Heavenly Gluten-Free Cheese Scones Recipe
Who doesn’t love a cheese scone? These gluten-free cheese scones are quick and easy to make, good on the purse and delicious on your taste buds!
I’d like to share a recipe that’s close to my heart – gluten-free cheese scones.
As a coeliac, I know how much we miss those flaky, cheesy treats. But worry not! These scones are so delicious, you won’t believe they’re gluten-free.
I’ve perfected this recipe over time, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen.
These scones are perfect for afternoon tea, a quick snack, or even as a side with your favourite soup.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness.
So, put the kettle on and let’s get baking. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!
Table of Contents
What you’ll love about this recipe
- Packed with cheesy flavour in every bite
- Quick and easy to make – perfect for last-minute cravings
- Versatile – great on their own or paired with soups and salads
- Freezer-friendly, so you can always have some on hand
Ingredients
Flour mix: You’ll need 225g of gluten-free self-raising flour. This forms the base of our scones, giving them structure and helping them rise.
Raising agent: Add 1 tsp of gluten-free baking powder. This extra boost ensures our scones are light and fluffy.
Seasoning: We’ll use 1/4 tsp of salt to enhance all the flavours in our scones.
Butter: You’ll need 30g of cold butter, cut into small cubes. This creates those lovely flaky layers in our scones.
Cheese: 100g of mature cheddar cheese, grated. This gives our scones their delicious cheesy flavour.
Wet ingredients: We’ll use 1 large egg and 150ml of milk. These bind our ingredients together and add moisture to the scones.
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures your scones won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, mix together the gluten-free self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of our scones.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. This creates those lovely flaky layers in our scones.
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, reserving a little for topping the scones later. The cheese adds a delicious savoury flavour to our scones.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Mix everything together with a fork until it forms a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make your scones tough.
Pat the dough into a circle about 2cm thick. Using a 5cm round cutter, cut out the scones and place them on the prepared baking tray. Gently re-roll any scraps and cut out more scones.
Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. This gives them a lovely golden colour and extra cheesy topping.
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they’re golden brown and well-risen. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving.
What to serve with gluten-free cheese scones
These gluten-free cheese scones are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few accompaniments. Try serving them warm with a pat of butter that melts into all the nooks and crannies.
For a light lunch, pair these scones with a fresh green salad. The crisp vegetables contrast nicely with the rich, cheesy scones.
They also make a fantastic side to soups and stews. Try them alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
If you’re feeling indulgent, split the scones and use them to make mini sandwiches. Fill them with ham, tomato, or even more cheese for a delicious treat.
And of course, no British scone experience is complete without a cup of tea. Brew your favourite blend and enjoy these cheesy delights as part of a proper afternoon tea!
Are you ready to try my gluten-free cheese scones recipe? Then let’s get started.
Gluten-Free Cheese Scones Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking tray
- Measuring Jug
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 225 g Gluten-free self-raising flour
- 30 g Unsalted butter
- 1 Large Egg
- 100 g Mature cheddar cheese grated
- Pinch of salt
- 150 ml Pint of milk
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp Gluten-free baking powder
Instructions
- Rub the butter into the flour until like breadcrumbs.
- Add a pinch of salt.
- Mix in milk and beaten egg.
- Bring ingredients together and mix well.
- Turn out onto a well-floured surface.
- Roll the dough to a depth of about 1 centimetre and cut out using round dough cutters.
- Brush top with egg and cook in oven gas 6 or 200c for 12-15 minutes.
- Leave to cool and enjoy!
Nutrition
If you enjoy my gluten-free scones recipe, then check out these 👇
- Gluten-free cheese and onion scones
- Gluten-free banana muffins
- Gluten-free cheese bites
- Gluten-free fruit scones
Gluten-free cheese scone tips
Here are some tips to help you get the most from these delicious scones:
Use a Good Gluten-Free Self-Raising Flour
Many top recipes recommend gluten-free self-raising flour combined with a little xanthan gum to help the scones rise and hold together well.
Keep Ingredients Cold
Use cold butter (or margarine) and grate or cube it before rubbing into the flour. This creates a breadcrumb-like texture that gives scones their light, crumbly texture.
Add Mature Cheddar Cheese
Extra mature cheddar adds a sharp, rich flavour. Grate the cheese finely and fold it gently into the dry ingredients for even distribution.
Enhance Flavour with Mustard or Spices
A teaspoon of mustard powder or wholegrain mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the cheese. Some recipes also suggest a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a gentle warmth.
Use Eggs and Milk for Moisture
Beaten egg and milk (or dairy-free alternatives) bind the dough and keep scones moist. Adjust the milk quantity slightly if the dough feels too dry.
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Mix ingredients until just combined to avoid tough scones. Gently pat or roll the dough to about 2-3 cm thick before cutting.
Chill the Dough Briefly
Some recipes recommend chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking to improve texture and rise.
Bake in a Hot Oven
Preheat the oven to around 200°C (fan) or 220°C conventional. A hot oven helps scones rise quickly and develop a golden crust.
Egg Wash and Cheese Topping
Brushing scones with milk or egg wash before baking and sprinkling extra cheese on top gives a lovely glossy, cheesy finish.
Serve Warm
Cheese scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm, either plain or with butter. They also freeze well, so you can bake in batches and reheat as needed.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Use separate utensils and baking trays if your kitchen isn’t fully gluten-free to keep the scones safe for coeliacs.
Following these tips will help you bake gluten-free cheese scones that look and taste just as good as traditional ones, perfect for a savoury snack or cream tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flour is best for gluten-free cheese scones?
Most recipes use gluten-free self-raising flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend combined with baking powder and sometimes xanthan gum to help with texture and rise.
Can I make dairy-free gluten-free cheese scones?
Yes, you can substitute dairy butter with hard margarine and use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk alternatives to make dairy-free versions.
How do I get a good rise and texture in gluten-free cheese scones?
Use cold butter rubbed into the flour, add baking powder and xanthan gum, avoid over-mixing, and bake in a hot oven (around 200°C) for a good rise and light crumb.
Can I add flavour variations?
Yes, adding mustard powder, wholegrain mustard, chives, paprika, or black pepper enhances flavour and gives a lovely flecked appearance.
How do I prevent gluten-free scones from being dry or crumbly?
Use the right amount of liquid (milk or buttermilk), avoid overworking the dough, and serve them fresh or slightly warmed. Adding a bit of sour cream or cream can also improve moisture.
Can I freeze gluten-free cheese scones?
Yes, they freeze well. Freeze once cooled and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for best results.
How long do gluten-free cheese scones take to bake?
Typically, they bake for 12-22 minutes depending on size and oven temperature, usually around 200°C (fan 180°C).
Can I make scones without xanthan gum?
If your gluten-free flour blend already contains xanthan gum, you may omit extra. Otherwise, adding a small amount helps with texture and binding.
Are gluten-free cheese scones suitable for coeliacs?
Yes, provided all ingredients are certified gluten-free and cross-contamination is avoided during preparation.
What cheese works best in gluten-free cheese scones?
Extra mature cheddar is commonly used for its strong flavour and good melting properties, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses or even blue cheese for a twist.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments
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Made a batch and had to hide a few for myself before they vanished.
Buttery, cheesy, and dangerously moreish—these disappeared in minutes.
These scones are rich, cheesy, and perfect with a dollop of butter.
These scones are wonderfully cheesy and have a perfect crumbly texture; they’re my go-to snack.