Step 1: Preheat the Oven
To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that your scones bake up with a golden brown exterior while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the scones from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and any optional seasonings, such as garlic powder and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients together first ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the scones rise properly.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This step is crucial to achieving a flaky texture in the scones, as the butter melts during baking, creating pockets of air in the dough.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Chives
Once the butter has been incorporated, stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. These ingredients will add both flavor and texture to your scones, with the cheddar providing a rich, savory taste and the chives giving a fresh, herby kick.

Step 5: Add the Milk
Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk (or buttermilk if you want an extra tender scone). Stir the mixture gently with a fork until it just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can lead to dense scones, and we want them to be light and fluffy. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a slightly sticky consistency.

Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a couple of times to bring it together, then pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges, similar to how you would slice a pizza.

Step 7: Bake the Scones
Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. For an extra golden finish, brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg. This step is optional but highly recommended for a glossy, golden top.

Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with butter, jam, or enjoy them as they are. They are the perfect savory treat to accompany any meal.