Chocolate Chip Scones
Sweet, tender and buttery with morsels of melted chocolate within – children (and let’s not forget husbands) absolutely love these scones. They’re wonderful served warm out of the oven, especially on a lazy weekend morning when you feel like spoiling everyone.
The recipe is a variation on last week’s traditional cream scones. The difference is that these are sweeter, chock full of chocolate and flavored with vanilla. They also disappear faster, at least at my house.
Last week, I showed you the food processor method for scones. This week, I’m making them by hand. It’s easy to do, and therapeutic if you like that sort of thing.
Begin by whisking your dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
Toss in the butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles very coarse crumbs.
Don’t worry about getting a uniform consistency. All those little pea-size clumps of butter create structure in the scones and make them tender and fluffy when baked.
Combine the cream, egg and vanilla in a small bowl.
Add the chocolate chips to the flour mixture, then stir in the wet ingredients.
When the dough comes together, dump it onto a work surface dusted with flour. It should be sticky.
Gently knead the dough into a ball, then press it into a flat circle about 3/4-inch high. Cut the circle into 8 wedges.
Transfer the wedges to prepared baking sheet, then sprinkle with course sugar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Serve scones warm out of the oven and enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled with knife
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, best quality such as Guittard or Ghirardelli
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 - 3/4 cup heavy cream (do not substitute milk or light cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon demerara sugar (also called raw sugar or turbinado)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Add pieces of cold butter. Use your fingertips to rub butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-size clumps of butter within. Stir in chocolate chips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup heavy cream, egg and vanilla. Make a well in center of dry ingredients, then add cream mixture. Use a rubber spatula to mix until dough comes together. It should be a bit sticky. If it seems dry, add remaining 2 tablespoons of cream.
- Dust work surface lightly with flour, then dump sticky dough on top. Knead very gently a few times until dough comes together into a ball. (Sprinkle more flour, little by little, if dough is too sticky to work with.) Press dough into a circle about 3/4-inch high, then cut into 8 wedges. Transfer wedges to prepared baking sheet, and then sprinkle with demerara sugar. Bake 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Serve warm.
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These are my go-to recipe if I’m having people over for coffee. The scones are easy to make and they freeze perfectly so can be made ahead of time and defrosted when needed. I have even used cookie cutters to customize the shapes from triangles into hearts or scallop-edged circles.
As an avid follower, I just wanted to thank you for your recipes and blog. I actually feel like I am becoming a decent cook/baker because I finally have the confidence to try new things due to your very specific instruction and recipe details. I just made these scones the other day(and I would never have attempted anything like this a couple years ago), and they were delightful! My friends wanted the recipe so I shared your blog with them. Thanks so much for your willingness to share!
Oh, and since I can now make a scone, 🙂
is this recipe pretty much interchangeable with other flavors? For example, insert blueberries instead of chocolate chips? TIA!
So glad you enjoyed them, Amy! And thank you for the kind words about the recipes – that makes me happy 😊. I would say you could use this scone recipe for some scone flavors but not all. For example, it would work with dried fruits like currants, raisins, or dried blueberries. Fresh blueberries are quite tart and release a lot of juice, so the recipe would need to be adjusted. I actually have a wonderful recipe for blueberry scones with lemon glaze in my upcoming cookbook. I’m happy to email it to you, if you’d like. Lmk. 🙂
These came out delicious. First time I have ever baked with cake flour and I was happy I did. Quick question, we had some left over and they were clearly not as good as when I first made them. An suggestions on the best way of serving/using leftovers? I had put them in a plastic sealed container. Thanks for another great recipe
I made these scones tonight and was very pleased by the outcome. They were not too dry and very tasty. I will definitely make these again.
Another great recipe from this site. I’ve been making scones and muffins for years, and the recipes here are the best, ever. I usually follow the recipes exactly unless I need to substitute for an ingredient I don’t have on hand. I’ve made these scones using half-and-half in place of the cream, and I thought they were perfect. To make clean up easier, I turn the dough onto a pan-size piece of parchment, knead it, cut it, separate and space the scones, then transfer the whole thing to the baking pan.
