If you love savory baking, this Mary Berry Cheese and Chive Scones Recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. These golden scones are light, fluffy, and packed with mature cheddar cheese and fresh chives for a rich, savory flavor. They are simple enough for beginner bakers and perfect for lunch, afternoon tea, or as a side with soups and salads. From start to finish, the recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 55g cold butter, cubed
- 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 150ml milk
For the Topping
- 1 egg, beaten
- Extra grated cheddar cheese
How to Make Mary Berry Cheese and Chive Scones Recipe
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C or 200°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and place a shelf in the middle of the oven.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Add the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl and stir well.
- Rub in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add cheese and chives: Stir in most of the grated cheddar and all of the chopped chives, reserving a little cheese for topping.
- Form the dough: Pour in the milk and mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it out to about 2cm thick.
- Cut the scones: Use a round cutter to cut out approximately 8 scones. Gather and re-roll scraps gently if needed.
- Add the topping: Place the scones onto the prepared tray. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with the reserved cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until well risen and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips for the Best Cheese and Chive Scones
How do I keep my scones light and fluffy?
Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough. Gentle handling helps create a soft texture.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Red Leicester, Gruyère, or a strong mature cheddar all work very well.
Why did my scones not rise properly?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid twisting the cutter when cutting the scones.
Can I add extra flavors?
Yes. A pinch of mustard powder, black pepper, or chopped spring onions can add extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter.
- Pair with tomato soup.
- Enjoy with a fresh green salad.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs.
- Add to an afternoon tea spread.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Freeze cooled scones in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 430mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make cheese and chive scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Warm them before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze unbaked cheese scones?
Yes, freeze the cut scones on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Mature cheddar provides the strongest flavor and best texture, but other hard cheeses can also be used.
Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
Yes, although fresh chives provide a brighter flavor. Use about one tablespoon of dried chives as a substitute.
Mary Berry Cheese and Chive Scones Recipe
Course: SnackCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy8
scones15
minutes15
minutes30
minutes265
kcal30
minutesLight and fluffy cheese and chive scones packed with mature cheddar and fresh chives. A quick and easy savory bake perfect for lunch, afternoon tea, or serving alongside soups.
Ingredients
225g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
55g cold butter, cubed
150g mature cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
150ml milk
1 egg, beaten
Extra grated cheddar for topping
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
- Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
- Rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in most of the grated cheese and all of the chopped chives.
- Pour in the milk and mix to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat to about 2cm thick.
- Cut out 8 rounds using a cutter and place on the prepared tray.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until risen and golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the lightest texture.
- Handle the dough as little as possible.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
