Description
These Herb Ricotta Savory Scones are a delightful twist on traditional scones, packed with fresh green onions, parsley, thyme, and rosemary for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Light and fluffy with a tender crumb thanks to ricotta cheese, they make a perfect savory snack or accompaniment to soups and salads. Finished with a golden egg wash and a sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, these scones offer a sophisticated yet rustic taste experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons sugar
Dairy & Butter
- 5 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 large egg (beaten with 1 teaspoon water for egg wash)
Herbs & Vegetables
- ½ cup green onions or scallions (chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (minced)
Seasonings
- Sea salt (to sprinkle)
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to sprinkle)
- Smoked paprika (to sprinkle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the scones.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
- Add Butter: Grate the chilled unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to stir it in until the texture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout, which will create flakiness.
- Incorporate Herbs: Stir in the chopped green onions, parsley, thyme, and rosemary evenly into the flour and butter mixture to infuse fresh herbal notes.
- Add Ricotta and Milk: Add the ricotta cheese followed by the milk to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain tender scones.
- Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead lightly 2 to 3 times just to bring it together, then pat the dough into a 9-inch rectangle shape.
- Cut Scones: Dust a knife with flour to prevent sticking and cut the dough into 12 equal pieces, forming 12 scones.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the scones onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg and water mixture for a golden glaze.
- Season Toppings: Sprinkle sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika over the tops to add flavor and a subtle smoky note.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep scones tender.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or adjusted based on preference.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
- These scones freeze well; thaw and warm before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American