Chocolate Chip Scones

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh scones baking on a rainy Saturday morning, something I discovered completely by accident when I was snowed in for a weekend with just enough ingredients to experiment. Now chocolate chip scones have become my go-to comfort food, the kind of baking that makes the whole house feel warm even when the weather outside is dreary.

I first made these for a book club meeting when I realized at the last minute that I had promised to bring something homemade. Everyone was so distracted by the warm, chocolatey goodness that we barely discussed the book, and now my friends request them every time we gather.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of tender scones, providing structure without becoming tough when handled properly
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate without overpowering the delicate crumb
• Baking powder and baking soda: This duo ensures the scones rise beautifully and develop that irresistible flaky texture
• Fine sea salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop
• Cold unsalted butter: The absolute secret to flaky layers, keep it ice cold and work quickly
• Heavy cream: Creates richness and tenderness, with extra reserved for that golden, shiny top
• Large egg: Binds everything together while adding structure and richness
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds that cozy, comforting aroma
• Semisweet chocolate chips: The perfect amount of chocolate in every bite without overwhelming the scone itself

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, setting the stage for perfectly golden results.

Mix your dry ingredients:

Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until everything is evenly distributed.

Work in the butter:

Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.

Combine wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk the cream, egg, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.

Bring the dough together:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently with a fork until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Add the chocolate:

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and portion:

Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead gently 2-3 times, then pat into a 7-inch circle about 1 inch thick before cutting into 8 wedges.

Bake to golden perfection:

Arrange wedges on the baking sheet with space between them, brush tops with cream, and bake for 16-18 minutes until beautifully golden brown.

Save

My daughter now asks for these every Sunday morning, and watching her break open a warm scone to find the melted chocolate inside has become one of my favorite kitchen moments. These simple scones have turned ordinary breakfasts into something we both look forward to all week.

Make Ahead Magic

You can prepare the dough, cut the wedges, and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding just 2-3 minutes to the baking time for fresh-from-the-oven scones any day of the week.

Flavor Variations

Try swapping the chocolate chips for dried cranberries and orange zest, or add a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg for cozy spice scones. The base recipe is so forgiving that you can experiment confidently and still end up with something delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These scones are absolutely perfect when served warm with a generous smear of salted butter or clotted cream if you want to be extra indulgent. A cup of hot coffee or tea alongside makes for the most wonderful morning treat.

• Split and toast leftover scones the next day for a quick breakfast
• Try pairing with lemon curd for a bright, tangy contrast to the rich chocolate
• Serve warm so the chocolate chips stay wonderfully gooey

Save

I hope these scones become part of your weekend ritual too, bringing a little warmth and chocolate to your kitchen whenever you need it most.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chocolate works best for these scones?

Semisweet chocolate chips offer a balanced sweetness that complements the buttery dough. You can also use milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.

→ How do I ensure the scones turn out tender?

Using cold butter and gentle mixing avoids overworking the dough, which helps maintain a tender, flaky texture.

→ Can I add extra flavor to the dough?

Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest boosts the flavor without overpowering the chocolate chips.

→ What is the best way to store leftover scones?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft.

→ Why brush the tops with cream before baking?

Brushing cream creates a glossy, golden brown finish that enhances the scones' appearance and texture.