Beginnerbakes

Quick Breads

Savory Herb and Sundried Tomato Scones Recipe with Vegan Cheese Option

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 15, 2026 · Updated Jul 11, 2026
British-American Fusion 35 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepsavory-bakesquickno-fusspartysnackminimal-ingredientsvegan-optionskid-friendlymorning-bake

This easy savory scones recipe blends fresh herbs, tangy sundried tomatoes, and your choice of dairy or vegan cheese for a tasty morning bake or kid-friendly snack. Perfect for beginner bakers, it uses simple ingredients and minimal steps to create tender, flavorful scones ideal for breakfast, snacks, or parties.

Savory Herb and Sundried Tomato Scones Recipe with Vegan Cheese Option
Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Total 35 min
Servings 8
Difficulty easy
Cuisine British-American Fusion

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Total35 min
Servings8
Difficultyeasy
CuisineBritish-American Fusion
Add To Favorites

Ingredients

Servings 8
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) cold vegan margarine or cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk (use any plant-based milk for vegan option)
  • 1 cup (120g) sundried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3/4 cup (90g) grated cheese (cheddar for dairy or vegan cheddar-style cheese)
  • Optional
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder for subtle tang (omit if sensitive)
BeginnerBakes savory herb sundried tomato scone ingredients
BeginnerBakes savory herb sundried tomato scone ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
  3. Add the cold cubed vegan margarine or butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the fat into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Some pea-sized lumps are okay.
  4. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes and grated cheese evenly throughout the flour mixture.
  5. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk. Gently mix with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a floured round cutter to cut out 8 scones.
  7. Place the scones on the prepared baking tray about 1 inch apart. Optional: brush the tops lightly with extra milk for a golden finish.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones have risen and are golden brown on top.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.
  10. Enjoy these savory scones fresh as a snack, part of a breakfast spread, or alongside soups and salads. Store leftovers tightly covered or freeze for up to 1 month.
BeginnerBakes raw herb sundried tomato scone wedges before baking
BeginnerBakes raw herb sundried tomato scone wedges before baking

Tips

Equipment Needed

To bake these tender and flavorful savory scones successfully, having the right tools makes baking easy and enjoyable-especially for beginners. Here's the essential equipment needed: Mixing Bowl: Large enough to mix dry and wet ingredients effortlessly. Whisk or Fork: To combine dry ingredients evenly before adding liquids.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Using cold vegan margarine or unsalted butter is crucial for tender, flaky scones-keep it chilled until mixing. If using salted butter, reduce added salt accordingly to avoid over-salting. Fresh thyme and rosemary provide vibrant herbal notes; if using fresh, chop finely for even flavor distribution.

Oven Note

Fully preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for optimally risen and golden scones. Preheating ensures rapid rising and prevents dryness. Place scones on a parchment-lined tray with about one inch space between to allow heat circulation and prevent sticking.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Boost your savory scones with these simple flavor and texture upgrades-still beginner-friendly but adding delicious variety: Herb Variations: Swap thyme and rosemary with fresh basil or oregano for a Mediterranean twist. Cheese Options: Try smoked vegan cheese or sharp aged cheddar for richer, deeper flavors. Crunch Elements: Add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for delightful texture (skip if nut-free required).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Savory Herb and Sundried Tomato Scones Recipe with Vegan Cheese Option ahead?
Yes. Bake it ahead, cool it fully, and store it as directed so the texture stays as close to fresh as possible.
How do I know when it is done?
Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.
Can I change the flavor?
Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.
What should beginners watch most closely?
Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

Ingredient Replacements

  • (250g) all-purpose flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier bake or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed, checking texture before baking.
  • baking powder: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
  • salt: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
  • dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
  • dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze when the ingredients are freezer-friendly.

Related Articles

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

No reviews yet.

Newsletter

Stay In The Loop

Get fresh recipes, articles, and updates from Beginnerbakes.