Save A unique fusion scone combining savory cheddar cheese, crunchy pretzel bits, warm chai spices, and buttery caramel for a sweet-salty treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
I first tried these scones for a cozy weekend brunch, and the combination of warm spices with gooey caramel and cheddar pleasantly surprised friends and family.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper): 1 tbsp
- Light brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: 1 cup (100 g)
- Mini pretzel twists, roughly chopped: 3/4 cup (40 g)
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Cold buttermilk: 2/3 cup (160 ml)
- Large egg: 1
- Thick caramel sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml), plus extra for drizzling
- Beaten egg (for egg wash): 1
- Flaky sea salt (optional): for topping
- Extra caramel sauce (optional): for drizzling
- Extra pretzel bits (optional): for topping
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Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chai spice blend, and brown sugar.
- Add butter:
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cheese & pretzels:
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped pretzels.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and caramel sauce.
- Mix dough:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape scones:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat into a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick round.
- Cut & arrange:
- Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Topping:
- Brush tops with beaten egg, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra pretzel bits if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Add caramel:
- Cool slightly, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.
Save We made these scones for a birthday breakfast, and everyone loved customizing their toppings with extra caramel and pretzel bits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with extra caramel sauce, clotted cream, or pair with a cup of spiced chai tea.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cheddar for Gruyère or Emmental, reduce caramel for a less sweet bite, or use your favorite pretzel variety.
Nutrition Information
Each serving is approximately 295 calories, with 14 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 7 g protein.
Save Try these scones for your next brunch or afternoon treat: the unique flavors are sure to impress!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute another cheese for cheddar?
Yes, Gruyère or Emmental make excellent substitutions if you prefer a milder or nuttier flavor.
- → How do I keep scones tender?
Keep butter and buttermilk cold, mix the dough gently, and avoid overworking to ensure soft, tender scones.
- → What chai spices are recommended?
A blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper offers warm and fragrant spice notes.
- → Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store scones in an airtight container; reheat gently before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → How can I reduce sweetness?
Reduce caramel sauce to 1/4 cup or omit extra drizzle for a more savory, less sweet result.
- → Are these scones suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly as long as cheese and caramel are free from animal-derived products.
