Apple and Cheddar Scones

By MJH

Ingredients

• 2 firm tart apples
• 1 1/2 cups (6.75 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar plus 1 1/2 tablespoons for sprinkling
• 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt plus additional for egg wash
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Details

Adapted from whatmegansmaking.com

Preparation

Step 1

Position a rack at the center of oven and preheat oven to 375 °F.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel and core apples, then cut them into one-sixteenths. (chunks, not slivers.)

Placed them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them until they take on a little color and feel dry to the touch, about 20 minutes.

They will be about half-baked.

Let them cool completely. (I placed them on a plate and refrigerated them to speed things up)

Leave oven on.

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together.

Set aside.

Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, along with cooled apple chunks, cheese, cream and one egg.

Sprinkle flour mixture over the top and mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.

Do not overmix.

Generously flour your counter top and place the scone dough on top of it.

Sprinkle with flour. Pat the dough into a 1 1/4-inch thick, 6-inch circle. Cut circle into 6 wedges. Transfer them to a baking sheet that has either been buttered or lined with parchment paper.

Leave at least 2 inches between each scone.

Beat remaining egg in a small bowl with a pinch of salt.

Brush the scones with egg wash and sprinkle them with remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake until firm and golden, about 30 minutes.

With a spatula, lift them to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.

Make ahead: Scones are best the day they are baked. However, they can be made ahead of time and stored unbaked in the freezer until you need them. Simply brush them with the egg wash and sprinkle them with sugar, and bake them still frozen for just a couple extra minutes.