These are my kids’ all-time favorite breakfast food ever. I’ve made them so often, I could probably do it in my sleep. I leave off the sprinkling of sugar on top (it’s sweet enough without it) and sometimes split the dough into two rounds and cut each round into six triangles.
Can I make these with Gluten-Free Flour?
That should work, Ana. Please lmk how they turn out!
These scones are fantastic! I’ve made them for friends, family and bake sales. Everyone always raves about them. I use a food processor to pulse the butter into the flour mixture. I look forward to trying other recipes on this site. Thanks to Jenn for sharing.
Best scone recipe ever! And super simple to make. I’ve made it several times and it has come out perfectly every time.
Hi! I don’t have raw sugar. Can I substitute with granulated sugar ? If so , what amount is needed. Thank you!
Sure, Molly – I’d use about 2/3 as much.
So glad I found this site and totally agree with the majority of reviewers: recipes are excellent, preparation steps are well laid out and easy to follow and best of all everything that I have made so far tastes fantastic! Thanks Jenn!!
Hi Jen, I have a question about cake flour. I read online that as a substitute for every cup of regular flour remove one Tbls. and add one Tbls. of cornstarch in its place. Would that be something you’d suggest? Otherwise, I’ll wait until I buy some cake flour. The scones sound and look delicious!
Hi Sandy, I replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cornstarch – works great!
Thanks, Jen, for getting back so quickly! Made them right away – why is every recipe I try of yours an absolute favorite!?!?! My husband ate two right away! We have some guys over doing some painting, and I gave each of them a scone – they were wowed! That means only three left, since of course I had one! Next time I’m thinking of cutting each triangle into three before baking – ? Thanks for another 5 star recipe!
Yay! ?
I’m making your chocolate chip and flaky scone recipes today for Mothers Day but I just noticed that while they are very very similar they bake at different temperatures. Any chance they can both be baked at same temperature? Hope you have a wonderful Mothers Day. I’m a huge fan of your recipes and site.
Sorry I’m probably too late to reply, Annie – but yes you can cook them at the same temp.
Hello,
I do not eat chocolate (I don’t like it very much), can I substitute nuts, cranberries, or dried coconut (or something else along those lines)?
Thank you,
Marilyne
Definitely– hope you enjoy!
First of all these scones were nearly perfect. My review is to share something I found out about baking. Regarding Baking Powder – make sure you buy Aluminum free BP! I made the mistake of buying a store brand and couldn’t understand why many of my baked goods had an underlying bitterness. As this recipe had a fair amount of baking powder, I did a little Google research and found out that aluminum in BP will cause bitterness! I can’t wait to make this recipe with my new aluminum free bp! I will go back into my review and update after making these again!
I already prepared the dry ingredients and then realized we didn’t have any eggs. Should I keep dry ingredients on standby until I get eggs later? Or should I bake without the egg?
Hi Carrie, I’d keep the dry ingredients on standby– you’ll be happy you waited!
OMG They didn’t last an hour after I said they were done! Generally I prefer Nuts and Berries but I used them up making your Cranberry Quick Bread earlier today (Which is also gone!) My hubby loves Bread of any kind but put Chocolate in it and he goes nuts but generally I get a piece or two, not this time. I did add a few cinnamon chips as well as the chocolate it was Fabulous!!
I forgot to add a rating!
I just made these for breakfast, half asleep and clumsy. I was sure I would butcher this recipe. However, they were AMAZING! Each bite was like heaven. I can’t wait to make it again!
Hi Jen,
I have two question:
1. Why can scone be made ahead the night before and still rise in the oven the next day but your quick cinnamon roll will not.
2. Can I use buttermilk instead of cream in your recipe? What does buttermilk do in such pastry?
Thank you!
