Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of baked goods, where sweet meets savory in the most enchanting way. Prepare to elevate your morning coffee ritual or afternoon tea with these incredibly moist and flavorful Pear and Blue Cheese Scones. Imagine sinking your teeth into a scone that defies all expectations – soft, tender, and bursting with the nuanced sweetness of ripe pears, perfectly complemented by the tangy, creamy notes of blue cheese, all brought together with a delicate drizzle of golden honey. This isn’t just a scone; it’s an experience, a harmonious blend of ingredients designed to tantalize your taste buds and redefine what you thought a scone could be.
As we reach the grand finale of our #FabulousFallBounty celebration, it’s been an incredible autumn filled with culinary creativity and a bounty of amazing recipes. If you haven’t yet explored the delicious contributions from my fellow bloggers, I highly encourage you to scroll to the bottom of this page. You’ll discover 11 other talented individuals who have shared their fabulous creations, making the most of the season’s finest products. This collaborative event truly showcases the diversity and richness of fall-inspired cooking, offering endless inspiration for your kitchen.
Before we dive deeper into today’s sweet-savory sensation, let me quickly remind you of my other contributions to this year’s Fall Bounty collection. For those craving a savory spectacle, my Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos offer a vibrant, easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings. And for a unique breakfast or brunch idea, don’t miss the inventive Everything Bagel Squash Egg in the Hole. Both recipes embody the spirit of the season and are designed to bring joy to your table.
Today, I’m bringing you a breakfast recipe that leans towards the sweeter side, yet offers an intriguing savory twist that makes it truly exceptional. These Pear and Blue Cheese Scones are a revelation. Forget any preconceived notions you might have about scones being dry, crumbly, or bland. These are anything but! They are a testament to how a properly made scone should taste and feel: wonderfully moist, delicately sweet, and utterly delicious. The combination of ingredients creates a texture that is light and fluffy, melting in your mouth with every bite.
The magic of these scones lies in their perfect balance – a culinary “pair” if you will, where contrasting flavors come together to create something harmonious and unforgettable. The succulent sweetness of ripe pears finds its ideal partner in the distinctive, slightly sharp notes of blue cheese, resulting in a scone that is both comforting and exciting. It’s an unexpected duo that works wonders, promising to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
My own journey with scones began somewhat reluctantly. Before working at a local coffee shop, scones were never really on my radar. I gravitated more towards familiar comforts like a slice of banana bread or a rich coffee cake with my morning brew. The perception of scones as dense, often dry pastries kept me from exploring them. However, when I started my job, it became part of our training to sample every item on the menu. This was essential, as it allowed us to accurately describe each offering to our customers and help them find their perfect pastry match.
It was during one of these sampling sessions that everything changed. There I was, making my way through the inviting pastry case, and then came the scones. My very first bite of a cranberry orange scone was nothing short of an epiphany. I was instantly hooked! It was soft, flavorful, and incredibly moist – everything I hadn’t expected. The experience was even better when perfectly paired with a steaming cup of coffee. That moment transformed me from a scone skeptic into an ardent admirer. It also ignited a desire to recreate that delightful experience at home, something I still plan to do with a cranberry orange scone recipe.
This personal revelation taught me that the common perception of scones as merely “dry pastries” is a misconception, especially when they are made with care and the right ingredients. These Pear and Blue Cheese Scones are a prime example of how truly delightful a scone can be. They stand in stark contrast to the often-disappointing versions many people encounter, showcasing a tender crumb and rich flavor profile that will surely win you over.
Embarking on my first scone-making adventure was admittedly a little daunting. The fear of ending up with rock-hard, unpalatable baked goods loomed large. I carefully followed the instructions, hoping for the best, and what emerged from the oven was nothing short of miraculous. I was rewarded with a batch of delightfully moist, soft, and utterly delicious scones that truly melt in your mouth. This experience solidified my belief that homemade scones, when done right, can rival any bakery creation.
Now, let’s talk about the blue cheese. I understand that the idea of blue cheese in a sweet scone might raise an eyebrow or two for some. Please, I implore you, do not shy away from this ingredient! The blue cheese is not here to overpower; rather, it works in exquisite harmony with the other components. It contributes a subtle, sophisticated tang and a creamy richness that beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the pears and honey. This unexpected pairing elevates the scones, giving them a depth of flavor that is both intriguing and utterly addictive. The balance is truly perfect, creating a complex yet approachable flavor profile that will surprise and delight you.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the thought of baking scones, or if past experiences have left you with less-than-stellar results, I am here to tell you with absolute certainty: you can do this! My journey from a scone-making novice to creating these exquisite Pear and Blue Cheese Scones is living proof. This recipe is designed to guide you to success, empowering you to create bakery-quality scones right in your own kitchen. You will not only master the art of scone baking but also thoroughly enjoy the process and, most importantly, the incredible results. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to try these!
Print Recipe
Pear and Blue Cheese Scones
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 8 servings
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Pear and Blue Cheese Scones. Soft, moist, and subtly tangy, they make an unforgettable breakfast or brunch treat, especially when paired with your favorite coffee!
Ingredients
- 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup pears, diced
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a Silpat mat or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or even your fingertips, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese and diced pears, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Slowly pour in the vanilla bean paste and cold buttermilk. Stir gently with a spoon or your hands, just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as overworking the dough can lead to tough, dry scones. The dough should still be a little shaggy.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times – just enough to bring it fully together, about 5-8 gentle folds. Shape the dough into a round disk, approximately 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the disk into 8 equal triangles. Arrange these triangles onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone. Lightly brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream; this will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven. Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Courses Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 358 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 16 g | 25% | |
Saturated Fat 10 g | 50% | |
Cholesterol 44 mg | 15% | |
Sodium 629 mg | 26% | |
Total Carbohydrates 45 g | 15% | |
Dietary Fiber 3 g | 12% | |
Sugars 22 g | ||
Protein 8 g | 16% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
To add an extra layer of indulgence and sweet sophistication, I love to drizzle my Pear and Blue Cheese Scones with a touch of honey before serving. The honey’s golden sweetness beautifully complements the tang of the blue cheese and enhances the natural sugars of the pears, creating a truly harmonious flavor profile. However, these scones are wonderfully sweet and flavorful on their own, so feel free to omit the honey if you prefer. Alternatively, a dollop of your favorite jam or a spoonful of pear compote could also be a delightful addition, offering another dimension of flavor and texture. Experiment and find what you love best!
Reflecting on my scone journey, while these Pear and Blue Cheese Scones have certainly captured a special place in my heart, my all-time favorite still remains the classic cranberry orange scone. The bright zest of orange combined with the tartness of cranberries creates an irresistible combination that I absolutely adore. I promise to recreate that beloved recipe and share it with you all very soon! But for now, these pear and blue cheese delights are running a very close second, proving that sometimes the most unexpected flavor pairings yield the most delicious results. What’s your favorite type of scone? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Don’t miss out on more incredible autumn recipes! Be sure to explore the amazing contributions from these talented food bloggers who participated in our #FabulousFallBounty event. Each link leads to a treasure trove of seasonal delights:
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I received product from Melissa’s, Le Creuset, and Silpat for recipe development in conjunction with #FabulousFallBounty, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.