• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Contact

Baking the Goods

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Work With Me
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Breakfast & Brunch

    Published: Oct 24, 2017 · Updated: Mar 11, 2024 by Becky Sue

    Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones

    ↓ Jump to Recipe

    These Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones combine sweet and savory with salty cheddar, sweet apples & herby thyme wrapped in a buttery, biscuity scone base.

    Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones by Baking The Goods
    Sweet and savory Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones by Baking The Goods
    Jump to:
    • Sweet meets savory in these Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones
    • Salty cheddar & sweet apples are a perfect balance
    • 11 basic ingredients
    • Apples add natural sweetness
    • Add cheddar cheese for savory character
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    This sweet and savory Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones recipe is one of those recipes that unites. Aside from uniting the sweet and savory ingredients, I swear this easy scone recipe feels like it brings people together. Maybe it’s an opposites attract situation. Like we see in my legendary Apple Cheddar Pie recipe. The combo of sweet apples and savory cheddar may seem polarizing at first. But once you understand it, you’ll never go back.

    Sweet meets savory in these Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones

    This year I have felt a draw to commensurate and collaborate. Working alone from home can feel, well, lonely. Especially when you are working for yourself and you really only have your dog to rely on for creative direction and project management advice. Human contact is indeed important. Who knew?

    More tasty scone recipes to try

    • Raspberry Lemon Scones by Baking The Goods
      Raspberry Lemon Scones
    • Blood Orange Rosemary Poppy Seed Scones by Baking The Goods
      Blood Orange Rosemary Poppy Seed Scones
    • Smoked Cheddar Pancetta Scones
      Smoked Cheddar Pancetta Scones
    • Cherry Almond Oat Scones by Baking The Goods
      Cherry Almond Oat Scones
    • Coconut Cream Scones
      Coconut Cream Scones

    Reaching out to other food bloggers, recipe developers, food enthusiasts and food brands has been a big driver of motivation for me lately. It feels uncomfortable at first but it has helped me feel not so alone in this work from home world. I feel like I am finally getting that sweet to savory balance right in my career. Maybe these deliciously balanced Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones had something to do with it.

    Kerrygold Sweet Cheddar
    Sweet yet tart honeycrisp apples & Kerrygold Sweet Cheddar pair together like two peas in a pod.
    apples, cheddar and thyme
    Bite sized apple bits, chunky shards of salty sweet cheddar and fresh herby thyme mix together for a comforting flavor profile.

    Salty cheddar & sweet apples are a perfect balance

    For the past 15ish years I've been pairing up apples and cheddar in my famous Apple Cheddar Pie, watch and learn how to make it yourself on my Skillshare class Picture Perfect Pie - Modernizing The Classic. There is just something so magical about the collaboration between the salty bite of cheddar and the mildly sweet and tart apples.

    11 basic ingredients

    • All Purpose Flour
    • Sugar
    • Baking Powder
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper
    • Fresh Thyme
    • Butter
    • Buttermilk
    • Eggs
    • Cheddar Cheese
    • Apples

    The buttery, biscuity scone base is tender and crumbly

    The best scone recipe is tender, not tough. A good scone will have crumbly, craggy bits with crisp outer edges. But the center of the scone should still have a tender crumb. These Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones once again show off their ability to find balance in the texture department. They have all of the tenderness and crumbly edges you want in a delicious scone recipe.

    Apples add natural sweetness

    The sweetness of the apples comes through. Even when using a tart apple, such as Granny Smith Apples, the sweetness escapes as the apples bake. A bit of sugar helps to sweeten The pot too! But what’s great about these Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones is that they aren’t overtly sweet, allowing that natural apple flavor to shine.

    blending cheddar into scone dough
    Using a pastry blender, it's easy to cut the sweet cheddar and thyme into the dough.
    adding buttermilk to scone mix
    Buttermilk brings a tangy creaminess to the herby Apple Cheddar Scones.
    Apple Cheddar Thyme Scone dough
    The dough should be rough and shaggy for textural and dimensional scones.