Hi Lu, The scones are leavened with baking powder, while the cinnamon rolls are leavened with a combination of baking powder and baking soda. The buttermilk in the cinnamon roll dough reacts immediately with the baking soda, so they should be baked right away to get the maximum rise. Unfortunately, buttermilk won’t work in the scones — buttermilk is acidic and would require the addition of baking soda for the scones to rise. You’ll notice baking soda in any baked good that calls for acidic ingredients, such as citrus, buttermilk, etc. Hope that explains it 🙂
Thank you, Jen! I made your scone this weekend and followed this recipe! They were AMAZING! My picky three-year-old even asked for seconds.
These look amazing as do the pumpkin scones. My question is actually for both recipes. Can the batter be frozen, thawed and baked at a later date and if not, can the scones after cooking them be frozen? Thanks!
Hi Abbie, Yes, that should work just fine. Hope you enjoy 🙂
Perfect and easy! It would be fun to try different add-ins.
Why can’t milk or milk/butter combo substitute for heavy whipping cream? I’d really love to make these with my son but don’t have any in the house and hate to go to the store just for it. Thanks!
Hi Ursula, Milk will work but the scones won’t be as rich and tender.
Thank you, again, for this scone recipe. I baked it with my kids again this morning and we absolutely love it! It turns out perfect every time, even with an inexperienced baker like me.
Can I make the dough ahead of time, cut it into shape and refrigerate to bake the next morning?
Yes, definitely.
I made these to bring to work and I never actually got to eat one because they were gone in minutes. I heard nothing but rave reviews from my coworkers and got a few recipe requests. Someday I will make these again and taste one for myself; seems obvious that they are fabulous!
My boss gave me her scone recipe that I am sworn to not reveal…however, she doesn’t think it is a real scone recipe if it has an egg in it.
I prefer, rather than the heat of my hands having an impact on the dough, using a pastry blender to mix the butter and flour. A while back either I got very tired, or discovered my cream had expired…so I put the flour butter mixture (no egg) into a zip lock in the fridge…where it stayed for 2-3 weeks. And when I finally got around to making them (I figured it would be an experiment, with low expectations), I also figured since I was experimenting…why not…and I used a large cookie scoop and plopped them on the cookie sheet…(on a silpat) and then patted them down before brushing with cream and sprinkling with sugar. Came out fine!
I love these scones. They are light but still substantial. I like to use the mini-chocolate chips so you get a little chocolate in each bite.
My family loves these scones. The only change I made to the recipe was to substitute mini chocolate chips in place of regular chips. Mouth watering!
Looks great! Love the site!
I have been looking for a good scone recipe and I like the hint about the cake flour. All scones are not made alike.
I have always wanted to try scones..I am glad I did these were delicious and easy to make. My brother in law loves scones and he enjoyed these. I’m glad I tried them.
These are on the list of things to bring to our breakfast meeting. Can’t wait!
I was on a hunt for a good chocolate chip scone recipe and tried several different versions – these were the clear winner. Fluffy, moist, melt in your mouth scones!
I used to love munching on freshly baked scones when I worked in a coffee shop in my 20’s. This brings me way back! I will have to give this recipe a try. But, since I’m a nut lover, I’ll also have to throw in some chopped pecans for a great crunch amid all that sweetness.
These scones look fabulous and easy. My kids will love them! Thanks for sharing!
Made these once and loved them, definitely going to make them again! Highly recommended (but much easier in a food processor!!)
My family and I love scones, I made these for them and they were gone before they were fully cooled. Gonna make them again,
Wow! These were fantastic! I made them for Easter breakfast. My son loved them. He asked me the next day what happened to them. I had taken them to work and they were gone in a flash ! I have some baking now. Thanks so much for the recipe.
your daughter is so cute! must try these
Made my 2rd batch of these tonight at the request of my son. Dropping them off to him at college. Used dried cherries instead of chocolate chips and they are D-licious!
These are fantastic! I have made them several times. They just melt in your mouth if you eat them still warm from the oven.
FINALLY, a recipe to use up my cake flour. 😀
This recipe is perfect when looking for alternative to the traditional chocolate chip cookie.
Oh my goodness, these look delicious! Hopefully I can try them soon…
Can these be made the night before?
