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Apple Cheddar Scones

ByDiane Gail July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

These apple cheddar scones are tender, buttery, and filled with fresh apple and sharp cheddar cheese for the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, they’re an easy homemade bake that’s the perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break.

Homemade apple cheddar scones on a black slate board with visible apple pieces.

Apples and cheese love scones

There’s something special about the combination of crisp apples and sharp cheddar cheese. I think it’s one of the best flavor pairings for baked goods, yet it’s surprisingly underrated. The sweet, juicy apple and rich, savory cheddar complement each other beautifully, creating a scone that’s comforting, flavorful, and satisfying any time of year.

I make these savory apple cheddar scones every year when fresh apples are at their peak because they’re simply that good. They’re one of those recipes I always look forward to baking, whether it’s for a leisurely weekend breakfast or to enjoy with a hot cup of tea. Once you make them for yourself, I think you’ll find yourself coming back to them again and again.

If you’re a fellow scone lover, be sure to try my easy peanut butter scones recipe as well. It’s another easy homemade scone that’s packed with flavor and and sure to become part of your baking traditions too.

Recipe ingredients

Granny Smith Apples: Choose firm, unblemished Granny Smith apples with bright green skin and no soft spots. Their crisp texture holds its shape while baking, and their tart flavor keeps the scones from becoming overly sweet. Any apple can be used, but Granny Smiths consistently produce the best balance of flavor and texture.
Butter: Use a high-quality butter and keep it thoroughly chilled until you’re ready to cut it into the flour. Cold butter creates the tender, crumbly texture that makes a great scone. If you enjoy making your own dairy products, my farmhouse style homemade butter is an excellent choice for this recipe.
Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Select a good-quality extra sharp cheddar sold by the block rather than pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheddar melts more evenly, distributes better throughout the dough, and delivers the bold, tangy flavor that complements the apples. Extra sharp cheddar is recommended for the fullest flavor.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to make apple cheddar scones

Step 1: Peel, core, and cut the Granny Smith apples into ½-inch chunks so they bake evenly and distribute well throughout the dough.

Step 2: Spread the apple pieces into a single layer on a silicone lined baking sheet. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven, on the center rack, for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent the apples from releasing too much liquid into the dough, resulting in lighter, more tender scones.

Step 3: Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool completely before adding them to the dough. Warm apples can soften the butter and affect the texture of the finished scones.

Step 4: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are evenly blended.

Step 5: Add 1½ cups of the cooled apples, extra sharp cheddar cheese, the cold butter, heavy cream, and 1 egg to the bowl. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together and no large pockets of dry flour remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the scones tough instead of tender.

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Step 6: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and gently pat it into an 8-inch circle. If the dough sticks, dust the surface and your hands lightly with additional flour rather than working extra flour into the dough.

Step 7: Cut the circle into 6 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Transfer the wedges to a silicone lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking.

Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and the water. Brush the mixture evenly over the tops and sides of each scone to encourage a rich, golden-brown crust.

Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the scones are a deep golden brown and feel set when lightly pressed.

Step 10: Transfer the scones to a wire rack and allow them to cool before serving. Cooling briefly helps the crumb finish setting while keeping the interior tender and moist.

Top tips

Save the Extra Apples: This recipe starts with apples measured by weight, so you may have a few roasted apple pieces left after measuring 1½ cups for the dough. Save them to spoon over oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream instead of letting them go to waste.
Leave Small Butter Pieces: Don’t worry if you can still see small pieces of butter in the dough after mixing. As they melt in the oven, they’ll create a lighter, more tender crumb.
Use a Bench Scraper: A bench scraper makes it easy to portion the dough into equal wedges without pulling or stretching it, helping the scones bake evenly. Rotate the Baking Sheet: Turn the baking sheet halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots. This encourages even browning across all of the scones.
Serve Slightly Warm: Let the scones cool for a few minutes before serving. They are especially enjoyable while still slightly warm, when the cheddar is highly aromatic.
Freeze Before Baking: After cutting the dough into wedges, freeze the unbaked scones on the baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.