Garam Masala Cheese Scones Recipe - House Full of Monkeys

Name: Garam Masala Cheese Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes); 1½ cups mild cheddar cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 egg (large); 1 tablespoon milk; 2 teaspoons sea salt (optional, to finish)

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5 from 1 vote

If you're a fan of cheese bread, then this recipe is right up your alley. These delicious cheese scones have a hint of the Indian spice blend called garam masala, for an unexpected yet delightful flavor.

I thought to make this recipe when I was working on my garam masala gingerbread cookie recipe. The scones pair well with chicken korma (or the white chicken korma version), a type of Indian curry, or with any other Indian recipe.

In fact, they are perfect with almost any meal, or alone as a snack. They even work quite well for breakfast!

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🥘 Ingredients
🔪 Instructions
📖 Variations
🍽 Equipment
🥡 Storage
❓ FAQ
📋 Recipe

🥘 Ingredients

Scone recipes make use of cream and eggs to create the dough, unlike biscuits, which usually omit both and rely on buttermilk instead.

("Biscuit" here refers to bread, as we use the term in the United States, not to cookies as the British use the term.)

Ingredients for garam masala cheese scones, labelled

All purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Garam masala (click here for my affiliate link to purchase on Amazon)
Black pepper
Chili powder
Unsalted butter
Mild cheddar cheese
Heavy cream
Egg
Milk
Flaked sea salt (optional) to finish (Amazon link to purchase)

🔪 Instructions

Making the dough for the scones is pretty straightforward and doesn't take much time at all.

Step 1 - mix dry ingredients in food processor

Add the dry ingredients, including spices to a food processor and pulse to mix.

Step 1 - add cold butter and pulse to mix

Cut the cold butter into cubes, and add it to the dry ingredients, and pulse again. The result should be crumbly.

Step 3 - fold in the cheese and add cream

Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the cheese and cream. Stir until combined.

Step 4 - knead until dough comes together

Place the dough on a floured surface and knead by hand just until dough comes together. Do not overwork it.

Step 5 - shape into 1-inch thick round, then cut into 8 wedges

Use your hands to press the dough into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and 1 inch thickness. (The thickness is the more important measurement because it affects cooking time.) Cut into 8 wedges and place on baking sheet.

Step 6 - Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake

Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush mixture across the top of each scone and, optionally, sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Hint: Scone dough should never be overworked. Stop kneading as soon as it comes together, or you'll end up with tough, chewy scones. Less is more when it comes to scone dough!

Garam masala cheese scones just out of the oven and still on baking sheet

📖 Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses. I like mild cheddar cheese, but sharp would work just as well if you prefer, or you could use a combination of the two. You could also replace half a cup of the cheddar with something like gouda or parmesan, to get a delicious blend.

If you want them to be spicier, add additional chili powder or use a spicier chili powder or chili flakes.

🍽 Equipment

These scones don't take much in the way of special equipment. I use a food processor, but if you don't have one, a pastry blender will work just as well. Then all you need is a mixing bowl, a baking/cookie sheet, and some parchment paper or Silpat mats (Amazon link) to line the baking sheet.

🥡 Storage

Scones can be stored in the refrigerator for a week.

❓ FAQ

What is the secret to great scones?

Use cold ingredients - cold butter, cold cream, and a cold egg. This helps them develop a flaky texture while cooking. Also, when kneading, don't overwork the dough. Only knead it until it just comes together.

What can I add to scone mix to help it rise?

This is what baking powder is for! Baking powder is a leavening agent, which means that it helps dough rise. If you want a denser scone, you can use less baking powder.

Why do you brush scones with milk and egg?

The milk and egg wash gives the salt something to stick to while baking, and it helps produce a deep golden color to the top.

Where can I buy garam masala?

Many grocery stores carry garam masala. If you have a local Indian or British market, you are sure to find it there, too. You can also find it online at Amazon and other e-retailers.

📋 Recipe