    Add cheddar cheese for savory character

    In this Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones recipe I use a nutty, sweet cheddar. But really any cheddar cheese will work here. You can go with a medium cheddar or an aged, sharp cheddar. Try some different options and see if you like a more sweet or savory sway to your scones.

    The creamy, slight sharpness of the sweet cheddar along with the honey sweetness from the apples and the herby green thyme wrapped in the buttery, biscuity base makes these scones a sophisticated balance between sweet and savory flavors.

    Sweet and savory scone dough
    Shape the sweet and savory scone dough into two disks for 12 small scones.
    Apple Cheddar Scones pre-baked
    Slice each dough disks into 6 wedges for 12 mini scones total.
    Herby Apple Cheddar Scones baked
    Bake the herby Apple Cheddar Scones until the cheese starts to bubble and brown and the scones are a deep gold.

    A trifecta of sweet, salty and savory

    I encourage you to branch out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s delving into the sweet, salty and savory trifecta that is Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones. Or maybe reaching out to a peer with a similar career and scheduling a working side-by-side coffee date. You’ll be so glad you tried both! 

    I'd say the collaboration between flavors and textures in these Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones is reason enough to believe in the power of community and collaboration. 

    Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones stacked
    Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones obviously taste better when you eat them 3 at a time.
    herby Apple Cheddar Scones
    These savory and sweet, herby Apple Cheddar Scones hit on all of the flavor cravings.
    Print

    Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones by Baking The Goods

    Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 12 small scones
    Print Recipe
    Save Recipe Recipe Saved

    Description

    These Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones combine sweet and savory with salty cheddar, sweet apples & herby thyme wrapped in a buttery, biscuity scone base.


    Ingredients

    Units
    • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper (- freshly ground)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (- finely chopped)
    • ½ cup unsalted butter (- cold & cut into ½" cubes)
    • ½ cup buttermilk (+ 2 tablespoons)
    • 2 large eggs (- at room temperature)
    • 1 cup Sweet or Sharp Cheddar (- grated)
    • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) (- chopped into ¼" cubes)

    Instructions

    1. Measure the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and black pepper into a large bowl and whisk to combine.
    2. Dice the butter into ¼" -½" cubes. Use your hands, a pastry cutter or the paddle attachment of the stand mixer on low speed to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the pieces of butter are the size of almonds.
    3. Add the grated cheddar cheese and chopped thyme to the mix. Blend in just until evenly distributed.
    4. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk together. Add two-thirds of the mixture to the dry ingredients. Gently mix the dough just until it comes together, then add the remaining buttermilk mixture, the dough should look scrappy and rough at this point. Gently fold in the apples. 
    5. Scrape the dough from the bottom and sides of the bowl to incorporate floury scraps. Move the dough to a lightly floured surface, it should come out as mostly one big chunk with some scrappy bits.
    6. Gather the dough ball and bits and pat until it just comes together. The top should be chunky and rough, this ensures the crunchy crumbly character of the finished scones. Gently form the dough into two 3"-5" disks for smaller scones, or one 7"-8" disk for larger scones.
    7. Place the scone disks on a lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. *This will help the scones hold their structure and prevent them from falling and spreading too much in the oven. 
    8. Preheat oven to 350° while the dough finishes chilling.
    9. Cut the disk(s) into 6 wedges and spread out evenly on two baking sheets. Gently brush the tops and sides of the scones with remaining 2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
    10. Bake the small scones for 20-25 minutes or large scones for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time. *The scones should come out a golden brown with bubbly melty cheese bits and some deep golden browns on the edges, giving that crumbly crunch to the exterior.
    11. Place the baked scones on a cooling rack to cool for at least 10 minutes.
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 25 minutes
    • Category: Breakfast

    Need help? Hot tip?

    Find Baking the Goods on Instagram & Pinterest, or let's chat about how you can work with me.

    This post was made in collaboration with a big community of fellow food bloggers to bring you an inspiring list of apple inspired recipes. Check out the apple recipe collection by this talented group of my friends in food!

