The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Scones: A Family Favorite Recipe for Any Occasion

 

 

Our Family’s Baking Adventures: More Than Just a Recipe

When my daughter Cassie and I first embarked on our culinary journey, documenting our baking adventures in the kitchen, we put out a call to family and friends for their cherished recipes. I already had a treasure trove of classics from my Grandma, my sister, my mom, and a couple of aunts – recipes that are truly exceptional and which I plan to share in due time. But our spirits of adventure yearned for something new. We love to explore different techniques, test our skills against various challenges, and see what delicious creations we can whip up with the ingredients and tools we already have at home.

And, of course, a significant part of this “girl time” ritual involves making an absolutely glorious mess in the kitchen! It’s an essential ingredient in our shared joy and laughter.

Cassie is my most enthusiastic, hands-on helper. Together, we roll up our sleeves, don our aprons, and dive into the flour-dusted wonderland. Sometimes, to add an extra layer of fun, we’ll spend the entire baking session conversing in exaggerated accents – perhaps a dramatic British tone, a lively German lilt, or a passionate Italian cadence. While I’m certain our renditions are hilariously inaccurate and probably insult every culture we attempt to mimic, we have an absolute blast. Maybe, just maybe, we’re trying to channel our inner Julia Child, embracing the joy and playful spirit of cooking with abandon.

My younger daughter, Grace, has carved out her own special role: she’s our official food photographer. She has a natural knack for capturing the beauty of our creations, often finding unique angles (being much shorter than me helps!). Grace is always on standby, ready for the crucial task of taste-testing the batter or, her favorite, meticulously cleaning up the beaters by licking them sparkling clean. Her enthusiasm for the sweet rewards is unparalleled, and she ensures every culinary masterpiece is documented.

And then there’s CJ, our discerning food critic. He’s incredibly adventurous, willing to try anything I place in front of him. However, his palate is keen, and he’s not shy about offering his honest opinion – whether good or bad. Lately, he’s even started to fancy himself a budding culinary expert, often chiming in with suggestions like, “Maybe if you add a little…” or “I think it could use some…” While his critiques might occasionally challenge my ego, I love that he’s actively thinking about flavors, ingredients, and how to enhance a dish. These are valuable skills he’ll surely appreciate when he’s living on his own and mastering the art of transforming a simple box of noodles and broth into something delicious and satisfying!

The Journey to Baking Perfect Chocolate Chip Scones

So, let’s get back to today’s star recipe: these incredible chocolate chip scones. This particular recipe came from my wonderful cousin, Kim Roberson, and she assured me it was one of her absolute favorites. When I first read through the instructions, I have to admit, I felt a pang of intimidation. Not by the concept of a scone itself – after all, a scone is essentially a delightful English sweet biscuit, a familiar and comforting treat. My apprehension stemmed from the very first direction: “Put stuff in a food processor.” A food processor? I didn’t own one of those. And then, a little further down, after the food processor magic, it instructed: “Put it in your KitchenAid stand mixer.” Another essential kitchen gadget I lacked. These hurdles led me to postpone making Kim’s recipe for several months, feeling a bit defeated by my equipment limitations.

However, fate, or perhaps persistent baking aspirations, intervened. I eventually acquired my very own KitchenAid stand mixer – a momentous occasion for any home baker! With this new addition, I decided it was finally time to tackle Kim’s beloved recipe, even if it meant forging ahead without a food processor. And guess what? It absolutely can be done! In fact, to my pleasant surprise, it was incredibly easy and yielded fantastic results!

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: don’t let a lack of specialized equipment deter you from trying a new recipe. If you don’t have a food processor or a stand mixer, please don’t be put off. You can still achieve fantastic results by simply working with what you have. A good old-fashioned bowl, a pastry blender (or two knives, or even just your fingertips!), and a little elbow grease are all you truly need to create these wonderfully tender and flavorful chocolate chip scones. This recipe is proof that delicious homemade treats are accessible to everyone.

Tips for Perfectly Tender Scones (Even Without Fancy Equipment!)

Achieving light, flaky, and tender scones is easier than you might think, especially with a few key techniques:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: This is absolutely crucial! Cold butter is the secret to flaky scones. As the cold butter melts in the hot oven, it releases steam, creating those wonderful pockets of air. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill your flour and bowl beforehand.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough barely comes together.
• Cutting in Butter by Hand: If you don’t have a food processor, use a pastry blender to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces remaining. You can also use two knives in a criss-cross motion or even your clean fingertips, but work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up too much.
• Even Thickness: When pressing out your dough, aim for an even thickness (around 3/4 to 1 inch) to ensure uniform baking. This prevents some scones from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Bake Hot and Fast: Scones benefit from a hot oven (425°F/220°C) to get a good rise and a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Variety is the Spice of Life: While mini chocolate chips are undeniably delightful, feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like plump dried cranberries, sweet raisins, chopped pecans or walnuts, or even a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or orange zest for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless for customizing your perfect scone!

