Chocolate Chip Scones

These Chocolate Chip Scones are tender, buttery, and filled with melty chocolate in every bite. I like how they strike the perfect balance between a lightly sweet pastry and a comforting treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. The optional vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness to make them extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. I don’t need fancy equipment, and the ingredients are ones I usually have in my pantry. I also like how versatile these scones are they work just as well for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The mini chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence without overwhelming the classic scone texture.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar firmly packed
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter very cold and cut into cubes
½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips

Vanilla Glaze (optional)

1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
2-4 Tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. I cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or my hands until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. I stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract just until the dough starts to come together.
5. I fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
6. I turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick, and cut it into 8 wedges.
7. I place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. For the glaze, I whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled scones if I want extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 scones. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15–18 minutes to bake, so the whole process is done in about 30–35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chocolate chips for dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different flavor. If I want a richer scone, I brush the tops with heavy cream before baking to give them a golden crust. For a seasonal twist, I like adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. I also freeze baked scones for up to 2 months and thaw them overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Yes, but I prefer mini chips because they distribute more evenly throughout the scones.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, but I sometimes chill it for 15 minutes if I want extra flaky scones.

Can I make these scones without glaze?

Yes, they’re delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a nice sweetness.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

I prefer heavy cream for richness, but whole milk works if that’s what I have.

How do I keep scones from being dry?

I avoid overmixing the dough and make sure my butter is very cold.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, I freeze shaped wedges on a baking sheet, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What’s the best way to cut the scones?

I use a sharp knife or bench scraper and cut straight down without sawing to keep the edges clean.

Can I add flavors to the glaze?

Yes, I sometimes add almond extract, orange zest, or even a splash of coffee for variety.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture is slightly different.

What should I serve with chocolate chip scones?

I love them with coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a cozy treat.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Scones are buttery, tender, and full of sweet chocolatey goodness. I like how quickly they come together and how versatile they are for any occasion. Whether I enjoy them plain or with a drizzle of glaze, they always feel like a special homemade treat.

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