Easy Ham and Cheese Scones

Ingredients

• 9 ounces all-purpose flour , plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume or use the same weight
• 2 ounces cold unsalted butter , cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 7 ounces diced, fully cooked ham
• 1 ounce chopped scallion
• 4 ounces coarsely shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère , divided
• 2 ounces milk , any percentage will do
• 6 ounces heavy cream

Directions

1. Set an oven rack in the lower-middle position, then heat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Sift the flour into a medium bowl, and whisk in the baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the butter, toss it through the flour so the pieces separate, then press each piece flat between your fingertips. Keep rubbing and smushing until the butter has worked into a coarse, meal-like mixture.
2. Add the diced ham, scallion, and just 1 ounce of cheese (shy 1/4 cup; 30g), holding back the rest for the tops. Toss everything together until evenly mixed, then stir in the milk and cream to make a stiff dough. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 7-inch round at least 1 inch thick. Cut it into 6 wedges with a chef's knife, sprinkle the reserved cheese over the scones, and set them on a parchment-lined half sheet pan.
3. Bake until the scones are puffed and golden, about 25 minutes. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes. Serve as a snack, with eggy brunch dishes, or next to hearty soups and stews. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, then warmed briefly in the oven at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) before serving.