**Meta Title:** Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones – Buttery & Mocha Delight
**Meta Description:** Discover the secret to making buttery Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones! These chocolate-kissed delights are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
You know that feeling when you wake up craving something indulgent but also comforting? Those moments when your heart leans toward sweet and your mind insists on coffee? Enter the divine world of Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones! As a passionate home cook and dessert enthusiast, I can assure you that these scones are the perfect blend of buttery goodness and mocha magic. If you’ve ever yearned for a morning treat that seamlessly marries your love for coffee and chocolate, then this recipe will be your new best friend.
What makes these scones special isn’t just their rich, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen; it’s the tender crumb that comes from a perfect balance of ingredients and a touch of love. You’ll learn how to combine simple pantry staples into a delightful pastry that is perfect for brunch gatherings, an afternoon tea, or even a cozy evening treat. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get baking!
What are Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones?
Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones are a delightful pastry that originated from the classic British scone, often served with clotted cream and jam during tea time. However, we’ve taken this traditional concept and enhanced it with rich flavors that embody the essence of breakfast favorites. Imagine buttery scones imbued with the deep, roasted flavor of coffee, complemented by pockets of melty chocolate chips.
The scones have a golden-brown exterior that shatters pleasingly to reveal a tender, moist center. Each bite is a heavenly blend of sweet and slightly bitter, giving you a deliciously well-rounded experience. What makes people truly love Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones is how they can satisfy both the chocolate lover and the coffee aficionado simultaneously. They are your perfect early morning companion while still being chic enough for brunch parties.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about freshly baked scones, and these Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones are a dream come true for several reasons. First, they are **incredibly easy to make**— no fancy techniques or special equipment are needed. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, you can whip these scones up in under 30 minutes.
Moreover, you’ll find they are budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of coffee and chocolate makes them **perfectly indulgent**, creating a rich flavor profile that transforms your morning routine or elevates your brunch spreads.
Last but certainly not least, they are *fantastic for leftovers*! Whether enjoyed with a dollop of butter or a smear of your favorite jam, they stay fresh for days, making them a great candidate for meal prep. Whether you’re having a cozy breakfast solo or whipping up a storm for guests, these scones are just the right touch of home-baked joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather up these simple yet delightful ingredients that come together to create your scrumptious scones.
– **All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):** The backbone of your scones. For a lighter texture, you can substitute up to 1/2 cup with cake flour.
– **Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup):** Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the bitterness of the coffee. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
– **Baking Powder (1 tablespoon):** The leavening agent that helps your scones rise. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results; otherwise, your scones might turn out flat.
– **Salt (1/2 teaspoon):** Enhances the flavors. Always use fine salt, so it dissolves well into the mixture.
– **Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, cold):** Adds richness. Cut it into small cubes before adding it to the flour mixture to create that flaky texture.
– **Heavy Cream (3/4 cup):** Creates a tender crumb and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with milk, but the scones may be slightly less rich.
– **Espresso Powder (1 tablespoon):** The secret ingredient that infuses your scones with that beautiful mocha flavor. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use instant coffee but grind it finely.
– **Chocolate Chips (1 cup):** Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best here; however, feel free to mix it up with dark or even white chocolate for a unique twist.
– **Egg (1 large):** This helps bind the ingredients and provides a slight richness.
– **Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):** Pairs wonderfully with both chocolate and coffee flavors.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones
Let’s dive into the process of creating these mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones!
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps in easy cleanup and prevents the scones from sticking.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the **all-purpose flour**, **granulated sugar**, **baking powder**, and **salt** until well mixed. This ensures that all the leavening agents and flavors are evenly distributed throughout your scone dough.
3. **Add Cold Butter**: Slowly add the **cold, cubed butter** to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout. This process is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
4. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the **heavy cream**, **egg**, **espresso powder**, and **vanilla extract** until smooth. Make sure the espresso powder is dissolved completely for even flavor.
5. **Combine Mixtures**: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Once the flour is about halfway incorporated, fold in the **chocolate chips**. It’s important not to overmix; you want a somewhat shaggy dough that holds together.
6. **Shape the Scones**: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently gather the dough into a ball and pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges.
7. **Bake the Scones**: Place the wedges on the prepared baking pan, leaving some space in between them. Brush the tops with a little extra cream for a gorgeous golden finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen nicely.
8. **Cool and Serve**: Once out of the oven, allow the scones to cool for about 5 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm, and watch them disappear quickly!
Tips, Tricks & Variations
– **Storage**: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave.
– **For Extra Flakiness**: Don’t be too rough while handling the dough. The less you work the dough, the flakier your scones will be!
– **Flavor Variations**: Feel free to amp up the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm kick. Nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans can also add a nice crunch.
– **Glaze Option**: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled scones made from powdered sugar and a splash of coffee. Not only does it add sweetness, but it also looks delightful!
– **Vegan Version**: Use a plant-based butter substitute, such as coconut oil or a vegan butter block. Swap the cream for a plant-based milk and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, set aside for 5 minutes).
What to Serve With Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones
These scones are delightful on their own, but there are several accompaniments that could elevate your experience even further. Serve them alongside your favorite **barista-style coffee** or a creamy **cappuccino** to complement the mocha notes beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of **clotted cream** or **butter** adds a rich and luxurious touch—more indulgence never hurt anyone, right?
For something refreshing, pair your scones with a cup of **herbal tea**, like chamomile or mint, which can balance out the sweetness. Lastly, don’t forget fresh seasonal fruits like berries or sliced peaches — their acidity contrasts perfectly with the rich scones.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
A serving of these Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones—roughly one scone—contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. They provide a moderate amount of carbohydrates thanks to the flour, which is perfect for getting your energy levels up for the day. Moreover, the chocolate chips deliver a dose of antioxidants from cocoa, while the coffee offers a caffeine boost that can help improve focus.
If you’re looking for detailed nutritional information tailored to your specific ingredient choices, I recommend checking resources like the [USDA Food Composition Database](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/) for comprehensive data.
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I make these scones ahead of time?**
Absolutely! Prepare the dough the night before and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply shape and bake without needing to come to room temperature.
**2. What can I substitute for espresso powder?**
If you don’t have espresso powder on hand, you can substitute it with instant coffee. Just make sure to grind it finely for the best flavor infusion.
**3. How do I know when my scones are done baking?**
Scones are done when they have a beautiful golden color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The edges will be set, and the tops should feel firm to the touch.
**4. Can I freeze the scones?**
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked scones on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, store them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer for about 5 extra minutes.
**5. How do I store leftover scones?**
Keep cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
In conclusion, making Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones is an incredibly fulfilling experience that will fill your kitchen with warm and inviting aromas, making your mornings that much brighter. Trust me, once you take your first bite of these buttery, mocha-kissed treats, you will be hooked! So why not indulge yourself tonight and bake a batch? If you loved this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your delicious creations! Happy baking!
