What is the difference between a scone and a biscuit?

While biscuits and scones share a British heritage , biscuits in the United States evolved to contain lard and buttermilk, widely available in the Southern states, while scones included eggs and cream in the mix for a light, somewhat crumbly texture. Biscuits are usually made without additional flavorings, while scones can contain sugar and fruit, nuts, or chips, as well as savory ingredients for additional flavor.

Why are my scones heavy and dense?

A heavy hand when measuring the flour could cause dense scones, as well as overworking the dough during shaping.

Why do you rub butter into flour for scones?

Cold butter cut into the dough in small pieces melt and create steam as the scones bake, resulting in light, flaky layers throughout.

What is the difference between American and British scones?

While British scones are more similar to American biscuits, American scones often contain sweet or savory inclusions and toppings for a more dense, hearty result.

Bacon Cheddar Scones Recipe

Name: Bacon Cheddar Scones
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2.25 cups flour, plus more for dusting; 1 tablespoon sugar; .5 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; .5 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter; 4 slices cooked bacon, roughly chopped; 2 scallions, minced; .75 cup shredded sharp cheddar; 1 egg; .75 cup half and half

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Servings:

These savory bacon and Cheddar scones have a texture and buttery goodness that's similar to classic buttermilk biscuits, but there are a few qualities that set them apart. The addition of egg gives them a loftier end result as well as more flavor, which is also enhanced by crispy bacon, savory scallions, and sharp Cheddar.

What's more, shaping the scones is a streamlined process. Rather than cutting and regathering the dough, it's formed into a large round and sliced into wedges. Be sure to keep some extra flour nearby as you make them. The dough is soft and sticky, and you'll need to keep your hands and work surface well-dusted for the best results.

Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Scones

With bacon, scallions, and sharp Cheddar in the mix, there's no denying the craveability of these savory scones. To make a batch, you'll need:

All-purpose flour: The base of the scones.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness for a balanced flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Baking powder: Gives the scones their lift.
Cold unsalted butter: Grated into the mixture for a method with consistent results.
Cooked bacon: Chopped and mixed in for a salty, meaty bite.
Scallions: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Shredded sharp Cheddar: Dispersed throughout the scones for a buttery, cheesy flavor.
Large egg: Helps bind the dough and creates a light crumb.
Half-and-half: Moistens the mixture for a smooth dough.

How To Make Bacon Cheddar Scones

Grating butter means consistently tender, flaky results every time. And with under 15 minutes of active time, making these scones is a must. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Stir together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Grate butter into the dry ingredients. Stir in bacon, scallions, and cheese.
Step 2. Whisk together egg and half-and-half. Add into flour mixture and mix lightly to combine.
Step 3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat to a 1/2-inch-thick circle. Slice into 8 wedges; transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart.
Step 4. Bake until golden brown in a 4008F, rotating halfway through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheddar Scones

For the best scones, keep these tips in mind:

Spoon and level: Spoon and level (or weigh) your flour for best results.
Grate the butter: Grating is an easy way to cut your butter into the mix in cold, even bits, ensuring a flaky, tender result every time.
Don't overwork the dough: Overworking the scones while shaping can cause gluten development, and a less tender result.
Mark before cutting: For even wedges, mark the cuts lightly with your knife and adjust as needed before cutting all the way through.
Brush if desired: Before baking, give the scones an optional brushing of egg wash, cream, or milk for a golden brown sheen.
Chill if you have time: Chilling the dough before baking helps keep the fat cold for extra-flaky layers.

Can I Make Bacon Cheddar Scones Ahead?

These scones can be prepared in advance through Step 4. Wrap and refrigerate the shaped scones for up to two days, or transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag and freeze for up to one month. You can bake them straight from the freezer (although they may need an additional few minutes of baking time), or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Bacon Cheddar Scones

Store leftover scones in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three days in the refrigerator or up to one month in the freezer. Bring to room temperature or heat in the microwave, toaster oven, or preheated 350°F oven until warmed through before serving.

What To Serve With Bacon Cheddar Scones

Bacon Cheddar scones pair perfectly with eggs, crispy bacon, fruit salad, and all of your standard brunch favorites. Their buttery, flaky texture adds that perfect homemade touch to any plate. Serve warm for breakfast or brunch, or save for an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea, coffee, or orange juice.

More Scone Recipes You'll Love

Whether you mix in fruit, nuts, or fill them with whipped cream and berries, scones are always a welcome addition to the table.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
4 slices cooked bacon, roughly chopped
2 scallions, minced
3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 large egg
3/4 cup half-and-half

Directions

Prepare oven and baking sheet:

Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine dry ingredients and butter:

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Use the large holes of a box grater to grate the butter into the flour mixture, tossing occasionally as you shred. Stir in the bacon, scallions, and cheese.
Finish scone dough:

In another bowl, whisk together the egg and half and half. Combine the two mixtures and blend until the flour is moistened. Do not overmix.
Turn out dough, and shape it into a circle:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1/2-inch-thick circle. Slice the round into 8 even wedges and transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake the scones:

Bake the scones until golden brown on the top and bottom, rotating the pan halfway through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a scone and a biscuit?

While biscuits and scones share a British heritage, biscuits in the United States evolved to contain lard and buttermilk, widely available in the Southern states, while scones included eggs and cream in the mix for a light, somewhat crumbly texture. Biscuits are usually made without additional flavorings, while scones can contain sugar and fruit, nuts, or chips, as well as savory ingredients for additional flavor.
Why are my scones heavy and dense?

A heavy hand when measuring the flour could cause dense scones, as well as overworking the dough during shaping.
Why do you rub butter into flour for scones?

Cold butter cut into the dough in small pieces melt and create steam as the scones bake, resulting in light, flaky layers throughout.
What is the difference between American and British scones?

While British scones are more similar to American biscuits, American scones often contain sweet or savory inclusions and toppings for a more dense, hearty result.