Introduction
These Cheddar Chive Four-Leaf Clover Scones are what happens when a savory scone meets playful presentation. Bursting with fresh herbs, sharp white cheddar, and rich buttery flavor, they’re a standout brunch or tea-time treat that just happens to look like a lucky charm. Shaped using heart cutters to form adorable clovers, they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want to add something fresh and savory to your table, these scones deliver in both taste and style.
Why I Love This Recipe
These scones are soft, flaky, savory, and loaded with fresh herb flavor. The combination of chive, parsley, and dill gives them a lightness that pairs beautifully with the richness of cheddar and butter.
And let’s be honest—how cute are those four-leaf clover shapes? They make this recipe great for holiday brunches, baby showers, or even as a creative snack for spring picnics.
Pair them with a light main like 3-Ingredient Egg Wraps or a sweet balance like Blueberry Lemonade.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 1¼ cups heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp low-fat dry milk powder
- 30 chives
- ¾ cup fresh dill fronds (divided)
- ¾ cup fresh parsley leaves (divided)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 oz extra-sharp white cheddar, grated (about 1 cup)
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cold, 1 room temperature)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
For the Herb Butter:
- Remaining 10 chives
- ¼ cup fresh dill
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
Special Equipment
- 2-inch-wide heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Food processor
- Parchment paper
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients
In a measuring cup, whisk together 1¼ cups heavy cream, egg, and milk powder.
3️⃣ Blend Herbs & Dry Ingredients
In a food processor, pulse 20 chives, ½ cup dill, and ½ cup parsley until finely chopped.
Add flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Pulse to combine.
4️⃣ Add Cheese and Cold Butter
Add grated cheddar, pulse briefly. Cut cold butter into chunks and add a few pieces at a time, pulsing until pea-sized bits remain.
5️⃣ Combine and Knead
Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the cream mixture. Mix gently with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Knead lightly until just combined.
6️⃣ Shape the Dough
Turn out onto a floured surface and pat into a ¾-inch thick rectangle (~9×7 inches). Cut out hearts using the cookie cutter. Arrange four hearts in a clover shape (points meeting in the center) on the baking sheet. Repeat until you have five clovers.
7️⃣ Chill and Bake
Freeze clover-shaped scones for 15 minutes.
Brush tops with cream, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and bake for 23–25 minutes until golden brown.
8️⃣ Make the Herb Butter
While scones bake, pulse remaining herbs in food processor. Add room-temperature butter and pulse until smooth and light green. Serve butter alongside warm scones.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overwork the dough — you want tender, flaky scones.
- Freezing the shaped dough before baking helps prevent spread.
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for max flavor.
- Try the herb butter on toast or eggs too!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with:
- 3-Ingredient Egg Wraps for a savory, protein-rich brunch
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas if you’re going big for brunch
- Blueberry Lemonade to balance the richness with something cool and citrusy
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for sweet-savory brunch contrast
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze raw scones on a tray, then transfer to a zip bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to bake time.
- Herb Butter: Keep in fridge up to 1 week or freeze in small portions.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – cozy and aromatic
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – a sweet bake to round out the spread
- 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap – savory and simple
Final Thoughts
These Cheddar Chive Four-Leaf Clover Scones are buttery, herby, and totally delightful—ideal for spring gatherings, brunch spreads, or whenever you want to serve something that’s equal parts cute and delicious. The fresh herb butter takes it completely over the top.
If you make them, tag us with your clover creations or leave a comment to share how they turned out! And follow along on ChefManiac for more creative seasonal bakes and savory favorites.
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