![]()
Fancy Double Drizzled Chocolate Chip Scones
There are few things more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from the kitchen, and for me, those glorious scents often evoke a particular memory of a crisp autumn afternoon. I remember vividly, during my apprenticeship at a charming little bakery nestled in the Cotswolds, the baker would pull out trays of these very scones, their golden-brown tops flecked with glistening chocolate chips. The real magic, however, happened after they’d cooled slightly – the delicate dance of melted dark and white chocolate drizzled artfully across their surfaces, creating a visual and gustatory delight. It was a touch that elevated them from a simple treat to a moment of pure indulgence, a testament to the power of a little extra effort.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35-38 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Yield: 6-8 scones
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these exquisite double-drizzled chocolate chip scones:
For the Scones:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup cream (light or heavy will work beautifully)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Garnish:
- 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 3 ounces white chocolate, melted
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Equipment Needed
To make these scones, you’ll want to have the following on hand:
- Oven
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Food processor (or a pastry blender and large bowl)
- Large mixing bowl
- Ice cream scoop (about 1/4 cup size)
- Six to eight 3 1/2 inch individual tart tins (optional, for freeform baking)
- Cooling racks
- Waxed paper or parchment paper (for under cooling racks)
- Small heatproof bowls (for melting chocolate)
- Whisk or spoon (for stirring chocolate)
- Double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully for perfectly delightful scones.
-
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). If you plan on baking your scones freeform, stack two baking sheets together. This creates a more insulated base, helping to prevent the bottoms from over-browning. Line the top baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, if you prefer individual scones with a distinct shape, lightly spray six to eight 3 1/2 inch individual tart tins with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Process these dry ingredients briefly to ensure they are well combined.
-
Incorporate the Butter: Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the food processor. Pulse the mixture until the butter is cut into the dry ingredients, resembling coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is crucial for achieving a tender scone.
-
Form the Dough Base: Turn the mealy mixture out into a large bowl. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the egg, vanilla extract, and most of the cream (reserve a little if needed). Stir with a fork or spatula until a soft dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be tender and slightly sticky, somewhere between a stiff dough and a soft batter. If it seems too dry, add the reserved cream a tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
-
Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing.
-
Shape the Scones: Using an ice cream scoop (about a 1/4 cup size), drop portions of the scone dough into the prepared tart tins, or directly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet if baking freeform. Aim for roughly equal-sized mounds.
-
Bake the Scones: Place the baking sheet (or tins) into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly browned on top and the edges are golden.
-
Cool the Scones: Once baked, carefully remove the scones from the oven. If using tart tins, let them cool in the tins for a few minutes. Otherwise, leave them on the baking sheet. Allow them to cool for about 15 minutes until they are slightly cooled but still warm.
-
Prepare for Drizzling: While the scones are cooling, prepare your drizzling elements. Place parchment paper or waxed paper underneath your cooling racks. This will catch any drips and make for easier cleanup, as well as provide a surface to catch excess melted chocolate. Transfer the slightly cooled scones to the cooling racks.
-
Melt the Chocolate: In separate, small heatproof bowls, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the white chocolate chips. You can do this using a double boiler over very low heat, or in the microwave in short, 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Be exceedingly careful when melting white chocolate or milk chocolate, as they can burn much more easily than dark chocolate due to their higher milk solid content. Stir constantly and keep a close eye on them while they melt.
-
Drizzle and Decorate: Once the chocolates are melted and smooth, artfully drizzle both melted chocolates over the tops of the cooled scones. You can use a spoon, a piping bag with a small tip, or even a fork to create decorative lines.
-
Set and Dust: Allow the chocolate drizzle to set. Once the chocolate has firmed up, you can optionally dust the tops of the scones with a light coating of confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
-
Serve: Arrange the beautifully drizzled scones on a serving plate. These are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. For an added touch of luxury, serve with a dollop of Creme Fraiche or Devonshire Clotted Cream (optional).
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Cold is Key for Tender Scones: Ensuring your butter and cream are as cold as possible is paramount to achieving flaky, tender scones. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, which result in layers.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- The Ice Cream Scoop Advantage: Using a portion-controlled scoop like an ice cream scoop ensures your scones are all roughly the same size, promoting even baking.
- Melt Chocolate with Care: As mentioned, white and milk chocolate are delicate. A double boiler over very low heat, or careful microwaving with constant stirring, is your best bet to prevent scorching. If your white chocolate gets a little stiff, you can stir in a tiny drop of neutral oil or vegetable shortening to loosen it.
- The Double Baking Sheet Trick: For those baking freeform, the double baking sheet is a game-changer for preventing a burnt bottom.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These Fancy Double Drizzled Chocolate Chip Scones are delightful served warm, allowing the chocolate to be slightly melty. They also hold up beautifully at room temperature and can be enjoyed as a lovely afternoon tea treat or breakfast pastry.
- Serving: Serve them as is, or with a side of clotted cream or crème fraîche for an extra decadent experience. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a rich hot chocolate.
- Storage: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for these decadent scones. Please note that these are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 525 kcal | 26% |
| Total Fat | 29 g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 360 mg | 16% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62 g | 23% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g | 11% |
| Total Sugars | 30 g | 60% |
| Protein | 7 g | 14% |
Note: Values are for a single scone, assuming 8 servings and including optional garnishes.
Variations & Substitutions
While these scones are spectacular as is, feel free to experiment!
- Chocolate Variations: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks. You could also use a mix of different chocolate types. For the drizzle, consider using a contrasting flavor like dark chocolate over white, or even a flavored chocolate.
- Add-ins: Fold in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even some dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Citrus Zest: A tablespoon of orange or lemon zest added to the dry ingredients can add a bright, fresh note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Vegan Option: While this recipe is not vegan, you could explore vegan scone recipes and adapt the chocolate drizzle with vegan chocolate chips and plant-based milk for thinning.
FAQs
Q: Why are my scones tough?
A: This is most likely due to overmixing the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them tender.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the point of folding in the chocolate chips, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes very firm.
Q: What’s the best way to melt chocolate without it seizing?
A: Use a double boiler or microwave on low power, stirring frequently. Ensure no water comes into contact with the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become grainy.
Q: My chocolate drizzle isn’t setting, what can I do?
A: Ensure the scones are fully cool before drizzling. If the chocolate is still soft after a while, place the scones in the refrigerator for a short period to help it set.
Q: Can I bake these without individual tins?
A: Absolutely! Baking freeform on parchment-lined, stacked baking sheets is a perfectly acceptable and delicious method.
Final Thoughts
These Fancy Double Drizzled Chocolate Chip Scones are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to a moment of pure culinary joy. The subtle richness of the scone, the bursts of melted chocolate, and the elegant drizzle combine to create something truly special. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply a desire for a delightful treat, I encourage you to give them a try. I’d love to hear how yours turn out and any creative twists you might have introduced. Enjoy every bite!