Cheese, Bacon & Chive Scones - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
1/3 cup butter, chilled and cut into 12 pieces
3/4 cup milk, room temperature
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 slices bacon, cooked, cooled and chopped into small pieces
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 \u00b0F
Line a baking pan with parchment paper
Make glaze by combining beaten egg with 1 tbsp milk. Set aside.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper.
Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the grated cheese, chopped cooked bacon and chives to the dry ingredients.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, add the milk, and stir gently with a wooden spoon, until mixture just forms a ball.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
Roll or pat dough 1 inch thick and using a floured 2 1/2 inch cutter, cut out rounds.
Place on the prepared baking pan and brush with glaze.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of grated cheddar cheese on the top of each scone (if desired).
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly browned on top and cheese has melted
Cool on wire rack.