Pin Savory, tender scones with a spicy chili-garlic kick and a crunchy pretzel topping & perfect for snacking or serving alongside soups and salads.
I first made these chili garlic pretzel scones for a movie night & they were gone before the opening credits. Everyone loved the spicy twist & the crunchy topping that makes it perfect with any soup.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Fresh chives: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Minced garlic: 1 tbsp (about 3 cloves)
- Fresh red chilies: 1–2, finely chopped & seeds removed for less heat
- Coarsely crushed pretzels: 1 cup (110 g), plus extra for topping
- Cold unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (60 g), cubed
- Buttermilk: ¾ cup (180 ml), plus extra for brushing
- Egg: 1 large
- Melted butter: 2 tbsp
- Sea salt flakes: to taste
- Extra crushed pretzels: for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
- Cut in butter:
- Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add flavorings:
- Stir in chives, garlic, chilies, and 1 cup crushed pretzels.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Pour into dry ingredients and mix gently with a fork just until combined—do not overmix.
- Shape scones:
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop 8 evenly sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Add toppings:
- Brush tops with a little extra buttermilk. Sprinkle with extra crushed pretzels and sea salt flakes.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from oven. Brush tops with melted butter while still warm. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin Making these scones with my kids always turned into a little contest over topping & everyone has their favorite combination. It's become a weekend staple for easy baking together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork, whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs, and may contain traces of nuts or soy depending on pretzel brand.
Nutritional Information
Per scone: 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein
Pin Serve these savory pretzel drop scones warm to enjoy the crisp topping. They pair perfectly with creamy soups or salad for a satisfying meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use green onions instead of chives?
Yes, green onions work well and add similar flavor to the dough.
- → How spicy are these scones?
The heat depends on the chili quantity. Removing seeds creates a milder flavor, while extra chilies increase the spice.
- → Can I make these ahead?
They're best fresh, but can be reheated briefly in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore texture.
- → Which pretzels should I use?
Use coarsely crushed salted pretzels. Check packaging for allergens if needed.
- → Is cheese optional in the dough?
Adding shredded cheddar boosts flavor and richness, but it's entirely optional.
- → Can these scones be made without eggs?
You can substitute the egg with more buttermilk for a softer texture, though the structure may change.