These tender, buttery scones are studded with rich semisweet chocolate chips, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or a snack. The dough combines cold butter with flour and cream to create a flaky, soft texture. After mixing gently to avoid overworking, the dough is shaped into an 8-inch round, cut into wedges, and brushed with cream to achieve a golden crust. Baking at 400°F results in light, flavorful scones that can be enjoyed fresh or even frozen for later. Variations include adding nuts or swapping chocolate chip types to suit your preference.
I remember the first time I baked these chocolate chip scones—there was a comforting warmth in the kitchen and the sweet smell of melting chocolate filled the air. It quickly became a favorite treat that I loved sharing with friends over morning coffee.
One afternoon, unexpected guests showed up just as I pulled these from the oven, and the happiness in their eyes made me realize this recipe was more than just food—it was a moment of joy.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of these scones, and using the right amount helps keep them tender but structured.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate without overpowering.
- Baking Powder: Your lift agent—freshness here is key for fluffy scones.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Cubed and chilled to create those flaky layers we all crave.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture, plus a little extra for brushing makes the tops golden and glossy.
- Egg: Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and depth that rounds out the flavors.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The star addition that melts into gooey pockets of joy—don’t skip them!
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—the warm smells and sizzling sounds start here.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. The mix should look light and airy, setting the stage for fluffy scones.
- Incorporate Butter:
- Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it looks like rough crumbs—the texture you want.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and a little glossy.
- Bring It Together:
- Pour the wet into the dry and stir gently until just combined—remember, less is more to keep the scones tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Carefully fold them in so every bite gets a sweet surprise—but don’t overwork the dough or it toughens.
- Shape the Dough:
- Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface, pat into an 8-inch round about 1 inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges—like slicing a pizza ready to share.
- Prepare to Bake:
- Place wedges on your baking sheet with space to spread, and brush tops with a bit of cream to get that golden gloss as they bake.
- Bake and Enjoy:
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown. The kitchen will be filled with buttery, chocolatey aromas that are impossible to resist. Let them cool just a bit before serving.
I’ll never forget the time I brought these scones to a chilly picnic, and how they warmed everyone’s spirits more than any blanket could—this recipe carries more than just flavor, it carries comfort.
Keeping It Fresh
These scones are best enjoyed the day you bake them, but you can keep them fresh wrapped tightly at room temperature for a day or freeze them for longer. When reheating, a few seconds in the microwave or a quick toast revives their buttery goodness.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Pair these scones with clotted cream and your favorite jam for a classic touch, or enjoy them simply warm with butter. We’ve also found that a drizzle of melted chocolate turns them into an indulgent treat for special occasions.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, when unexpected guests rang the doorbell, these scones were in the oven—serving warm scones brought instant smiles and turned a last-minute visit into a cozy afternoon filled with laughter.
- Don’t forget to brush the tops with cream for that perfect golden shine.
- If you want a bit of a crunch, add nuts along with the chocolate chips next time.
- Always use parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect baking.
Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me—hope these scones bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine.