Irresistible Chocolate Chip Scones: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion
These delightful chocolate chip scones are not just another baked good; they are a testament to the joy of home baking, where the warmth of the oven brings comfort and the aroma fills the air with a sweet promise of indulgence. With a preparation time of merely 10 minutes and a baking duration of 20 minutes, you can create a batch of these delectable scones in just half an hour, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack. Whether you choose to stick with classic chocolate chips or experiment with white chocolate or butterscotch chips, this recipe guarantees no failures, ensuring that each bite is deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
To embark on your scone-baking adventure, gather the following ingredients, all of which contribute to the rich, buttery flavor and delightful texture of these scones. The quantities listed will yield approximately eight scones, perfect for sharing or indulging all on your own.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unbleached all-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Additional sugar (for topping) | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons (chilled, cubed) |
| Lemon zest (from 1 lemon) | Rind of 1 lemon |
| Buttermilk | 3/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1 tablespoon (for brushing) |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of these scrumptious scones is essential, especially if you are mindful of your dietary intake. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440.2 |
| Total Fat | 19.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 66.7 mg |
| Sodium | 397.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 62.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 28.8 g |
| Protein | 6.8 g |
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready and know what to expect nutritionally, let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a batch of beautifully baked chocolate chip scones. Each step is designed to be straightforward and accessible, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve excellent results.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven warms up, take a moment to butter and flour a baking sheet. This simple step will prevent the scones from sticking and create a lovely crust as they bake.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This process aerates the flour and ensures that your scones have a light, fluffy texture.
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Incorporate the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs or the size of rice grains. This technique is crucial, as it creates small pockets of butter that will melt during baking, resulting in tender, flaky scones.
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Add the Flavor: Mix in the zest of one lemon and the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough. The lemon zest brightens the flavor profile, complementing the rich chocolate perfectly.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of buttermilk, the egg yolk (you can save the egg white for another recipe), and 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
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Form the Dough: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the dough comes together in moist clumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
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Shape the Scones: Lightly flour a clean work surface and gather the dough into a ball. Press it out gently to form an 8-inch round disc, about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the round into 6 to 8 wedges, depending on your desired size.
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Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This spacing is vital for even baking and achieving a beautiful rise.
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Brush and Sprinkle: For a delightful finish, brush the tops of the scones lightly with the milk and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates a lovely golden crust.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will be an indication that something delicious is on the way.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve them warm for the best experience, perhaps with a pat of butter or a dollop of jam. These chocolate chip scones are sure to become a favorite, whether enjoyed at breakfast, shared at brunch, or savored with a cup of tea in the afternoon.
Tips and Variations
For those looking to customize their scones, the possibilities are endless. Consider substituting half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a unique twist. You could also add nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can also work wonderfully, offering a fruity contrast to the richness of the chocolate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these chocolate chip scones are not only quick and easy to make but are also incredibly versatile, making them a delightful addition to any occasion. With their tender, flaky texture and the rich sweetness of chocolate, they are sure to please everyone from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious scones. Happy baking!
