• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Appetizers
    • Gluten-Free Mains
    • Gluten-Free Side Dishes
    • Smoothie & Bowl Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Snacks
    • Gluten-Free Drinks
    • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Gluten-Free Resources
  • Services
    • Portfolio

Liv Gluten-Free logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Super Bowl
  • Valentine's
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
    • Services
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentine's
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
      • Services
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Liv Gluten-Free / Gluten-Free Snacks / Gluten-Free Cheese Scones

    Published: Oct 19, 2021 by Olivia Parsons

    Gluten-Free Cheese Scones

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These gluten-free cheese scones are fluffy and packed with cheddar flavour! Topped with a savoury chive butter, they are the perfect breakfast, snack, or side dish.

    close up of gluten free cheese scones

    These Gluten-Free Cheese Scones are the perfect combination of cheddar cheese, butter, a little garlic, and some fresh chives. They are perfectly fluffy while delivering intense savoury flavours.

    Enjoy for breakfast, a snack, dipped in some cozy soup, or on-the-go! These homemade gluten-free cheese scones will blow away anything you've ever bought or made before. They have a perfect scone texture with defined layers, and are filled with delicious savoury cheese flavours.

    With just 15 minutes of hands-on time, you can have delicious scones, perfect for a cool day. Want to learn how you can make homemade gluten-free cheese scones? Keep on reading! 

    Looking for more gluten-free snacks? Check these out:

    • Gluten-Free & Vegan Focaccia Bread
    • Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets
    • Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Banana Bread
    • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients Needed
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • How to Serve
    • Storage & Freezing Instructions
    • Substitutions & Customizations
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Snacks You'll Love
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Quick to make. Just 15 minutes of hands-on time can prepare you delicious cheese scones.
    • Bakery quality at home. No need to spend $6 a pop when you make them at home! Great ingredients and a little love make the best cheese scone.
    • Freezes well for later. See below for storage and freezing instructions. These scones are great to keep on hand for snacks.

    Ingredients Needed

    Here is everything you'll need to make these gluten-free cheese scones:

    ingredients to make gluten free cheese scones
    • Gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum: I use Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour (blue bag).
    • Baking powder: For rise and a fluffy texture!
    • Salt: Gives the scones a great flavour.
    • Garlic powder: Compliments the cheese flavour very well.
    • Mustard powder: Emphasizes the cheese flavour. Optional but recommended.
    • Cayenne: A little heat adds a lot of flavour to these scones. Optional but recommended.
    • Salted butter: If you use unsalted, add an additional ¼ teaspoon salt to the scones. Ensure your butter is cold and cubed. Use a bit of additional butter to brush on top of the baked scones.
    • Shredded old cheddar: There's a lot of cheese in this recipe. Be sure to use an old orange cheddar (not pre-shredded!), as it will lend the most flavour to these scones. Use lactose-free if required.
    • Milk: Used both in the scones and as a little brushed on top before baking. Use lactose-free if required.
    • Eggs: For binding and rise.
    • Chives: Fresh chives go so well with the strong cheddar flavour of these scones. Brush baked scones with butter and sprinkle with chives for additional (optional) yummy flavour.
    4 gluten free cheese scones stacked

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions. 

    (Prep) Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

    (1) In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne. Lightly stir together with a fork.

    (2) Place the cold butter cubes in the bowl of dry ingredients. Toss to coat them in flour, then use your hands or a pastry cutter to break apart the butter pieces and blend them into the flour. Keep cutting the butter into the flour until the pieces are small and the mixture looks like sand. Work quick to avoid the butter melting.

    • dry ingredients in a glass bowl for cheese scones
    • hands cutting butter into scone dough

    (3) Next, add the shredded cheddar to the mixture and stir around with a fork to ensure it's evenly incorporated.

    (4) & (5) In a separate small bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Pour into the large bowl. Begin to mix together with a fork or wooden spoon.

    • shredded cheddar added to scone dough
    • wet ingredients mixed into dry for scones

    (6) Once the wet ingredients are mostly incorporated, turn the dough out onto the counter. Use your hands to bring the dough together and form a disk approximately 8" in diameter and ¾" thick. Cut into 8 slices and transfer them individually to the parchment-lined baking sheet.

