Prepare to be captivated by the perfect blend of buttery crispness and tender melt-in-your-mouth delight. These Chocolate Chip Scones are an absolute revelation, featuring a golden exterior, a soft, flaky interior, and generously studded with pockets of warm, gooey chocolate. Get ready to meet your new favorite baking obsession!

Contents

The Ultimate Guide to Baking Irresistible Chocolate Chip Scones

There’s something uniquely comforting and utterly delicious about a perfectly baked scone. For many, it evokes images of cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or simply a delightful treat to savor with a cup of coffee. As a self-proclaimed “scone enthusiast,” I can attest to the irresistible charm of this classic pastry. The distinctive texture—that satisfying slight crunch on the outside yielding to a soft, tender, and flaky inside—is pure culinary magic. These Chocolate Chip Scones aren’t just good; they embody everything a truly great scone should be, elevated by the addition of decadent, melting chocolate in every single bite. The sheer thought of them makes my stomach rumble with anticipation!

I am genuinely thrilled to share this recipe with you, confident that it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire. Imagine pulling a tray of these golden beauties from your oven, the aroma of warm butter and chocolate filling your kitchen. It’s an experience that transcends a simple snack; it’s a moment of pure joy, easily achievable in your own home.

The Simple Elegance of Homemade Scones

One of the most appealing aspects of scones is their inherent simplicity. You don’t need exotic ingredients or advanced culinary techniques to create something truly extraordinary. In fact, chances are you already have all the necessary components sitting in your fridge and pantry right now! A basic list includes all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, a touch of salt, and reliable baking powder for lift. Add to that some cold butter, a couple of fresh eggs, a splash of milk, and, of course, a generous helping of chocolate chips, and you’re well on your way to baking bliss. These Chocolate Chip Scones are incredibly straightforward to prepare, yet yield results that are nothing short of spectacular. Once you experience the ease and deliciousness of this recipe, it’s destined to become your go-to for an effortless, impressive treat.

The beauty of homemade scones lies not only in their taste but also in the satisfaction of creating them yourself. They offer a perfect canvas for various flavors, but the classic chocolate chip combination remains a universally loved favorite. The balance between the lightly sweetened dough and the rich chocolate creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, a leisurely weekend brunch, or a delightful addition to an afternoon tea spread. This recipe promises not just a delicious pastry, but also the joy of baking and sharing something truly special.

Mastering the Art: How to Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Scones

Creating these heavenly Chocolate Chip Scones is a process that’s both rewarding and surprisingly simple. The key to their signature texture lies in a few crucial steps, ensuring that every scone emerges from the oven light, flaky, and golden brown.

First, begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving that desirable rapid rise and crisp crust. While the oven comes to temperature, gather your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure all leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed. This preliminary step is vital for consistent results across all your scones.

Next comes the critical butter incorporation. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry mixture. The goal is to work the butter in until the flour-coated particles resemble coarse cornmeal. The colder the butter, the better! Tiny pockets of cold butter will create steam during baking, contributing significantly to the scones’ renowned flaky layers. Avoid overworking the butter, as this can lead to a tough scone.

In a separate small bowl, lightly beat one of the eggs. Add this beaten egg along with the milk to your dry ingredients. Stir quickly and lightly, just until no dry flour streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in a tough, dense scone instead of the light, tender texture we desire. A few lumps are perfectly fine and even preferred; less mixing means more tenderness.

Now for the star of the show: the chocolate chips! Gently fold them into the dough until they are well-distributed. Again, be careful not to overmix. Less handling of the dough ensures a more tender final product.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently about fifteen times—just enough to bring the dough together and ensure the chocolate is evenly spread. Resist the urge to knead vigorously or for too long. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a round ball, then gently press each ball down to form a disk about one-half inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut each disk into eight wedges, much like slicing a pie. This method results in classic, beautifully shaped scones. You should have 16 wedges in total.

Carefully transfer these wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This allows for even baking and browning on all sides. In a small bowl, lightly beat the remaining egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the scones with this egg wash; this step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown, slightly glossy crust. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the scones are gloriously golden brown and cooked through. Serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature. Enjoy every single delightful bite!

Tips for Scone Success and Variations to Explore

The Science Behind Perfect Scones

Understanding a few basic principles can elevate your scone-making game significantly. The use of cold butter, cut into small pieces, is perhaps the most important tip. As the butter melts in the hot oven, it releases steam, which creates pockets of air, resulting in those desirable flaky layers. Overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to a tough, bready texture. Therefore, always handle your dough minimally and quickly. A high oven temperature ensures a quick rise before the butter melts completely, contributing to a light and airy interior. Lastly, an egg wash not only provides a beautiful golden sheen but also helps create that satisfyingly crisp crust.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Chocolate Chip Scones are absolutely divine served warm, fresh from the oven, allowing the chocolate chips to remain beautifully melty. They pair wonderfully with a robust cup of coffee, a soothing mug of tea, or even a glass of milk. While they are perfect on their own, you could also serve them with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of your favorite jam for an extra touch of indulgence, though the chocolate makes them rich enough on their own. To store, keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen scones in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

More Scones to Obsess Over

My passion for scones knows no bounds, and once you master this chocolate chip version, you might find yourself eager to explore other delightful variations. If you’re a true chocolate lover, my Chocolate Chunk Scones offer an even more intense chocolate experience, often featuring a delightful sugary coating that adds another layer of texture and sweetness. For those who enjoy brighter, more floral notes, my Lemon Lavender Poppy Seed Scones are an absolute dream, combining zesty lemon with aromatic lavender for an elegant treat. And if you’re in the mood for something fruity and vibrant, these berry delicious Strawberry Streusel Scones are bursting with fresh flavor and a crumbly topping. Lastly, for a comforting, spiced option, you simply must try these irresistible Snickerdoodle Streusel Scones, which bring all the cozy flavors of the classic cookie into a scone. As you can see, the scone obsession is real, and it’s a journey of delicious discovery!

Baking can be a therapeutic and incredibly rewarding experience, and these Chocolate Chip Scones are a testament to that. They’re a simple pleasure that brings a touch of warmth and indulgence to any day. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or to share with friends, these scones are sure to impress and satisfy.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making these Chocolate Chip Scones, don’t forget to capture your culinary masterpiece! Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. I absolutely adore seeing your creations and how your unique touches bring these recipes to life. Your inspiration and creativity truly make my day. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and revel in the joy of homemade goodness!

xoxo,

Print Recipe

Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews

Author: The BakerMama
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 16 scones

Print Recipe

Description

These Chocolate Chip Scones are buttery and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside with melting chocolate throughout. They’re sure to be your new obsession!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 large eggs, divided
1/4 cup cold milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite kind)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the sifted flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse cornmeal. Ensure the butter is well-distributed but still in small, distinct pieces.
Lightly beat one of the eggs in a separate small bowl. Add this beaten egg along with the cold milk to the dry ingredients. Stir quickly and lightly with a spoon or spatula, mixing just until no dry flour streaks are visible. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently, about fifteen times, to bring it together and ensure the chocolate chips are well-integrated. Avoid excessive handling. Divide the dough into two equal halves. Shape each half into a round ball, then gently press each ball down to form a disk approximately one-half inch thick. Cut each disk into eight wedges, similar to slicing a pie, yielding a total of 16 scones.
Carefully place the scone wedges onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring there is a small space between each scone for even baking. Lightly beat the remaining egg to create an egg wash, and brush the tops of the scones with this wash for a beautiful golden crust.
Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your freshly baked chocolate chip scones!