Bacon Scones with Cheddar and Scallions

Mix up these scones before you go to bed, then pop them in the oven while you fry some eggs the next morning. An overnight rest in the fridge allows the gluten in the dough to relax, resulting in a more tender scone.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Work in the butter, using a pastry cutter or 2 knives, until the floury mixture is filled with pea-sized lumps of butter. Stir in the bacon.
  2. Whisk together the egg and cream and add to the flour mixture, along with the cheese and scallions. Stir quickly until the dough just comes together then knead the mixture in the bowl until it holds together without too many floury pockets. Take care not to overwork the dough, which will make the scones tough.
  3. Gather the mixture into a ball and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll the ball into a thick, 8-inch round. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  4. The following morning, preheat the oven to 425°F. Unwrap the dough and using a large sharp knife, cut it into 8 wedges. Separate the wedges slightly and brush the tops with some cream.
  5. Bake the scones until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.