Indulging in a warm, flaky scone is one of life’s simple pleasures. These Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones are not only easy to whip up but also elevate your breakfast or snack game to a whole new level. With a delightful crunch from the pecans and a sweet, melty burst of chocolate in every bite, these scones are perfect for lazy mornings or a cozy afternoon tea. Let’s dive into the world of scone-making and explore how to create these delicious treats that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, enjoying them with your morning coffee, or packing them for a picnic, these scones never disappoint. Plus, they are a breeze to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. You’ll find yourself making these Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones time and again!
The Ingredient Lineup
To make these delectable scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, VERY cold and cut into tiny pieces
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12-ounce bag chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon milk or water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, for sprinkling
Tools of the Trade
You’ll want to have these essentials on hand for making your scones:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking!
- Pastry cutter or fork: To cut the butter into the flour mixture.
- Baking sheet: For baking your scones to golden perfection.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack: To cool your scones after baking.
Build Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the very cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Add the chocolate chips and chopped pecans to the dough. Fold them in gently until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few dry spots.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk or water, then brush the egg wash over the tops of each scone for a beautiful golden finish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Step 9: Cool and Sprinkle
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cool, dust with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant touch.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
If you’re looking to lighten up these Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones without sacrificing flavor, consider the following swaps:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based milk for a lower fat option.
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds.
Steer Clear of These
When making your scones, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your baked goods turn out perfectly:
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough scones.
- Ensure your butter is very cold to create that flaky texture.
- Avoid using expired baking powder, as this can affect the rise of your scones.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it gives the scones that beautiful golden color!
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones fresh and delicious:
- Storing: Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked scones in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen scones, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Reader Q&A
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative, though the scones may be slightly less rich. A combination of yogurt and milk can work well too!
How can I make these scones sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter scones, feel free to increase the brown sugar to 3/4 cup or add a touch more chocolate chips.
Can I add different mix-ins?
Absolutely! These scones are versatile; try adding dried fruits like cranberries or swapping the pecans for walnuts for a different flavor profile.
One Pan, More Ideas
If you enjoyed these Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones, you might also love these delightful recipes:
- Heavenly Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cake With A Silky Finish
- Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes With Warm Syrup
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi
Before You Go
Now that you have the recipe for these delightful Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy the process and the delicious results. Whether you share them with friends or savor them all by yourself, these scones are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!
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Chocolate Chip Pecan Scones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Add the very cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Add the chocolate chips and chopped pecans to the dough. Fold them in gently until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
- Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk or water, then brush the egg wash over the tops of each scone.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar for an elegant touch.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
- Freeze the baked scones for up to 3 months for a quick treat.
- Be sure the butter is very cold for the best flaky texture.
