Ultimate Cheese Scones (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 250 g Self-Raising Flour
02 - 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon Salt
04 - ½ teaspoon Mustard Powder, optional
05 - Pinch of Cayenne Pepper, optional

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 125 ml Milk
07 - 1 Large Egg

→ Other Ingredients

08 - 75 g Cold Butter, cubed
09 - 150 g Cheddar Cheese, grated

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Position your oven rack in the middle for even baking.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder (if using).
04 - Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender, fork, or fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
05 - Stir in the grated cheddar cheese to the dry mixture.
06 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and the egg.
07 - Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and egg mixture. Mix until just combined to form a sticky dough. Avoid overmixing.
08 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times. Shape into a round disc about 2 cm thick.
09 - Use a round cookie cutter to cut out 8 scones or divide the dough into 8 wedges.
10 - Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with a little milk if desired for a shiny finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.

# Notes:

01 - For flakier scones, use very cold butter or grate frozen butter directly into the flour mixture.
02 - If self-raising flour is unavailable, replace with plain flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder per cup.
03 - Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
04 - Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique flavor.