There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the kitchen, and when those scones are studded with rich chocolate chips, the experience is elevated to a whole new level of indulgence. Chocolate chip scones with clotted cream are a delightful fusion of British tradition and a touch of sweet decadence, perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a weekend brunch. As a journalist with a passion for culinary crafts, I decided to delve into the process of making these delectable treats and share my experience with readers. My family, who are seasoned scone connoisseurs, were thrilled to be the taste testers, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The balance of the crumbly, buttery scone with the smooth, luxurious clotted cream and the occasional burst of chocolate was truly a hit.
Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering chocolate chip scones, you’ll need a selection of simple, yet high-quality ingredients that come together to form a harmonious ensemble of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Clotted cream, for serving
Instructions
Creating these scones is a process that involves a few key steps to ensure the perfect texture and flavor in every bite. Follow these instructions to achieve scone perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
- Shape the dough into a disk about 1-inch thick and cut it into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone. Brush the tops with a little heavy cream.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with clotted cream.
Nutrition Facts
These chocolate chip scones are not only delicious but also a treat that you can enjoy knowing exactly what’s going into your body. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving:
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
Preparation Time
Time is of the essence when it comes to baking, and these scones are no exception. From start to finish, here’s how long you can expect to spend on this recipe:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve
Serving chocolate chip scones with clotted cream is an art in itself, and there are several ways to enhance the experience:
- Traditional Tea Time: Pair the scones with a pot of freshly brewed tea, allowing the flavors of the tea to complement the sweetness of the scones.
- Brunch Delight: Serve the scones as part of a larger brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and other pastries.
- Afternoon Indulgence: Enjoy a scone with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of your favorite jam for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Gourmet Touch: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the scones for an extra touch of elegance.
- On-the-Go Snack: Wrap a scone in parchment paper and take it with you for a delicious snack during your busy day.
Additional Tips
To ensure your chocolate chip scones turn out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Keep it Cold: Make sure your butter is cold when you incorporate it into the flour mixture. This helps create the flaky texture that scones are known for.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The taste of your scones will greatly depend on the quality of the ingredients you use, so opt for good quality chocolate chips and fresh clotted cream.
- Cut Evenly: When shaping your scones, try to cut them into even pieces to ensure they bake evenly.
- Storage: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
FAQ Section
As with any recipe, questions may arise. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you perfect your baking skills:
- Can I use a different type of cream? While clotted cream is traditional, you can substitute it with whipped cream or even a thick Greek yogurt for a different twist.
- How can I make my scones healthier? You can swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, use a sugar substitute, or add oats for a healthier version.
- What if I don’t have a pastry cutter? You can use two knives or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture, or even use your hands, but work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Can I add other mix-ins? Absolutely! Consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your scones.
- Why are my scones not rising? Ensure your baking powder is fresh and that your butter is cold to help the scones rise properly in the oven.