Chocolate Chip Scones
from Kim Roberson

Scones with Chocolate Chips

Ingredients

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons chilled, unsalted butter, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven: Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter: Place flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade). Whisk these dry ingredients together until thoroughly combined (or pulse six times if using a food processor). If making by hand, use two knives or a pastry blender (or your clean, cold fingertips) to quickly cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some small, pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. (If using a food processor, remove the cover, distribute the butter evenly over the dry ingredients, cover, and pulse 12 times, with each pulse lasting 1 second.)
3. Add Chocolate Chips and Cream: Stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Then, gradually add in the heavy cream with a rubber spatula or fork, mixing gently until the dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
4. Lightly Knead Dough: Remove the dough from the bowl and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Gently knead any loose crumbs into your dough, just until it all comes together into a cohesive ball. The key here is to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain tenderness.
5. Shape and Cut Scones: Divide the dough in half. Lightly flour the bottom (outside) of a round cake pan or a clean work surface. Press one half of your dough out onto the floured surface to form a circle, making sure to achieve an even thickness all around (approximately 3/4 to 1 inch thick). Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into eight equal wedges. Carefully transfer these wedges to an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a small space between each scone. Repeat this entire process with the second half of the dough.
6. Bake Scones: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are just starting to turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Cool the freshly baked scones on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. These scones are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature for the most delightful flavor and texture.
8. Storage: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, simply thaw them and gently warm in a preheated oven for a few minutes until soft and warm again.

Notes

This delightful recipe was generously shared by my cousin Kim Roberson. Original adaptation from ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see your creations! Please leave a comment on the blog below or share a photo of your delicious chocolate chip scones on Instagram using the hashtags #ChocolateChipScones or #HomemadeScones!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Scone Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe, and I’m confident you will too! These homemade chocolate chip scones strike the perfect balance: they are delightfully sweet but not overly so, steering clear of a cake-like texture. They have that wonderfully tender, crumbly interior with a slightly crisp exterior that defines a perfect scone. What makes them truly special are the endless possibilities for customization. While the mini chocolate chips are undeniably delicious and a universal favorite, imagine swapping them out for plump dried cranberries, sweet golden raisins, crunchy chopped pecans or walnuts, or a mix of several. A dash of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even some fresh orange or lemon zest could add an aromatic and zesty twist, elevating the flavor profile. Cassie and I are already planning our next experimental batch, eager to explore new variations! A huge thank you to my cousin Kim for sharing this fantastic, versatile recipe that has become a cherished part of our family’s baking repertoire!

Craving More Sweet Treats and Scone Inspiration?

If these irresistible chocolate chip scones have awakened your inner baker and you’re eager for more delicious challenges, you’re in luck! Here are some more delectable recipes from our kitchen that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth or inspire your next baking adventure. From other delightful scone varieties to comforting biscotti and easy-to-make pastries, there’s something here for every craving and skill level. Click on the links below to discover your next favorite treat!

Triple Dark Chocolate Scones

For the ultimate chocolate lover, these rich and decadent scones are packed with intense dark chocolate flavor in every bite. A truly indulgent and satisfying treat that’s perfect for a luxurious breakfast or dessert.

Double Chocolate Biscotti

Made with Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, this crunchy biscotti is perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or a cozy cup of tea. A must-try for any chocolate aficionado!

Chocolate Coconut Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Start your day right with these wholesome and delicious breakfast cookies, packed with a delightful combination of chocolate, coconut, hearty oatmeal, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy pecans. A satisfying treat!

Easy Palmiers

These elegant and incredibly easy-to-make Palmiers, often called “elephant ears,” are crafted from just puff pastry and sugar, creating a crispy, caramelized delight that’s perfect for entertaining or a simple sweet craving.

Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti

Delightfully crunchy and bursting with warm cinnamon sugar flavor, these biscotti are an ideal companion for your morning coffee or espresso, and they make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Apple Pie Bites

Enjoy the comforting, classic taste of apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick, satisfying dessert craving without the fuss of a full pie.

Chocolate Filled Pastry

Proof that good things don’t have to be complicated! This easy chocolate-filled pastry is a delicious way to enjoy a sweet, comforting dessert that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.