White Cheddar and Apple Scones

These savory-sweet white cheddar and apple scones combine sharp white cheddar with tart apple for a perfect addition to your holiday menu.

Make them as a Christmas morning treat or side for your festive spread.

Hunting for more cheesy-based recipes? Try our Smoked Horseradish Cheese Gratin, this blue cheese tart, or our artichoke and goat’s cheese dip.

White Cheddar and Apple Scones Recipe

These apple and cheddar scones are easier to whip up than you’d think. Here’s how:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 medium tart apple ( Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced
• ¾ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add cheese and apple: Stir in the shredded white cheddar and diced apple, making sure they are evenly distributed.
5. Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a shaggy dough forms.
6. Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch-thick round and cut into 8 wedges, or use a round cutter to shape individual scones.
7. Prepare for baking: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden finish.
8. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the scones are golden and firm to the touch.
9. Cool and serve: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

4 Tips for Perfect White Cheddar and Apple Scones

1. Use cold ingredients: Keep the butter, cheese, and cream cold to get flaky layers.
2. Don’t overmix: Stir the dough until just combined to avoid tough scones.
3. Dice apples small: Finely dice the apple to evenly distribute the flavor and prevent large chunks from breaking the dough.
4. Make ahead: Shape the scones, then freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Storage Notes

Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.