If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat that pairs effortlessly with morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, look no further than Chocolate Chip Scones. Buttery and tender, studded with melty chocolate in every bite, these scones are perfectly crisp on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior. They come together surprisingly quickly, making them an anytime indulgence that never fails to impress your friends, family, or (let’s be honest) your own taste buds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The absolute joy of these Chocolate Chip Scones is how easy the lineup is—each ingredient is there for a reason, bringing you irresistible flavor, perfect texture, and a golden finish. Even simple pantry staples shine when given the chance.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our scones, giving them structure while still allowing a delicate crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough for a sweet bite without overpowering—the perfect partner to rich chocolate.
- Baking powder: This gives your scones that beautiful lift and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to flakiness—cold butter creates steamy pockets as it bakes, giving you magic in scone form.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture, creating that signature soft, dreamy scone.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds extra tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, adding warmth that sings alongside the chocolate.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Every scone needs these little bursts of melty goodness—use quality chips for the best flavor.
- Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a touch of sparkle and sweet crunch.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Scones
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is key for getting those lovely golden tops. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your scones don’t stick and clean-up stays blissfully easy.
Step 2: Blend Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This not only distributes your leaveners perfectly but also lets you break up any clumps, so your Chocolate Chip Scones will have an even rise and flavor throughout.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add your cubes of cold butter directly into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to quickly incorporate the butter until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs with a few pea-sized bits throughout. Cold butter is crucial here—it’s what will give your scones that crave-worthy flakiness.
Step 4: Whisk and Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture over your dry ingredients and stir gently just until it starts to come together. Avoid overmixing, which can make scones tough—less is more here!
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly but taking care not to overwork the dough. Each wedge should be dotted with plenty of chocolate for that perfect bite in every slice.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 even wedges—no need for precision, rustic edges just add charm!
Step 7: Brush and Bake
Transfer the wedges to your parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a bit of personal space so they bake up golden on all sides. Brush the tops lightly with a little extra heavy cream and, if you like, sprinkle with coarse sugar for crisp, eye-catching tops. Bake for 15-18 minutes until beautifully golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—they’re delicious warm, with the chocolate just beginning to melt. Serve them up and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Scones
Garnishes
To really make your Chocolate Chip Scones pop, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate glaze, or even a little orange zest right before serving. Each garnish adds a new dimension, whether you crave extra sweetness or a burst of citrus to balance that chocolate.
Side Dishes
Pair your scones with a big mug of fresh coffee, a pot of Earl Grey tea, or a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort experience. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a spoonful of raspberry jam are all natural complements to the richness of chocolate and cream in every scone.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, arrange the scones in a sunburst pattern on a vintage platter and sprinkle extra chocolate chips in the center. Wrap individual scones in parchment and tie with twine for adorable gifts. For a bakery-style vibe, serve warm on a rustic wood board alongside tiny pots of clotted cream and jam—simple little touches that feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chocolate Chip Scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay tender and delicious—just avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap cooled scones thoroughly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll taste just as fabulous for up to two months. When a craving hits, you’re never far from homemade scone happiness!
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, warm your scones in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. This crisps the edges and makes the chocolate chips perfectly melty again. You can also microwave for 10–15 seconds, but oven-warming gives the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute milk in a pinch, but your Chocolate Chip Scones may be a touch less rich and moist. Whole milk gives the best results if you do swap it in.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Shape your scone dough and cut it into wedges, then refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the fridge in the morning for easy, freshly-baked scones with no stress.
What’s the best type Breakfast, Snack
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic and lend balance to the sweetness. If you love deeper chocolate flavor, you can try bittersweet or even dark chocolate chips for your Chocolate Chip Scones!
My scones turned out dense—what went wrong?
Dense scones often result from overmixing the dough or using butter that’s too warm. Be gentle when combining ingredients, and always use cold butter for that flaky, tender texture.
Can I add other flavors to the scones?
Definitely! Orange zest brings a hint of citrus, a sprinkle of cinnamon adds cozy warmth, or you can drizzle over a little homemade chocolate glaze for extra decadence. The base recipe for Chocolate Chip Scones is your canvas for creative flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the smell of fresh Chocolate Chip Scones baking in the kitchen that promises comfort and joy. I hope you’ll make a batch soon, share them with your favorite people, and maybe even make this recipe a new go-to in your kitchen. They’re easy, delicious, and always guaranteed to delight!
Print
Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Chocolate Chip Scones that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. These tender scones are studded with semisweet chocolate chips, making them a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake: Shape the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and place on the baking sheet. Brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding orange zest or a drizzle of chocolate glaze.
- Scones are best enjoyed the same day but can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