Hi Donna, These are really best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Sorry!
I’ve never had them with chocolate chips before but I wasn’t disappointed. Still uncertain with St. Pat’s coming up if I can go without or back to the staple with berries. You may have ruined me forever
Baking is not my forte’ – I never have any luck with it. BUT these scones were easy to make and delicious! They were a hit with the kids and the adults. We had surprise visitors who raved about how good they were. THANK YOU!
These scones were soo good right out of the oven.
I always keep heavy cream in the refrigerator just for good eats like this. Cream lasts longer than most folks think especially towards the back.
I love scones! I’m going to make mine with cinnamon chips.
These are going to be made this weekend. Fabulous!
Took these to work and everyone wanted the recipe!
Very good scone recipe. My daughters (ages 12 and 8) beg me to make these. Definitely a favorite in our house!
I have never made scones and always wanted to – thanks for the inspiration!
I have made these scones a few times now and normally I’m not a scone person, but these were the best! Very tender and with just the right amount of sweetness from the chips! Love them,
Haven’t tried this yet, but they look so good! I certainly want these for breakfast!
I have never made scones…..I don’t think I have ever eaten them either…But, I am seriously considering giving these a try, they look tender and sound sweet and with chocolate how could you go wrong!?!?!?! 🙂
Love scones! Best thing to have with a cup of good coffee. Bet they would be great with a few white choc. bits added as well!
I made these last weekend. They were so delish right out of the oven! Thanks for all of the great recipes! 🙂
This looks so YUMMY! Can not wait to try them….
Are they bad if made with regular flower, or just not as amazing?
Eliana, They’ll still be good, just not as tender.
Can’t wait to try these this weekend. Always looking for good scone recipes.
We LOVE scones, they are so easy to make and so much cheaper than buying them and this recipe is a keeper!! Thanks!
Interesting. I do not use egg in mine (allergic to same) and use buttermilk, so mine are little more like biscuits.
I’m a scone lover, but never attempted to make them. Two things made me try your recipe. First, what you wrote about what a perfect scone should be, totally agree with you. Second, your recipe looked so easy. I want to thank you so much for sharing this recipe, they were PERFECT! I’m using this as my basic recipe for different flavors.
I’ve never been successful with baking; however, this looked pretty easy, so I thought I’d give it a try. I made a beautiful mess in the kitchen and was feeling rather proud of myself when I put them in the oven – until I realized I forgot to sprinkle the sugar on top. I buy in bulk, so I had my sugar in a little plastic bag and waas opening the oven and frantically trying to sprinkle the sugar without letting too much heat out, not realizing I was resting the bag on the oven door – which, of course, put a hole in the bag and sugar went everywhere in the oven. I was ready to cry! But, aside from the drama, they turned out AMAZING! This is the first baking item I am going to be proud to share. Thank you so much!!
So, so good! I made these this morning- they were perfect for a chilly November morning. I thank you, and so does my husband.
Most amazing scones ever! More tender and flaky than any other scones I’ve tried. Thank you thank you thank you!
I love scones and chocolate chip are my favorite. They looked like they are baked to perfection!
Thanks for a “hand-made” recipe…I find baking therapeutic to begin with, so this is right up my alley! I have a feeling these will disappear quickly at my house, as well. P.S. Your daughter is adorable! 🙂
These are delicious (and pretty easy to make)! Terry said they are the best scones he has ever had 🙂
Hi Sarah, Thanks so much for your comment! I’ve never baked on wax paper but you could just use a lightly greased baking sheet. The parchment is just for easy clean up. Hope you enjoy the scones. They are a definite favorite at my house!
I love scones! Definitely will be trying these 🙂
Hi! These look amazing, I cannot wait to try them. Maybe this Saturday morning! I’ve been baking a ton lately and there have been a few recipes that call for parchment paper and I’m wondering if I can substitute wax paper? I’ve never tried it because I’m afraid it will melt on my cookie sheet, but parchment paper is a little expensive…
Wax paper won’t melt onto your pans, I use it all the time…