Cheesy Spinach Herb Scones Recipe
Looking for a savory scone that’s fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside? These Cheesy Spinach Herb Scones are bursting with fresh herbs, gooey melted cheddar, and tender bits of spinach. They make the perfect snack, brunch side, or a tasty accompaniment to soup and salads.
This detailed guide walks you through ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and FAQs so you can bake the best scones every time.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following fresh ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill)
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3/4 cup milk
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1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake Cheesy Spinach Herb Scones:
Step 1 – Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
This ensures the leavening and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3 – Cut in the Butter
Add 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is key to flaky scones.
Step 4 – Add Cheese, Spinach, and Herbs
Stir in:
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
Toss to coat the mix-ins evenly with the flour mixture.
Step 5 – Add Milk and Bring Dough Together
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Pour in 3/4 cup milk.
Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula just until combined—do not overmix, or the scones will be tough.
Step 6 – Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface.
Turn the dough out and knead gently 2–3 times to bring it together.
Pat it into a round disc about 1 inch thick.
Step 7 – Cut into Wedges
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
Step 8 – Arrange and Egg Wash
Place each wedge on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish.
Step 9 – Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the scones are:
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Golden brown on top
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Firm to the touch
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Cooked through in the center
Step 10 – Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and transfer scones to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Variations and Tips
Mediterranean Twist:
Swap cheddar for crumbled feta cheese, and fold in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Hidden Greens:
Finely chop the spinach to make it less noticeable for picky eaters.
Whole Wheat Version:
Substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber. You may need to add a splash more milk.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Check the package instructions to adjust liquid as needed.
Make Ahead:
Prepare the dough, cut the wedges, and freeze them raw. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These savory scones pair beautifully with:
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Tomato basil soup
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Garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Soft scrambled eggs
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A platter of fresh fruit
FAQs About Cheesy Spinach Herb Scones
Can I freeze baked scones?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dough.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Spinach Herb Scones are:
Simple to make
Packed with flavor
Perfect for any time of day
Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or pack them for lunch, they’re sure to become a household favorite.