Chocolate Pecan Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - 3/4 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) Each ingredient plays a key role in making these scones. The flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder makes the scones rise. The salt enhances all the flavors. Cold butter creates a flaky texture. Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor. Chocolate chips bring rich sweetness, and cream keeps the dough moist. Vanilla extract adds depth to the taste. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your taste. If you want a different nut, try walnuts or almonds. For chocolate, use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or white chocolate for a creamy touch. If you need a nut-free option, simply skip the pecans. The scones will still be delicious without them. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well. 3. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. 4. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly mixed in. 5. In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup of heavy cream with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry mix. Stir gently until it’s just combined. The dough should feel slightly sticky. 6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges. 7. Place the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet with space between them. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a nice golden finish. 8. Bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be lightly browned, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. 9. Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. - Use cold butter for flaky scones. - Don’t overmix the dough; it should be slightly sticky. - Brush the tops of the scones for a beautiful finish. - Serve warm with powdered sugar or chocolate sauce for a treat. To get the best texture in your scones, keep your butter cold. Use cubed butter straight from the fridge. When you mix it with the flour, stop when it looks like coarse crumbs. This will keep your scones flaky. Also, don't overmix the dough. Mix until just combined. A slightly sticky dough is perfect for scones. One mistake is using warm butter. It can make your scones dense. Another mistake is overworking the dough. If you mix too much, your scones will be tough. Lastly, remember to space the scones on the baking sheet. They need room to rise and bake evenly. Serve your scones warm for the best taste. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. You can also pair them with whipped cream or chocolate sauce. These options enhance the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect treat! {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of your scones easily. Try adding orange zest for a fresh twist. A sprinkle of cinnamon can make them warm and cozy. You could also use different chocolate, like white chocolate or milk chocolate. Each option gives you a unique taste. Want to make gluten-free scones? Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. You might need to add a bit more cream to keep the dough moist. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. Feel free to swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds. Both nuts add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries. For the chocolate chips, try butterscotch or peanut butter chips for something different. There are many ways to make these scones your own! To keep your Chocolate Pecan Scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to trap moisture and flavors. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. Freezing scones is a great way to enjoy them later. First, let the scones cool completely. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. These scones can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the scones and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them through and restores their crisp crust. You can also microwave individual scones for about 15-20 seconds, but they might lose some crunch. Enjoy your warm, tasty scones! Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty taste. It also makes the scones a bit denser. I suggest mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This mix keeps the scones light and fluffy while adding flavor. Leftovers can last for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Use the dough within two days for the best results. When you’re ready to bake, just cut and shape the scones. Then, bake them as usual for fresh treats. In this post, I covered how to make delicious scones, focusing on ingredients, steps, and tips. I shared ingredient notes and gave easy substitutions. You learned preparation, baking instructions, and the best tips for texture. Plus, I included variations and ways to store scones. Remember, baking is fun and meant to be shared. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. Follow the tips, avoid common mistakes, and savor every bite!$

Indulge in these decadent chocolate pecan scones that are perfect for any occasion! With a delightful mix of buttery dough, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, these scones are a treat your taste buds won’t forget. Following our easy step-by-step recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in just 35 minutes. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your baking game today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.

Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream and vanilla extract together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a knife or a dough cutter to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.

Transfer the scone wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve the scones warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and consider pairing them with whipped cream or a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.