Desserts

Chocolate Chip Scones

Chocolate Chip Scones are the perfect balance between tender biscuits and rich pastries. They’re buttery and crisp on the outside while being soft and chocolate-studded on the inside. When served warm, the chocolate melts into creamy pockets that complement the buttery crumb perfectly.

These scones are simple enough for weekday baking but elegant enough for special occasions. Whether paired with a cup of coffee in the morning or served with whipped cream and berries for dessert, they never disappoint.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it delivers bakery-quality scones right from your kitchen. The flavor of butter, vanilla, and melty chocolate is comforting and indulgent without being overly sweet. The texture is tender, flaky, and light — everything a good scone should be.

Plus, these scones come together quickly, don’t require any fancy ingredients, and always make the house smell divine. They’re a cozy, chocolatey pick-me-up for any time of day!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Chocolate Chip Scone recipe is a must-try because:

  • It’s easy to make with pantry staples.
  • The flaky, buttery texture is irresistible.
  • The melting chocolate chips turn a simple pastry into something special.
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea parties.
  • Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking.

If you’ve only ever had scones from a bakery, this homemade version will change the way you think about them!

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time (optional): 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings: 8 scones
Calories: ~280 kcal per scone

Cuisine

British / American

Course

Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Add-ins:

  • ¾ cup (130 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

For Topping:

  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for crunch)

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Cut cold butter into flour until crumbly.
  3. Stir in chocolate chips.
  4. Whisk cream, egg, and vanilla together.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until dough forms.
  6. Shape into a round disc, cut into wedges, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Add Butter
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small butter bits are what make the scones flaky!

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, and vanilla.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently stir until a dough begins to form — do not overmix.

Step 6: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and form it into a round disc about 1 inch thick.
Cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

Step 7: Bake
Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with a bit of cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Slightly
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving — or enjoy warm for melty chocolate goodness.

How to Serve

Serve Chocolate Chip Scones warm or at room temperature with:

  • A pat of butter or clotted cream
  • A drizzle of honey or chocolate syrup
  • A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries
  • A cup of coffee, latte, or black tea

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Keep ingredients cold for the best texture. Cold butter = flaky layers.
  • Do not overmix the dough — mix just until combined.
  • For extra richness, use half heavy cream and half buttermilk.
  • If your kitchen is warm, chill the shaped scones for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven for 5 minutes to make them taste freshly baked.

Variations

  1. Double Chocolate Scones: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder and use chocolate chunks.
  2. Orange Chocolate Chip Scones: Add 1 tbsp orange zest for a citrus twist.
  3. Coconut Chocolate Chip Scones: Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
  4. Almond Chocolate Chip Scones: Replace vanilla with almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.

Freezing and Storage Time

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
  • Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze raw scone wedges for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to bake time.
  • Freezing (Baked): Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for 8–10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or bench scraper

FAQs

Q1: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the texture will be less rich. For best results, use whole milk or half-and-half.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chill the shaped scones overnight and bake them fresh the next morning.

Q3: My scones spread too much — why?
They may have been too warm before baking. Chill them for 15 minutes before baking next time.

Q4: Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Scones are the ultimate comfort bake — buttery, crumbly, and speckled with sweet chocolate morsels. They’re the perfect treat for cozy mornings or elegant brunch spreads.

Once you take that first bite of warm, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and tender crumb, you’ll see why these scones are a timeless favorite. Simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious — this is a recipe you’ll keep baking again and again!

Chocolate Chip Scones

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)

  • 1 large egg

  • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

  • Add-ins:

  • ¾ cup (130 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

  • For Topping:

  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for crunch)

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Step 2: Add Butter : Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
  • Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small butter bits are what make the scones flaky!
  • Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips : Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
  • Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, and vanilla.
  • Step 5: Combine the Mixtures : Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently stir until a dough begins to form — do not overmix.
  • Step 6: Shape the Dough : Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and form it into a round disc about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
  • Step 7: Bake : Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with a bit of cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Step 8: Cool Slightly : Let cool for 5 minutes before serving — or enjoy warm for melty chocolate goodness.