Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

If you love baked treats that strike the perfect balance between tender flakiness and chocolaty indulgence, then Chocolate Chip Scones are about to become your new obsession. With a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and pockets of gooey chocolate, these beauties feel like the ultimate coffee shop splurge, yet they’re delightfully easy to whip up at home. Whether you’re planning a relaxed brunch or simply want an afternoon pick-me-up, this scone recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and pure homemade charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Chip Scones recipe keeps things simple yet delivers big on taste. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to enrich the scones’ structure, flavor, and pairing potential, so don’t skip a thing!

• All purpose flour: The foundation for that classic scone crumb, keeping things sturdy but still tender.
• Granulated sugar: Just the right amount for a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower the chocolate.
• Baking powder: Ensures a lovely rise, making these scones delightfully fluffy.
• Baking soda: Adds a soft texture and helps balance flavors, especially given the buttermilk or milk.
• Salted butter (cold, cubed): The secret to flaky layers—make sure it’s cold for best results!
• Buttermilk (or regular milk): Gives the scones incredible tenderness and a subtle tang.
• Vanilla extract: Brings in a warm, aromatic note that complements the chocolate.
• Chocolate chips: The star of the show—rich, melty, and just sweet enough, use your favorite variety!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Scones

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Giving yourself a clean, nonstick surface now means the scones release perfectly and cleanup’s a breeze later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving every bite of your Chocolate Chip Scones that signature fluffy texture.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add those cold, cubed pieces of salted butter right into the dry mix. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work quickly to break up the butter into small, pea-sized crumbs. The small pieces of butter will melt as the scones bake, creating irresistible flakiness throughout.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough

Pour in the buttermilk (or your choice of milk) and vanilla extract. Mix gently—don’t worry if the dough looks a bit crumbly or shaggy. Use your hands to bring it together, but stop as soon as it comes together. Overworking can make scones tough, and we want tender Chocolate Chip Scones every time!

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the dough and gently fold them in by hand. Be gentle and avoid overmixing—just work them in until they’re evenly distributed, giving you generous chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Shape and Slice

Transfer the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Pat it by hand into an 8-inch circle—no need for rolling pins or perfection. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal triangles. Spread each scone out, leaving around 2 inches of space for them to rise and brown beautifully.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your scones in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Once baked, immediately move them to a cooling rack so they don’t overbake on the sheet. Let them cool completely before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Scones

Garnishes

For an extra touch, try dusting your scones with powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a simple vanilla glaze. These additions make your Chocolate Chip Scones look bakery-fresh and add a special pop of sweetness.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a spoonful of jam. For brunch, they’re irresistible next to a piping-hot cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate. If you’re feeling a little British, serve with clotted cream for an afternoon tea experience!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the scones in a basket lined with a linen napkin for a rustic brunch spread, or pile them high on a vintage cake stand for an elegant dessert table. You can even cut your dough into mini scones for bite-sized Chocolate Chip Scones at parties or showers—adorable and just as delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Chocolate Chip Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If it’s hot or humid, stash them in the fridge to keep the chocolate from getting too soft. A paper towel in the container helps ward off sogginess.

Freezing

These scones freeze wonderfully! Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To freshen up a scone, pop it into the oven at 300 F for five to eight minutes, or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Warming brings out that just-baked texture and melts the chocolate chips for an extra treat.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Semisweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips all work beautifully. Mix and match to make your Chocolate Chip Scones uniquely yours.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! Regular milk works well, or you can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to half a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

How do I get my scones extra flaky?

The trick is to keep your butter as cold as possible and avoid overworking the dough. Little bits of cold butter in the dough turn into pockets of steam as they bake, creating layers and flakiness in your Chocolate Chip Scones.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You can shape and cut the dough, then refrigerate it (covered) overnight. Bake straight from the fridge for fresh scones in the morning—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Why are my scones dry?

Dry scones usually mean the dough was overmixed, or they were baked too long. Follow the recipe closely, mix until just combined, and keep an eye on them near the end of the bake for moist, tender Chocolate Chip Scones.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the fresh, buttery aroma of homemade Chocolate Chip Scones drifting through your kitchen. Whether you’re starting your day or sharing a treat with friends, I can’t recommend these scones enough—give them a try and prepare to fall in love, one chocolaty bite at a time!

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