    #Aisforalltheapples Collaborator Recipes

    Cloudy Kitchen’s Salted Caramel and Apple Babka
    Square Meal Round Table’s Chai Spiced Tarte Tatin
    The Wood and Spoon’s Maple Apple Cake
    The Cooking of Joy’s Deep Fried Apple Dumplings with Miso Caramel Dipping Sauce
    Pensive Foodie’s Mini Bacon Crusted Apple Pies
    My Kitchen Love’s Bird’s Nest Caramel Apple Cake  
    Casey Joy Lister’s Waldorf Salad’s Twisted Sister
    What Should I Make For’s Apple Puff Pastry Tarts
    Jessie Sheehan Bakes’ Apple Fritters
    Smart in the Kitchen’s Gluten Free Apple Cranberry Crisp
    This Healthy Table’s Cardamom Apple Tart
    Figs & Flour’s Apple Purple Potato Pizza
    Something New for Dinner’s Savory Bread Pudding with Apples, Sausage, and Pecan
    Always Eat Dessert’s Apple Spice Scones with Maple Bourbon Glaze
    Rezel Kealoha’s Rose Poached Apples with Rosewater Reduction
    The Soup Solution’s Fennel Sausage and and Apple Dressing (Stuffing)
    Lemon Thyme and Ginger’s Smoky Maple Apple Dutch Baby
    Gobble the Cook’s One Pan Pork Chops and Sausages with Apple
    Hola Jalapeno’s Fluffy Apple Chili Biscuits
    Salt and Wind’s Pomegranate Ginger Apple Cider Punch
    What Annie’s Eating’s Butternut Squash/Apple Soup with Asiago and Sage Croutons
    Flours in Your Hair’s Brown Butter Bourbon Apple Pie
    Confetti Kitchen’s Kale Salad with Chicken and Apple
    Salted Plains’ Gluten-Free Apple Crumb Cake
    Easy and Delish’s Fun Candy Corn Apple Pops
    This Mess is Ours’ Easy Baked Apple Custard
    Butter Loves Company’s Gingerbread with Brandied Apples
    Zestful Kitchen’s Puffed Apple Pancake
    Sweet Pillar Food’s Apple Honey Brie
    A Farm Girl’s Dabbles’ Peanut Butter Apple Cookies
    A Savory Dish’s Peanut Butter Protein Dip
    Especially Southern Dishes’ Apple Pie Egg Rolls
    Pie Girl Bakes’ Salted Caramel Apple Pie
    Cocoa and Salt’s Vegan Apple Stuffin’ Muffins
    Saltnpepperhere’s Honey Apple Muffins
    Worthy Pause’s Thanksgiving-in-Your-Mouth Paleo Stuffing
    Smart in the Kitchen’s Gluten Free Apple Cranberry Crisp
    Something New For Dinner's Savory Bread Pudding with Apples, Sausage and Pecans
    Farm and Coast Cookery’s Apple Cider Donut & Cinnamon Apple "French Toast" Casserole
    Ful-filled’s Milopita - Greek Apple Cake
    Allo Maman, What’s Cooking’s Apple & Camembert Tarte Tatin
    It’s a Veg World After All’s 5-minute Microwave Apple Crisp
    Sprouting Radiance’s White Bean and Apple Soup
    Champagne and Cookies’ Apple Galette

    Apple Cheddar and Thyme Scones by Baking The Goods

    More Breakfast & Brunch

    • Baked Prune Apple Oatmeal Brûlée by Baking The Goods
      Baked Prune Apple Oatmeal Brûlée
    • Spiced Prune Coffee Cake by Baking The Goods
      Spiced Prune Coffee Cake
    • Cinnamon Raisin Honey Butter Board by Baking The Goods
      Cinnamon Raisin Honey Butter Board
    • Spiced Pear & Walnut Dutch Baby
      Spiced Pear & Walnut Dutch Baby

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      How'd my recipe work for you? Share your tips! Cancel reply

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

      Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

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

    1. Anonymous says

      September 17, 2024 at 8:28 am

      Ever since I found this recipe, I have to make a few batches every fall. A few for family and friends, and a few just for me!

