Cheese & Chives Scones

Ingredients

• 500 g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 100 g unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup grated cheese (plus extra for topping optional)
• 5 tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped)
• 1 cup milk (plus 1 tbsp extra for brushing)

Steps

1. Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan / Gas 7). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. #Mix_Dry_Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. #Rub_in_Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
2. #Add_Flavor: Stir in the grated cheese and chopped chives until evenly distributed. #Form_the_Dough: Pour the milk into the bowl. Use a butter knife to quickly mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
3. #Shape_and_Cut: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it down with your hands until it is about 3cm thick. Cut out scones using a floured round cutter. Do not twist the cutter, or the scones won't rise evenly. #Bake: Place the scones on the baking tray. Brush the tops with a little extra milk and sprinkle with a bit of extra cheese. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.