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Cream Cheese Pretzel Drop Scones

Featured in: Breakfast & Brunch

Enjoy golden, savory scones crafted with tangy cream cheese and a satisfyingly chewy pretzel crust. Each bite offers addictive contrast: tender crumb inside and a salted, golden surface outside. Quick to prepare, these American-style baked goods are ideal for mornings or as a hearty snack. Prep with cold cream cheese and butter for maximum flakiness, and brush with baking soda solution for that classic pretzel crust. Best served warm, you can personalize flavor with chives, bacon, or your choice of dips, making every batch unique. Vegetarian and easily made gluten-free if needed.

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Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:18:00 GMT
Tender cream cheese pretzel drop scones topped with coarse salt, perfect for breakfast. Save
Tender cream cheese pretzel drop scones topped with coarse salt, perfect for breakfast. | berrycottage.com

Tender, savory scones with a chewy pretzel crust, tangy cream cheese, and a hint of coarse salt—perfect for breakfast or as a hearty snack.

The first time I baked these, my kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of warm butter and pretzel salt. They became an instant favorite with my family, especially on weekend mornings.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Fine sea salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp
  • Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), cold and cubed
  • Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (60 g), cold and cubed
  • Whole milk: 2/3 cup (160 ml)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Water: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Baking soda for crust: 1 tsp
  • Egg yolk: Beaten, for egg wash
  • Coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt: 2 tbsp

Instructions

Prepare Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Cut in Fats:
Add cold cream cheese and butter. Cut into the mixture until pea-sized crumbs form.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Whisk together milk and egg in a small bowl. Pour into dry mixture and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
Drop Dough:
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop 8 equal mounds onto prepared baking sheet.
Pretzel Wash:
Boil water in a small saucepan. Stir in baking soda. Brush tops and sides of scones with this solution.
Egg Wash & Topping:
Brush each scone with beaten egg yolk. Sprinkle generously with pretzel salt.
Bake & Serve:
Bake for 14–16 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Savory cream cheese pretzel drop scones, warm and golden, served with mustard dip. Save
Savory cream cheese pretzel drop scones, warm and golden, served with mustard dip. | berrycottage.com

My kids love helping brush on the pretzel wash and sprinkle the salt. It turns baking into a cozy family tradition.

Flavor Variations

For extra flavor, fold in chopped chives or bits of cooked bacon before baking. Try adding a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm with mustard, whipped cream cheese, or your favorite dip. They pair beautifully with brunch spreads and afternoon snacks.

Storage Tips

Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore the pretzel crust.

Freshly baked cream cheese pretzel drop scones, featuring a chewy crust and hearty flavor. Save
Freshly baked cream cheese pretzel drop scones, featuring a chewy crust and hearty flavor. | berrycottage.com

Enjoy your scones fresh from the oven for maximum flavor. Their golden pretzel crust makes every bite irresistible.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve a pretzel-like crust?

Brushing the scones with a hot baking soda solution before baking creates the distinctive chewy, golden pretzel crust.

→ Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Fold in chopped chives, cooked bacon, or other herbs for added flavor variations before baking.

→ Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these scones use only vegetarian-friendly ingredients, including cream cheese and eggs.

→ Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

You can swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these scones suitable for gluten sensitivities.

→ What is the best way to serve these?

Serve warm with mustard, whipped cream cheese, or your favorite savory dips for extra flavor.

→ What kitchen tools are needed?

You'll need mixing bowls, a pastry cutter or fork, a baking sheet, parchment paper, a pastry brush, and a saucepan.

Cream Cheese Pretzel Drop Scones

Tender, savory scones feature cream cheese and chewy pretzel crust—perfect for breakfast or hearty snacking.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
16 min
Complete duration
31 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

01 4 ounces cream cheese, cold and cubed
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 2/3 cup whole milk
04 1 large egg

Topping & Pretzel Crust

01 1/3 cup water
02 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 1 egg yolk, beaten
04 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt

Directions

Direction 01

Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Direction 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar until fully combined.

Direction 03

Cut in Fat: Add the cold cream cheese and unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Cut in using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.

Direction 04

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and large egg until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently stir to form a soft dough; avoid overmixing.

Direction 05

Portion Dough: Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop 8 equal mounds of dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly.

Direction 06

Pretzel Wash: In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil and stir in baking soda (mixture will bubble). With a pastry brush, generously coat the tops and sides of each dough mound with the baking soda solution.

Direction 07

Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each scone with the beaten egg yolk. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt.

Direction 08

Bake: Bake at 425°F for 14 to 16 minutes, until deep golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Small saucepan

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg.
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy; check cream cheese and butter labels.
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 5 g