Name: Cheese & Marmite Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 225 g Self raising flour (plus more for dusting); 1 tsp Baking powder; 50 g Butter (cold, unsalted); 85 g Mature cheddar (grated); 1 Egg (large); 4 tbsp Milk; 25 g Marmite

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My dad introduced me to Marmite when I was growing up and I've loved it ever since. I've made him these Cheese & Marmite Scones many times which I think is the perfect way to thank him! It's a rare Marmite lover that isn't aware of the fantastic flavour combination that is created when Marmite and cheese mix together. It's one of my favourite things and if you love Marmite and have never had it with cheese... well get in the kitchen right now and discover how amazing it is!! And while you're there, you can make these Cheese & Marmite Scones too!

Ingredient Tips & Equipment Information

I prefer to use unsalted block butter for scones, you can use a baking spread, but butter has a nicer flavour. Baking spread can also make the dough wetter due to it's higher water content.
You can use either whole milk or semi-skimmed milk for this recipe. Or a plant based milk, like oat milk for example.
The best cheese to use for these scones is a strong cheddar, so the cheese flavour really comes through. You could also use red leicester, or a half and half mix.
Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales*. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around £12 ($16.50) .
For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons* and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.

For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

How to make Cheese & Marmite Scones

Start by mixing self raising flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Add butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then add most of the mature cheddar and stir in.

In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk and marmite. Pour the marmite mixture into the flour and form a dough. Pat it out to about 2cm thick and cut out the scones.

Place the scones onto a baking tray, glaze with a little milk and sprinkle on the remaning cheddar. Then bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and risen.

For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

What are scones?

Scones are actually a type of quick bread, they're easy to make because you don't have to knead or prove them (proving means leaving them to rise). The rise is created by using self raising flour, and an additional raising agent of baking powder.

What is Marmite?

Marmite is a very popular British yeast extract spread. It is very dark brown in colour and has a texture similar to black treacles (molasses). It has a unique savoury and salty taste.

How long do the scones last and can they be frozen?

Scones are always better fresh, in fact about 10 minutes after they've come out of the oven is the perfect time to enjoy them. They're super fresh, lovely and warm! Once they're fully cool, you can store them in an airtight container for 2 days, and you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a freezer bag, airtight container or well wrapped in cling film.

Can these scones be made with plain or all purpose flour?

Yes, if you want to make them with plain or all purpose flour, you will need to add extra baking powder as self raising flour contains baking powder (and a little salt). I recommend using an additional 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder for this recipe. You may also wish to add a pinch of salt. When measuring the baking powder, please use proper measuring spoons for the best results, do not use a regular teaspoon that you would stir coffee with for example.

Can these scones be made dairy free or vegan?

Unfortunately this recipe is not suitable for vegans and is not egg free. When I develop a vegan scone recipe, I will share it. This recipe can be made dairy free if you replace the milk with a dairy free milk, the cheese with a dairy free alternative and use dairy free butter (I recommend the Stork baking block or Flora Plant block).

Can these scones be made gluten free?

Yes! Replace the self raising flour with a gluten free self raising flour blend, also make sure the baking powder you're using is gluten free, and add ¼ tsp xanthan gum. If you can't find a gluten free self raising flour blend, you can use a gluten free plain flour blend, but you will need to add an additional 2 ⅓ tsp gluten free baking powder.

More tips for making the Cheese & Marmite Scones:

Depending on how big a cutter you use, you will get a different amount of scones. I used a 2.5" one and got 6 scones.
When you cut the scones out, push the cutter down and do not twist it. Twisting the cutter affect how well the scones rise.
When glazing the scones, try not to let the glaze dribble down the side of the scone, as this will also affect the rise.

Troubleshooting

If you have any questions about this recipe, or if something went wrong and you need help, please use the comment form below and I will get back to you. You can also get in touch with me on my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!

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