Gluten Free Cheese Scones - Cinnamon and Kale (2024)

Gluten free cheese scones are light, fluffy and buttery, and very delicious warm from the oven. These savoury scones are quick and easy to make, and are perfect served with soup, or cheese and a low-sugar chutney.

Why try this recipe?

These gluten free cheese scones are delicious and the ultimate British treat. (If you are in the US, you might know them as cheese biscuits.) There's no need to miss out if you are gluten free, and there's nothing like the smell and taste of a batch of fresh cheese scones. They are a great accompaniment to soup for lunch or serve as a simple savoury snack with butter at any time of day. Or pack them up in a lunchbox or for a picnic.

This gluten free cheddar cheese scone recipe is really easy to make in 30 minutes, with everyday ingredients. You'll just need a standard gluten free blend of plain flour, which is readily available in most supermarkets. There's no xanthan gum in the recipe. If you are new to gluten-free baking, this recipe is a great place to start.

These savoury scones are wheat-free and coeliac friendly.

Tip: if you are really short on time, you might like these gluten free drop scones which are cooked on the stovetop and can be served with savoury toppings.

Ingredients

You'll just need a few basic baking ingredients to make these savoury, cheesy gluten free scones!

Gluten free plain flour. The ready-made blend which I used contained a mix of rice, potato, tapioca, maize and buckwheat flour. It is important to use a mix of properly blended flours to get the right results in gluten free baking. There's no xanthan gum in the recipe as the egg will help to provide structure.

Baking powder. You'll need baking powder to help the scones to rise, and give them a light, fluffy texture. Most baking powders are gluten free in the UK but do check the label just in case.

Butter. Ideally, use butter straight from the fridge for scones. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, but adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Cheddar cheese. It's best to use a strong tasting cheese for a richer, cheesy flavour, such as a mature or extra strong cheddar. You'll need to grate the cheese so that it is easily incorporated into the mixture, but you'll get a better flavour if you don't grate it too finely.

If you prefer, you could also use parmesan cheese. Or add a twist with a blue cheese such as Stilton.

Seasoning. As well as salt and pepper, I like to use a little dried mustard powder which helps to enhance the cheese flavour. (Check that your mustard powder is GF as some brands have added wheat flour.) You could also add a pinch of nutmeg if you like which goes well in savoury cheese recipes.

Egg. It's vital to use an egg in this gluten free cheese scone recipe, as it will help to bind the mixture and make the texture of the scones lighter. Using egg means there's no need for additives such as xanthan gum.

Milk. You'll need a little milk to bind the mixture together.

How to make gluten free cheese scones

Add the flour to a large bowl, and sprinkle in the baking powder and seasoning. Cut the butter into small pieces, and add to the bowl. Then rub the mixture together between your fingers and thumbs. The butter and the flour will gradually bind together until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Shake the bowl gently to bring any remaining lumps to the surface, and rub in until all the lumps have gone.

This rubbing-in process will create tiny pockets of fat which will create a light and fluffy texture in the baked scone.

Set aside one tablespoon of grated cheese. Tip the remainder of the cheese into the mixture, and stir in with a knife.

Add the beaten egg and mix again, until the mixture starts to clump together. Add most of the milk, and bring the mixture together into a dough with the knife. If necessary, use the remainder of the milk, but don't make the mixture too wet and sticky. Form the dough into a rough ball with your hands.

Turn the dough out onto a floured board or work surface. Then, using your hands, gently flatten it down until it is an inch (2.5cm) thick. Remember that scones do not rise very much, so if you roll them too thin your scones will be quite flat.

You can either cut out triangular-shaped scones, or cut out circles with a cookie cutter. I made 12 little 2 inch gluten free cheese scones from this quantity of mixture. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese onto the top of the scones. It'll make a lovely golden, crispy topping.

Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.

Expert tips

• Try not to overwork the dough or handle it too much. That way the scones will have a lighter, flaky texture.
• When you are cutting out gluten free scones, push the cutter straight down into the dough rather than twisting it. You'll end up with more even shaped scones.
• Add an extra twist with a few herbs. Chopped chives or thyme both make a great addition to the recipe.

Storing and serving

These delicious cheddar cheese scones are an ideal savoury option for a gluten free afternoon tea.

You could also serve them as a starter or appetizer with some cream cheese and smoked salmon. Or make mini cheese scones to serve as canapés with a slice of tomato and some pesto or basil.

Gluten free cheese scones are best served freshly baked on the day that they are made. Cut them through the middle, and serve them with butter. If they are still warm, the butter will melt into the soft fluffy centre:)

If you want to make these savoury scones further ahead of time, then I think it's best to freeze them to keep them fresh. Seal in an airtight container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature for an hour or two. If you've got the oven on, you could pop the defrosted scones in to warm up for a few minutes. Or pop them in the microwave to warm through for a few seconds.

You can also use this gluten free scone recipe to make a delicious topping for a gluten free turkey cobbler.

Frequently asked questions

Other gluten free savoury bakes you might like

If you like cheesy savoury bakes, you might also like to try this cheese oatcakes recipe. All of the recipes below are also gluten free.

If you are looking for classic gluten free scones to serve with jam and cream, you might like this gluten free scone recipe.

Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a rating and/or comment at the bottom of the page. Your feedback and questions are much appreciated.
You can also follow me on Pinterest and Facebook. Or subscribe to the newsletter to receive delicious healthy recipes straight to your inbox.

Recipe

One serving is 2 small scones.

Please note nutritional information is per serving and is provided for guidance only.