Freeze the butter for 30 minutes or overnight.

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Chop the cheese into chunks, or lightly pulse in a food processor and set aside. Lightly beat the eggs and set aside.

Mix dry ingredients - flour, baking powder, chili powder, and salt - together in a large bowl. Grate in the frozen butter and gently coat with the flour mixture, then add the eggs and milk (add jalapeños here if using), and gently mix together with your hands. The dough will be shaggy! (You can refrigerate for 10 minutes to re-chill the butter if it is super hot in your house!)

Dump dough onto a lightly floured surface and form into a large circle, then cut into 6, 8, 10, or 12 scones (like slices of pizza!). Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with the egg wash, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.