These Easy Chocolate Chip Scones are a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with pockets of melty chocolate. With just 25 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, you’ll have golden, flaky scones that are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. The tender crumb and crisp edges create a satisfying texture, while the sweet chocolate chips add a burst of indulgence in every bite.
Warm from the oven, these scones fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma that’s impossible to resist. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared with loved ones, they’re a simple yet luxurious way to brighten your day. Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe promises delicious results every time.
Ingredients for Easy Chocolate Chip Scones
- 3 ½ cups (18oz/497g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (2oz/60g) granulated sugar
- 5 teaspoons baking powder, leveled
- 1 generous pinch salt
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) cold butter, finely diced (keep it cold for best results)
- 1 ¼ cups (7 ½ oz/213g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup (6floz/170ml) whole milk (or substitute with buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
- ¼ cup (2floz/57ml) heavy cream (or substitute with additional milk if needed)
- Milk for glazing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and cream. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir quickly until the dough just comes together.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead a few times just until a smooth dough is formed.
- Pat the dough into a thickness of a generous 1 ½ inches. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the tray for 15 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
- Glaze the tops of the scones with milk and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden and they sound a bit hollow when tapped.
- Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Serve and enjoy! These scones are delicious on their own or with jam. Pair them with Irish tea for a delightful treat.
- Store fully cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Defrost in a warm oven (300°F/150°C).
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Easy Chocolate Chip Scones are delightful on their own, but they truly shine with a few thoughtful additions. Serve them warm with a dollop of clotted cream and your favorite jam for a classic treat. For a cozy afternoon, pair them with a cup of Irish tea or a frothy latte. They also make a great companion to fresh fruit or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage Secrets: Keeping Scones Fresh
To maintain their texture, store fully cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost in a warm oven (300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their freshness and warmth.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply shape and bake in the morning for fresh scones with minimal effort. You can also pre-cut the butter and keep it in the freezer until ready to use, ensuring it stays cold for the perfect crumbly texture.
Recipe Variations: Mix It Up!
Feel free to customize these scones to suit your taste. Swap the chocolate chips for dried fruit like cranberries or apricots, or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for extra flavor. For a nutty twist, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans. The possibilities are endless!
Equipment Essentials: Tools for Success
To make these scones effortlessly, ensure you have a pastry blender or your fingertips ready to cut the butter into the flour. A biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter) works best for shaping, but a sharp knife can also do the trick. Don’t forget parchment paper for easy cleanup and a wire rack for cooling!
Easy Chocolate Chip Scones
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 teaspoons baking powder leveled
- 1 generous pinch salt
- ½ cup cold butter finely diced
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Milk for glazing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cut cold butter into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, and cream together and pour into the flour mixture. Stir quickly until the dough just comes together.
- Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead a few times just until a smooth dough is formed.
- Pat dough into a thickness of a generous 1 1/2 inch, cut out circles with your biscuit cutter, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the tray in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
- Glaze the tops of the scones with the milk and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until tops are golden and they sound a bit hollow when tapped.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes and then transfer onto a wire rack to finish cooling. These scones are delicious on their own, and also wonderful with jam! Don’t forget the Irish tea!
- Store fully cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Defrost in a warm oven (300°F/150°C).