    • gluten free cheese scone dough in a bowl
    • a circle of gluten free cheese scone dough cut into 8 triangles

    (7) Brush the tops of the scones with milk to help with browning and bake for 16-17 minutes until firm.

    (8) & (9) Once removed from the oven, immediately brush the tops with butter and sprinkle with some cut chives. Optional but recommended.

    • unbaked cheese scones being brushed with milk
    • cheese scones being brushed with butter

    Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying, or allow to cool completely. Enjoy!

    • gluten free cheese scones being sprinkled with chives
    • gluten free cheese scones topped with chives

    How to Serve

    There are so many ways to enjoy these gluten-free cheese scones. Here are some suggestions:

    • Eat for breakfast.
    • Bring on the go with you as a snack.
    • Dip in some chili or hot soup.
    • Enjoy on their own.

    Storage & Freezing Instructions

    Storage Instructions: Gluten-free cheese scones can be kept in a closed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Eat as is or pop in the microwave for 30 seconds /air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350ºF.  

    Freezing Instructions: Once completely cooled, cheese scones can also be frozen in a closed container for 1-2 months. To reheat, microwave for about 1 minute, or more as needed. You could also place scones in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3-5 minutes, or in the oven for 5-7 minutes. 

    baked gluten free cheese scones in a circle

    Substitutions & Customizations

    While this gluten-free cheese scone recipe is crafted with optimal flavour pairings, there are a few areas in which you have the ability to make it your own! Here are some suggestions:

    • Add herbs. Put the chives in the scone dough, or use fresh/dried dill for more flavour.
    • Add spice. Add more cayenne and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
    • Change the shape. Shape dough into balls instead of slices for a more biscuit-style shape. Cooking time may vary depending on the size.
    • Use lactose-free products. I like to use lactose-free milk and cheese for optimal digestion. You can also use lactose-free butter, although the lactose level in butter is naturally very small.

    Expert Tips

    • Pre-cube the butter and shred the cheese. Cube the butter and shred the cheese before preparing scones. Place in the fridge until you are ready to make the dough so that they can stay as cold as possible.
    • Don't let the butter get too warm. See point number 1. Cold butter = flakey, fluffy scones = delicious snack with no mess. Warm butter may cause the scones to leak and not shape properly.
    • Brush with butter and chives while hot. This will allow the butter to melt right into the scones and help the chives stick on top.
    • Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Fresh from the oven or cooled.
    • Freeze to enjoy later. If you can't eat all 8 of these scones within about 4 days (which I'm sure you can 😉), place them in an airtight container in the freezer to enjoy later. See the freezer section above for defrosting instructions.
    top view of gluten free cheese scones topped with chives

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make these vegan?

    Cheese, milk, butter, and eggs are all integral parts of this scone recipe. While you may try a dairy-free version using dairy-free cheese, milk, and butter, the eggs are very important in achieving the proper texture, binding, and rise.

    My dough is very sticky?

    If it is quite warm in your kitchen or the butter sits out too long, the dough may become slightly sticky when forming the scones. You could try dusting your hands with some additional flour to bring the dough together, or I would recommend refrigerating the scone dough for 10-15 minutes before proceeding onto the next recipe step.

    Can I use a different cheese than cheddar?

    I recommend using an old orange cheddar cheese because it has the strongest cheese flavour out of the types I tried. I would avoid white cheddar or marble cheese unless you want a more mild cheese flavour.

    a pile of cheese scones

    And there you have a delicious gluten-free snack, appetizer, side—you name it! These gluten-free cheese scones are the epitome of savoury. Perfect to share with your family and friends!

    Have you made these gluten-free cheese scones? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a comment below and tag me on instagram @livglutenfree!

    More Snacks You'll Love

    • Spicy Edamame Kale Dip (Farm Boy Copycat)
    • Vegan Dirty Chai Scones
    • Pumpkin Banana Muffins
    • Gluten-Free Cheez Its Copycat
    close up of gluten free cheese scones on a baking pan

    Recipe

    close up of gluten free cheese scones

    Gluten-Free Cheese Scones

    These gluten-free cheese scones are fluffy and packed with cheddar flavour! Topped with a savoury chive butter, they are the perfect breakfast, snack, or side dish.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: American, British
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 17 minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes
    Servings: 8 scones
    Author: Olivia Parsons

