderful.
Is it necessary to freeze the scones before baking?
Freezing helps keep the butter cold so it melts properly in the oven, creating those signature flaky layers. You can refrigerate if freezing isn’t an option, but chilling helps the scones maintain shape and achieve a better rise.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese gives these scones their creamy pockets and slight tang, but you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that these cheeses have different moisture contents.
How can I make these scones dairy-free?
Try swapping out butter with a vegan butter alternative, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream and heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Why is baking powder important in this recipe?
Baking powder leavens the scones, helping them rise and become light and fluffy. It’s essential for the tender crumb and that delicate texture you want in the Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe will quickly become your go-to for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a comforting baked good. With its perfect balance of flaky texture, sweet pockets of cream cheese, and ease of preparation, this recipe truly delivers joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones — happy baking!
Print
Best Recipe for Sweet and Savory Cream Cheese Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 large scones
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British / American
Description
This classic scone recipe yields six large, tender scones perfect for both sweet and savory variations. Made with cold butter and a mixture of heavy cream and sour cream, these scones come out flaky, moist, and perfectly golden brown. The recipe includes an optional sweet cream cheese addition and a luscious vanilla glaze for topping. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or tea time, these scones bake in the oven and offer a delicious balance between crumbly and soft, with plenty of room for customization.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
Butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, frozen butter also works well
- 2 tablespoons very soft butter (for glaze)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (omit for savory scones)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Additional cream for brushing tops
Cream Cheese Mixture (Optional)
- 1 (8-oz) package cold cream cheese, chopped into 1/2 inch chunks
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating cream cheese)
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1–3 tablespoons milk (to desired glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, kosher salt, and baking powder until evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, vanilla extract (omit if making savory), heavy cream, and sour cream together until combined. Set aside.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold or frozen butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or grate the butter with a cheese grater and incorporate it into the flour mixture until pea-sized lumps of butter remain. Avoid overmixing.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough with as few strokes as possible, folding it to create layers until fully combined. Optionally add ice-cold water (1-2 tablespoons) if needed. Aim for 5-8 folds to develop structure without overworking.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using cream cheese, coat the chunks in granulated sugar then gently fold them into the dough for sweet scones.
- Shape Dough: On a well-floured surface, shape the dough into a 6 to 8-inch circle. Thicker circles yield taller scones; if mix-ins are added, the circle will be slightly larger.
- Cut Dough: Slice the dough circle in half, then cut each half into three equal triangular wedges, making 6 scones total.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper, spacing them at least 3 inches apart.
- Chill: Freeze scones for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 45 minutes if freezer space is limited. If space is tight, chill scones on a plate first, then transfer them to the baking sheet.
- Preheat Oven: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Prepare for Baking: If chilled elsewhere, transfer scones to the baking sheet now.
- Brush and Top: Brush the scones’ tops with cream to encourage browning. Optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar for sweet scones or a pinch of salt for savory.
- Bake at 400°F: Bake the scones for 10 minutes at 400°F to set the structure and begin browning.
- Lower Heat and Continue Baking: Without opening the oven, reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 8-15 minutes until golden brown on top and bottom. Avoid overbaking to keep scones moist.
- Cool: Remove scones from oven and allow them to rest on the pan for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, cream the soft butter using a whisk or electric beater. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 tablespoon milk; whisk until smooth. Adjust milk to get desired drizzle consistency.
- Glaze and Finish: Drizzle the glaze over cooled scones and let it harden for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Serve & Store: Serve scones topped with butter and jam if desired. Store covered at room temperature for 2-4 days, best eaten fresh on day 1 for optimum crisp edges. Reheat gently in the microwave.
Notes
- Use very cold or frozen butter to create flaky layers.
- Do not overwork the dough; minimal kneading keeps scones tender.
- Freezing or chilling the dough before baking helps maintain scone shape and texture.
- Baking initially at a higher temperature then lowering it ensures proper rise and golden crust without drying out.
- The cream cheese mix-in adds sweetness and a creamy texture but is optional.
- Glaze hardens after drizzling; allow it time to set before serving.
- Scones are best eaten fresh day of baking but can be stored covered for a few days.
- Omitting vanilla and sugar makes this recipe suitable for savory scones.
