Scones are a quintessential part of a delightful breakfast or afternoon tea. They are loved for their crumbly texture and the versatility of flavors they can carry. Among the various scone recipes, chocolate chip scones stand out as a favorite for many. The rich, melty chocolate chips combined with the buttery, tender scone dough create a heavenly treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe will guide you through making the most delicious and easy chocolate chip scones, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Chocolate Chip Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Use a whisk to ensure that all the dry ingredients are well mixed and free of lumps.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be well incorporated, with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients mixture.
Step 5: Mix in Chocolate Chips
- Add the chocolate chips to the bowl.
- Gently stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
Step 6: Form the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough gently a few times until it comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
Step 7: Cut the Scones
- Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Brush with Cream
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
Step 9: Bake the Scones
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Serve
- Serve the chocolate chip scones warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own or with a smear of butter or clotted cream.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the scones. It is versatile and gives the scones a tender crumb. For those who prefer, a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour can be used for added nutrition and a slightly nuttier flavor.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the scones, balancing the richness of the butter and the chocolate chips. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to personal preference, but this recipe strikes a good balance without being overly sweet.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the scones rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture. Ensure that your baking powder is fresh for the best results, as old baking powder can lose its potency.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the scones. It is essential to use cold butter and incorporate it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique creates pockets of butter that melt during baking, resulting in a flaky texture.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds moisture and richness to the dough, helping to bind the ingredients together. It also contributes to the tender texture of the scones. Brushing the tops of the scones with cream before baking helps them achieve a beautiful golden color.
Egg
The egg provides structure and stability to the scone dough. It also helps with the browning of the scones during baking.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the scones. It pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips, adding depth to the taste.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips
Semisweet chocolate chips are the star of this recipe, providing bursts of rich, melty chocolate in every bite. You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you prefer, but semisweet strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Scones
- Cold Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream are cold when you start. Cold butter creates a flaky texture, while cold cream helps bind the ingredients without melting the butter.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too warm while handling, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before cutting and baking. This helps the scones maintain their shape and flakiness.
- Uniform Size: Cut the scones into uniform sizes to ensure even baking.
Serving Suggestions
- With Tea or Coffee: These scones are perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
- With Clotted Cream or Butter: Serve the scones with a dollop of clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam for added indulgence.
- As a Dessert: For a special treat, serve the scones warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Variations
- Add Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Different Chips: Try using white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- Flavorings: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough for a unique twist.
These chocolate chip scones are not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, they are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, these scones are a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast.