    Ingredients
     

    • 2¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum I use Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour
    • 2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder optional but recommended
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne optional but recommended
    • ½ cup salted butter cold and cubed
    • 1½ cups shredded old cheddar (orange) use lactose-free if required
    • ½ cup milk use lactose-free if required
    • 2 eggs
    • fresh chives, to top optional

    Instructions

    • Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne. Lightly stir together with a fork.
    • Place the cold butter cubes in the bowl of dry ingredients. Toss to coat them in flour, then use your hands or a pastry cutter to break apart the butter pieces and blend them into the flour. Keep cutting the butter into the flour until the pieces are small and the mixture looks like sand. Work quick to avoid the butter melting.
    • Next, add the shredded cheddar to the mixture and stir around with a fork to ensure it's evenly incorporated.
    • In a separate small bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Pour into the large bowl. Begin to mix together with a fork or wooden spoon. Once the wet ingredients are mostly incorporated, turn the dough out onto the counter. Use your hands to bring the dough together and form a disk approximately 8" in diameter and ¾" thick. Cut into 8 slices and transfer them individually to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Brush the tops of the scones with milk to help with browning and bake for 16-17 minutes until firm. Once removed from the oven, immediately brush the tops with butter and sprinkle with some cut chives. Optional but recommended.
    • Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying, or allow to cool completely. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Storage Instructions
    Gluten-free cheese scones can be kept in a closed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Eat as is or pop in the microwave for 30 seconds /air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350ºF. 
     
    Freezing Instructions
    Once completely cooled, cheese scones can also be frozen in a closed container for 1-2 months. To reheat, microwave for about 1 minute, or more as needed. You could also place scones in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3-5 minutes, or in the oven for 5-7 minutes. 
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @livglutenfree or tag #livglutenfree!
    « Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
    Creamy Homemade Gluten-Free Tomato Soup (Dairy-Free Option) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lexi says

      January 24, 2022 at 9:01 pm

      5 stars
      these are delish!!! I’ve made these twice so far, and made a trip to the store just so I could buy milk to make these (we never keep milk in the house usually lol). I even brought some to my non-gluten free cousin and she LOVED them and asked for the recipe and said they tasted like red lobster cheddar biscuits. 10/10 will make again!

      Reply
      • Olivia Parsons says

        January 24, 2022 at 10:39 pm

        Thank you so much for this kind review Lexi. I'm so glad you and your family enjoy these scones—they're one of my favourites too!

        Reply
    2. Heather says

      July 31, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      These are absolutely the best gluten free cheese scones I've ever made! I have made soooooo many over the years and these are excellent. I'm so glad I found your site! Thanks

      Reply
      • Olivia Parsons says

        August 01, 2022 at 8:10 pm

        So glad to have you here Heather! I love these cheese scones too. Enjoy!

        Reply

    Let us know what you think! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    liv surrounded by gluten-free baked goods and charcuterie board

    Hi there! I'm Liv—a 20-something foodie who is passionate about cooking, baking, and living gluten-free. Here you'll find delicious gluten-free recipes for all occasions, often with dairy-free or vegan options. Get to know me more here!

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

    READER FAVORITES⭐️

    • Gluten-Free Cheez Its Copycat
    • Salmon Sushi Bake
    • Gluten-Free Detroit Style Pizza
    • Easy Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread

    FRESH FOR 2023✨

    • No Bean Chili (Beanless Chili)
    • Best Homemade Gluten-Free Bagels
    • Healthy Burger Bowls (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
    • Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets
    • Easy Gluten-Free Steak and Ale Pies
    • Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup

    LATEST & GREATEST

    • Air Fryer Halibut
    • KitchenAid Mixer Mashed Potatoes
    • Copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad
    • Easy Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole

    WORK WITH ME

    I love to align Liv Gluten-Free with brands that share the same value of delicious allergy-friendly food. I would be thrilled to work together and create deliciousness in some of the following ways:

    • Recipe Development
    • Food Photography
    • Sponsored Content
    • Short Form Video
    • Brand Ambassadorship
    • any other way I can help your brand create awesome food content!

    Learn more about my services →

    GLUTEN-FREE RESOURCES

    • 6 Crème de Menthe Christmas Drinks
    • 14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
    • Are Snickers Gluten-Free?
    • Is Vanilla Extract Gluten-Free?

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    About

    • About Olivia

    Contact

    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Liv Gluten-Free