Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the scone dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the scones.

Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the scones.

Cold unsalted butter: Creates a flaky texture by incorporating pockets of fat into the dough.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the scones.

Chocolate chips: Provides bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the scones.

When cutting in the butter for the scone dough, use a pastry cutter or two knives to ensure the butter remains cold. This helps create a flaky texture. Alternatively, you can freeze the butter and grate it into the flour mixture for even distribution.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making the scones slightly denser but healthier.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, but you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and a purer flavor. Use the same amount as table salt.

• cold unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can be used cold to achieve a similar texture.

• heavy cream - Substitute with full-fat coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk offers a rich, creamy texture and a slight coconut flavor.

• large egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This works well as a binder.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile to the scones.

• chocolate chips - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries add a tart and sweet flavor, offering a different but delightful taste.

• To keep your chocolate chip scones fresh, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• For longer storage, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped scones in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

• If you want to freeze your scones, first ensure they are completely cooled. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and type of scone. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen scone, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a freshly baked taste, reheat the thawed scone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

• If you prefer, you can freeze the scone dough before baking. After cutting the dough into wedges, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough wedges to a resealable freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough wedges on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

• For an extra touch of indulgence, consider drizzling your scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after reheating. This will add a delightful sweetness and a beautiful finish to your dessert.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the scones on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue heating in 10-second intervals.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't overcook.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the scones in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain a slightly crispy exterior.

• To add a touch of freshness, brush the scones with a little heavy cream or milk before reheating in the oven or toaster oven. This can help revive their original texture and flavor.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the scones in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) to bake the scones until golden brown.

• Baking sheet: Line with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.

• Parchment paper: Used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

• Large bowl: Used to whisk together the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

• Whisk: Helps in combining the dry ingredients evenly.

• Pastry cutter: Used to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Small bowl: Used to whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla extract.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and cream.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.

• Knife: Used to cut the dough into 8 wedges.

• Floured surface: A surface dusted with flour to prevent the dough from sticking while kneading and shaping.

• Cooling rack: Place the baked scones on this to cool down evenly after baking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out flour, sugar, and chocolate chips ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly cut in the butter by pulsing it with the dry ingredients in a food processor.

Chill the dough: Prepare the dough in advance and chill it. This makes it easier to handle and shape.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing ingredients to save time.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.