If you’re craving a simple yet delicious treat, you’ll love these Strawberry Chocolate Chip Scones! They combine sweet strawberries and rich chocolate in a fluffy scone that’s easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these tasty bites in no time. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that will bring smiles to your kitchen and warmth to your table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Fruity: The combination of strawberries and chocolate creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This scone recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect treat for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out strawberries for other fruits or adjust the amount of chocolate to fit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: These scones are a crowd-pleaser and are great for brunch, tea parties, or as a sweet snack to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
– Extra sugar for sprinkling
To make these Strawberry Chocolate Chip Scones, gather all the ingredients first. You will need two cups of all-purpose flour. This is the base for your scones. Add a quarter cup of granulated sugar to sweeten them just right. Baking powder helps the scones rise, so use one tablespoon. A little salt, only half a teaspoon, will balance the flavors.
Cold butter is key for flaky scones. Use a quarter cup, cubed, and keep it cold until you need it. Heavy cream adds richness, so have half a cup ready. You’ll also need one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
Fresh strawberries are a must. Use one cup, hulled and diced, to bring freshness. Don’t forget half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for that sweet touch. Lastly, you need one tablespoon of milk for brushing on top and a little extra sugar to sprinkle for a nice finish.
Having these ingredients prepped and measured makes cooking smoother. It helps you focus on mixing and baking, ensuring your scones turn out perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scones bake evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the scones from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Make sure these dry ingredients mix well. This step is key for even rising.
Incorporate Cold Butter
Next, add 1/4 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mix. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers. Blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. This helps create a flaky scone.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until smooth. This blend adds moisture and flavor to the scones.
Create the Dough
Gradually pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing. This keeps your scones light and fluffy.
Shape and Cut Scones
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round, about 1-inch thick. Cut the round into wedges, like a pizza. Place these pieces on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the scones with 1 tablespoon of milk. This helps them brown nicely. Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for sweetness. Bake for 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack for the best texture.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Flaky Texture
To get that perfect flaky texture, use cold butter. Cold butter makes the dough rise. Cut the butter into small pieces. Mix it into the flour until it looks like crumbs. This method adds air and creates layers in the scone. Remember to handle the dough gently.
Avoiding Overmixing
Overmixing can spoil your scones. When you mix wet and dry ingredients, do it slowly. Stir just until you see no dry flour. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky. If you mix too much, the scones will be tough, not light.
Best Practices for Baking
Ensuring Even Baking
To ensure even baking, spread the scones out on the baking sheet. Leave space between them. This helps hot air circulate. Also, rotate the sheet halfway through baking. This step helps all scones bake evenly.
Keeping Scones Fresh
To keep scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. They stay good for two days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Wrap each scone tightly and place them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months. Just reheat them when ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream are cold; this helps create a flaky texture in your scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense scones instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Great for Breakfast or Dessert: These scones are versatile and can be enjoyed warm for breakfast or as a delightful dessert with tea.
Variations
Fruit Alternatives
You can switch up the fruit in your scones. Try blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each fruit adds a unique taste. For a tropical twist, use diced pineapple or mango. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. Experiment with different fruits for fun and flavor!
Different Chocolate Types
Chocolate adds richness to your scones. While semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, you can use dark chocolate for a bold taste. Milk chocolate offers a sweeter option. For a white chocolate twist, swap in white chocolate chips. Each type of chocolate changes the scone’s flavor, so choose your favorite!
Adding Nuts or Spices
Nuts can enhance the texture of your scones. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices bring a cozy flavor that pairs well with the fruit and chocolate. Play around with different combinations for a personal touch!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Scones
To keep your scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help them stay soft and tasty. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing Tips
To freeze scones, first let them cool completely. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the oven.
Best Serving Methods
Serve your scones warm for the best flavor. You can heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. For an extra treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh strawberries on the side. This makes for a lovely presentation and enhances the taste.
FAQs
Can I make scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make scones ahead of time. Prepare the dough and cut it into wedges. Place the uncooked scones on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, store them in a bag. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a nut milk blend. These options may change the texture slightly, but they still work well.
How do I know when the scones are done?
To check if the scones are done, look for a golden-brown color on top. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready. The edges should feel firm, and the tops should be light and airy.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. Frozen strawberries may change the texture a bit, but they still add great flavor to the scones.
What’s the best way to reheat scones?
To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This method helps restore their flaky texture. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to make them soggy.
This article covers how to make delicious scones using simple ingredients. We explored the list of ingredients and the easy steps to bake them. I shared tips for achieving the perfect flaky texture and storing leftovers. You can also try fun variations with fruits or nuts.
With this knowledge, you can create scones that impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking and the tasty result