      Reply
      • Becky Sue says

        September 26, 2024 at 12:48 pm

        Ahh, how wonderful. This made my day. So happy to hear the Apple Cheddar Thyme Scones have become one of your go-to recipes.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Baking The Goods logo square format

    Get my best baking recipes

    /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

    Intuit Mailchimp

    Hi, I'm Becky Sue! I'm a self-taught baker, recipe developer, photographer and food stylist with a passion for approachable, step-by-step recipes and storytelling.

    Here at Baking the Goods, I break down my best baking techniques into digestible, tasty little nuggets to encourage, educate and empower you as a home baker.

    Work with me →

    So hot right now

    • Strawberry Pistachio Olive Oil Cake by Baking the Goods
      Strawberry Pistachio Olive Oil Cake
    • Honey Citrus Avocado Dip by Baking The Goods
      Honey Citrus Avocado Dip
    • Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cookies by Baking The Goods
      Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cookies
    • Blueberry Almond Crumble Bars by Baking The Goods
      Blueberry Almond Crumble Bars
    • Pavlova with Apricot Curd and Blueberries by Baking The Goods
      Pavlova with Apricot Curd and Blueberries
    • Roasted Blueberry Shortcakes by Baking The Goods
      Roasted Blueberry Shortcakes
    • Elote inspired Pizza by Baking The Goods
      Elote Inspired Pizza
    • Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake by Baking The Goods
      Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
    • Ginger Honey Lime Chicken Skewers by Baking The Goods
      Ginger Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
    • Avocado Blueberry Tarts with Almond Crust by Baking The Goods
      Avocado Blueberry Tarts with Almond Crust
    • Mixed Berry Oat Almond Crisp by Baking The Goods
      Mixed Berry Oat Almond Crisp
    • Blueberry Almond Crumble Pie by Baking The Goods
      Blueberry Almond Crumble Pie
    • Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies by Baking The Goods
      Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies
    • Blueberry Peach Galette by Baking The Goods
      Blueberry Peach Galette
    • Berry Mascarpone Tarts with Almond Shortbread Crust by Baking The Goods
      Berry Mascarpone Tarts with Almond Shortbread Crust
    • Blueberry Lemon Curd Poppy Seed Shortbread Bars by Baking The Goods
      Blueberry Lemon Curd Poppy Seed Shortbread Bars
    • Stone Fruit Pie by Baking The Goods
      Stone Fruit Pie
    • Rich and creamy Apricot Curd
      Apricot Curd
    • Big Pink Cookie Cake by Baking The Goods
      Big Pink Cookie Cake
    • Rye Crepes with Rhubarb Raspberry Ginger Compote by Baking The Goods
      Rye Crepes with Rhubarb Raspberry Ginger Compote

    banner: California Date Cookbook featuring 3 recipes from Baking the Goods

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Contractor for

    • Photography & Videography
    • Food & Photography Styling
    • Recipe Development
    • Sponsored Posts
    • Brand Ambassadorship
    • Freelance Writing and Editorial Work

    Recipes by email

    Subscribe for baking recipes, tips, and stories

    Contact Becky Sue

    Let's work on a project together! Contact me via email or on socials.

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Opt-out Preferences

    Copyright © 2024 Baking The Goods

    Cookies. The other kind.

    This website uses use digital cookies. “Allow” lets us use data like how many times a recipe is viewed to gauge popularity. You don't have to allow cookies, but certain features of the site might end in a baking fail.

    Functional Always active
    Technical functions necessary for the legitimate use of services explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of transmission over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The functions necessary for the storing of preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    Data and access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    Manage options
    {title} {title} {title}
    Cookies. The other kind.
    We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    Technical functions necessary for the legitimate use of services explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of transmission over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The functions necessary for the storing of preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    Data and access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    Manage options
    {title} {title} {title}