Chocolate Chip Scones
I’m a sucker for breakfast foods. I know I’ve mentioned before how Eric and I often start our weekend mornings with a special breakfast (you know, something more involved than cereal or a smoothie). With less than two weeks until our little girl’s arrival and an ever-growing to-do list, this has sadly not been the case as of late. Instead of leisurely mornings, we jump right into our projects almost immediately after waking up. So when it snowed here Sunday night and Eric found out his office would have a delayed opening, I jumped at the chance to make us breakfast Monday morning. I was already planning to make some scones to freeze before the baby gets here, so I got to make us a delicious breakfast and cross something off my to-do list. Double win.
I’m a huge fan of scones, especially of the sweet variety. Eric loves any breakfast item that has chocolate chips in it, so I knew we’d both enjoy these. They’re actually not as sweet as you might think. The recipe only uses ¼ cup of sugar, allowing the dark chocolate to really come through. These are rich in flavor, tender in texture and absolutely delicious. A liberal sprinkling of demerara sugar makes them look like they’re straight from a pastry case, and I know we’ll be happy to have such a nice breakfast treat when we’re sleep deprived new parents.
The recipe recommended using pastry flour for an ultra-tender texture, but I used a mixture of all-purpose and whole wheat pastry flour with great success. You can certainly use only all-purpose if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- COOK TIME:
- YIELD: about 18 2-inch scones
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
Heaping ½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup granulated sugar
2¼ teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats
¾ cup heavy cream or half and half
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups (12 ounces) chocolate chips
Demerara (or other coarse) sugar, for topping
- 1
Heat oven to 400º. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a nonstick baking mat and set aside.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, salt, sugar and baking powder. Add the butter and work it with the tips of your fingers until the mixture is coarse and unevenly crumbly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs and vanilla. Set aside 2 tablespoons, then add the wet ingredients, along with the chocolate chips, to the flour mixture. Using a rubber spatula, mix until a moist dough forms.
- 3
Transfer the dough to a heavily floured work surface. Gently pat into an 8″ circle, taking care not to overwork the dough. Dip a 2-inch round cutter into flour, then cut as many scones as you can before reshaping the dough to cut the remainder. Brush scones with reserved egg mixture, then sprinkle liberally with demerara.
- 4
Evenly space scones on prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve warm.
*To freeze, simply line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and place the unbaked scones on it. Freeze until the scones are firm, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple minutes to the original baking time.
Yes, please! These sound lovely!
These look awesome! I’ve always been too scared to actually attempt scones, though haha.
I’ve never tried making scones at home. These look perfect, Courtney!
This is my idea of a yummy breakfast! I might trade in my Nutella-slathered bagel for these. Can’t wait til the weekend so I can make a batch!
This looks amazing. Chocolate and scones are my weaknesses. So this treat would drive me crazy! Looks so delicious!
These look delicious. I bet they would be great with some orange marmalade. Mmmm…orange and dark chocolate.
Kelsey, I didn’t even think about that. Orange and dark chocolate is one of Eric’s favorite combinations, so I’ll definitely have to suggest that to him.
Ca doit être délicieux! (It must be delicious!)
oh. my. word. these look to die for!!!!! Those chocolate chips are calling my name!
I made these this morning – they are AWESOME! Thanks for the recipe and hope goes well with the delivery, etc.