savory ricotta + scallion scones
It’s about that time of year.
It’s about that time of year when I go into hermit mode and don’t leave my apartment for days (unless it’s for the mail. Or ice cream). It’s about that time of year when I wonder if the sun is ever going to show its face again (though I did see it for a few hours this afternoon… glorious day!). It’s about that time of year when TV marathon binges and big bowls of popcorn are in order. It’s about that time of year when I contemplate whether wearing long johns as clothes is socially appropriate. It’s about that time of year when my hobbies consist of cuddling, drinking tea, eating Mexican food and baking fluffy, biscuity scones of the savory sort.
In case you haven’t caught onto me yet, I am a big sweet-savory girl. When I have something sweet, I need something savory to balance it out, and vice versa. And when something is both sweet and savory, well, I just eat more of it. It’s a way of life.
So after a few too many rounds of scooting these sweet cookies into my mouth, I decided it was time to tip the scales in favor of savory. Also, I just kind of wanted a biscuit. Enter these scones.
I call them scones simply because of their shape, but really, if you cut this dough with a biscuit cutter (which is totally cool and socially appropriate) it magically becomes a biscuit. It’s a little denser and fluffier than a normal biscuit, thanks in part to the addition of soft ricotta, but it still renders those buttery flakes and layers. The green onions give it some savory kick; the sea salt and smoked paprika on top help it along, too. It’s crumbly and yet not dry in all the ways a good scone should be (notice how I’m really trying hard not to say the word that starts with ‘m’ and ends with ‘oist’) and it makes an excellent companion for a hot cup of joe or tea — or hot chocolate, if you suddenly find yourself needing a little sweetness again.
It also makes an excellent companion for an apartment hermit in her long johns who’s been watching one or five episodes of this, this or this in a row. I mean, it’s only this time of year for so long, anyway, right? Might as well make the best of it.
P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day! You should make these scones for your valentine for breakfast and these cookies for dessert.
Savory Ricotta and Scallion Scones
Inspired by Joy the Baker and Smitten Kitchen (really, are we surprised?)
Yields: 8 fluffy scones
Ingredients:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1 cup ricotta cheese
2/3 cup milk
1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
sea salt, black pepper and smoked paprika for topping
Directions:
Heat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Stir in scallions and ricotta cheese. Add milk and stir until just combined and a shaggy dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently into a ball. Carefully pat down ball into a 1-inch-tall rectangle; divide into 8 equal pieces. Carefully transfer scones to an ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper and smoked paprika.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until scones are golden brown and puffy. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes before serving.
I absolutely love the look and sound of these scones. Beautiful.
I totally crave Mexican food when it’s freezing outside too – it’s so comforting, and kinda reminds me of summer!
These scones HAVE TO HAPPEN!
I’m now craving these scones for lunch! Yum!
Nisrine — Thank you so much!
Heather — Ugh, Mexican food. My weakness. 🙂 Thank you!
Robyn — Deeeefinitely been part of my lunch for the past few days in a row. 🙂 Thanks!
These look FABULOUS! I made similar scones with feta and chives last week and can’t stop thinking about them. Going to definitely try these next!!!
Little Kitchie — Oooh, feta and chives sounds TASTY. Thanks for the comment! 🙂
These look so soft and fluffy! I love ricotta in scones but have only tried it with a sweet scone. A savory scone with ricotta sounds sooo good right now. These are officially on my weekend breakfast menu!
Natasha — Ricotta in scones is kind of my new favorite thing, ever. 🙂 Hope you like them!
Gah! You pictures are so pretty and those scones are so pretty and I am so hungry!!
umm i love everything about this recipe. I love the idea of savory scones!
You got such a beautiful bake on these! I love the idea of scones but can never really decide how to serve them… should they double-up as a roll for a sandwich filling, or be content with a swipe of butter? I never know!
Claire — Thank you so much, dear! 🙂
Katie — Thank you! Savory scones are truly life-changing 😉