Save to Pinterest Tender, savory scones with a chewy pretzel crust, tangy cream cheese, and a hint of coarse salt are perfect for breakfast or as a hearty snack. Enjoy these American-style baked goods that are vegetarian-friendly and simple to prepare.
I first made these cream cheese pretzel drop scones on a rainy morning when I craved the flavor of soft pretzels but wanted something faster for breakfast. The salty crust and creamy center were such a hit that they've become a staple in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Fine sea salt: 1/2 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), cold and cubed
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (60 g), cold and cubed
- Whole milk: 2/3 cup (160 ml)
- Egg: 1 large
- Water: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Baking soda (crust): 1 tsp
- Egg yolk: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add Cream Cheese and Butter:
- Add cold cream cheese and butter, then cut into flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fingers until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk milk and egg in a small bowl. Pour into flour mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Form Scones:
- Drop 8 equal mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a spoon or ice cream scoop, spacing apart.
- Prepare Pretzel Crust:
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in baking soda. Brush each scone all over with baking soda solution for pretzel-like crust.
- Egg Wash and Salt:
- Brush scones with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt.
- Bake:
- Bake 14–16 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Save to Pinterest One weekend, my family gathered around the kitchen as the scent of warm pretzel scones filled the air. These quickly disappeared from the tray, especially with whipped cream cheese for dipping.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, saucepan.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, egg. May have traces of nuts or soy if cream cheese or butter labels indicate so. Always check ingredient labels for unexpected allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each scone contains approximately 240 calories, 12 g total fat, 27 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these scones warm with your favorite dip. Leftovers can be reheated for a quick snack any time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I get the pretzel crust?
Brush each mound with a baking soda solution before baking. This creates a chewy, golden pretzel-like exterior on scones.
- → Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, swap equal amounts of gluten-free all-purpose flour for the standard version to suit dietary needs.
- → What fillings can I add?
Fold in chopped chives or cooked bacon for extra flavor before shaping and baking to customize your scones.
- → Do the scones need to be served warm?
Serving warm enhances flavor and texture, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature or reheated.
- → What dips pair well?
Enjoy with roasted mustard, whipped cream cheese, or favorite savory dips for added richness and taste.
- → Are these scones suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this baked good uses cream cheese, butter, and egg but contains no meat products, making it vegetarian-friendly.