Looking for a delightful treat that blends flaky texture with buttery richness and bursts of gooey sweetness? These Chocolate Chip Scones are exactly what you need to brighten up your mornings or afternoons. Perfectly tender with just the right amount of chocolate, these scones are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite. Dive in and discover how simple ingredients come together to create the ultimate Chocolate Chip Scones experience today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions make baking these scones a breeze for both beginners and pros.
- Perfect Balance: Buttery, flaky scone dough paired with just the right amount of chocolate chips create irresistible flavors.
- Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an indulgent snack any time of the day.
- Quick Prep: Ready to bake in under 30 minutes, making it great for last-minute baking cravings.
- Customizable: Offers plenty of room for variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Chip Scones recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand. Each plays an important role in texture and taste: the flour creates structure, butter adds richness, and chocolate chips bring the sweet, melty goodness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect base to create the scone’s tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Ensures your scones rise nicely and remain light.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste, making the chocolate and butter shine.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Cut into cubes to create a flaky texture once baked.
- Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough for soft scones.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient—choose semi-sweet for balanced sweetness or milk chocolate for creamier richness.
- Egg (optional): For brushing the tops to give a beautiful golden glaze (optional but recommended).
Variations for Chocolate Chip Scones
One of the best things about this Chocolate Chip Scones recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. Whether to meet dietary needs or experiment with flavors, these variations are all simple swaps or additions.
- Use White Chocolate Chips: Swap out traditional chocolate chips for creamy white chocolate chunks to mix things up.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking scones.
- Add Nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast.
- Infuse Citrus Zest: Add fresh orange or lemon zest to the dough for a zesty twist that brightens the flavors.
- Make Vegan: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg substitute, and a plant milk alternative instead of cream.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Scones
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and sweetness.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
Step 3: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the butter-flour mixture to keep those sweet pockets evenly distributed in every bite.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry mixture and stir just until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like a pie.
Step 6: Bake the Scones
Place the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Scones
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Using cold butter and cream helps create flaky layers, so refrigerate ingredients before mixing.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Stir just until combined to avoid tough, dense scones.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Higher-quality chips melt better and elevate the flavor.
- Shape Gently: Pat the dough without excessive handling to maintain crumbly texture.
- Brush with Egg Wash: For that gorgeous shiny finish, a quick egg wash is a game-changer.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Scones
Garnishes
Dust your scones with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness and elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with fresh fruit, clotted cream, or a selection of jams to enhance the breakfast or teatime experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a dessert sandwich filled with whipped cream and berries to wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and tender.
Freezing
Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for baking ahead and enjoying later.
Reheating
Warm scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their fresh-baked warmth and softness.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Chip Scones dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with a plant-based butter and the heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy milk or cream alternative to keep these scones moist and delicious.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat milk mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter or use half-and-half for a lighter option, keeping the scones tender.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Yes! Dried fruits, nuts, or even cranberries are fantastic additions that complement the chocolate chip flavor well.
How do I store leftover scones properly?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze for longer storage to maintain freshness.
Are Chocolate Chip Scones better fresh or reheated?
They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but reheating gently in the oven revives their softness for delicious leftovers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about biting into a freshly baked Chocolate Chip Scones with that perfect crumb and melty chocolate. This recipe combines simplicity with heartwarming flavor, making it an excellent choice for any baking occasion. Give it a try today, and prepare to have these scones become your go-to treat, shared happily with friends and family alike!
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Chocolate Chip Scones
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chocolate Chip Scones offer a delightful blend of flaky texture, buttery richness, and gooey chocolate sweetness. Perfectly tender and easy to make, they are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack. This recipe brings simple ingredients together for an irresistible treat that can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Cold Unsalted Butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 large Egg (optional, for egg wash)
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and sweetness.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the butter-flour mixture to evenly distribute the sweet pockets in every bite.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pie.
- Bake the Scones: Place the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Keep ingredients cold to create flaky layers by refrigerating butter and cream before use.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough, dense scones; stir just until combined.
- Use quality chocolate chips for better melting and flavor.
- Handle the dough gently when shaping to maintain crumbly texture.
- Use an egg wash for a shiny, golden finish on the scones.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based butter and heavy cream with non-dairy milk or cream alternatives.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat scones in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly to refresh softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
