Gruyère and Black Pepper Scones

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Set a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Step 2

   In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, black pepper and salt, and stir to combine. Add the butter to the bowl and toss to coat the cubes in the flour.

3. Step 3

   Use your fingers to smash each cube of butter into a flat sheet, tossing to coat in flour and break up the butter a bit as you go. You will have some flat pea-size pieces of butter, and some will be worked into the flour completely. Add the cheese, walnuts and chives, and toss to combine.

4. Step 4

   Make a well in the center of the butter and flour mixture, and add the buttermilk. Very gently stir until just combined and shaggy, but don’t overmix. If the mixture seems very dry, add another tablespoon or two of buttermilk. If the mixture seems very wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour.

5. Step 5

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a ½-inch-thick rectangle. Fold the rectangle in half, then shape it into an 8-inch circle. Cut the dough into 8 equal triangular wedges, and carefully transfer them to the baking sheet; they will be fragile. Brush the tops of the scones with the dregs of buttermilk left in the measuring cup (add a little more if necessary), then sprinkle the scones with flaky salt and more pepper.

6. Step 6

   Bake the scones until golden brown, 19 to 23 minutes. These are best the day they are made, but will last a day or two on the counter in an airtight container. Alternatively, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. In either instance, warm before serving.