Homemade Chocolate Chip Scones

This Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe is a game-changer, promising buttery, perfectly crisp-edged scones with tender, soft centers and irresistible pockets of melty chocolate in every single bite. The secret ingredient? A touch of Greek yogurt, which elevates the texture and flavor, adding unparalleled moisture and richness without making them heavy. Prepare yourself for a homemade treat that tastes straight out of a gourmet bakery!

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One Bite and You’ll Understand the Hype!

As a passionate baker and a mom, I’m always looking for delightful treats that my family will adore. My kids absolutely love my Strawberry Scones, which are a regular request in our home. However, a few days ago, a craving for freshly baked scones hit, but my fridge was sadly strawberry-free. This led to a delicious improvisation: I tweaked my go-to recipe and created these incredible Chocolate Chip Scones instead. To my delight, and my children’s immediate obsession, they were an instant hit!

What truly surprised me was how these scones seemed to get even better the next morning. A quick warm-up and a delicate drizzle of glaze transformed them into a sublime breakfast experience. They strike the perfect balance: wonderfully buttery, incredibly soft, and loaded with rich chocolate flavor, all complemented by just the right amount of crispness on the edges and tender flakiness within. Many people find scones intimidating to get right, but with my detailed, step-by-step instructions and essential tips below, you’ll be baking professional-quality scones in your own kitchen with absolute confidence.

Why This Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe is The Best

There are countless scone recipes out there, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It combines classic techniques with a few ingenious twists to deliver consistently perfect results:

• Unrivaled Flakiness: The secret lies in using frozen, grated butter. This method ensures that the butter remains cold throughout the mixing process, creating countless tiny pockets that steam and expand during baking, resulting in incredibly flaky layers.
• Moisture & Richness from Greek Yogurt: Forget dry, crumbly scones! Full-fat Greek yogurt is a powerhouse ingredient, adding essential moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile. It also contributes to a wonderfully tender crumb, preventing the scones from becoming dense or hard.
• Perfect Texture Balance: Each scone boasts a delightfully crisp, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a soft, tender interior. This textural contrast is what elevates a good scone to a truly great one.
• Explosions of Chocolate: Generous amounts of chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets, providing bursts of sweetness that complement the rich, buttery dough perfectly.
• Simple & Approachable: While scones can seem tricky, this recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With a few key tips, you’ll master them in no time!

Key Ingredients for Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Scones

Crafting the perfect chocolate chip scone begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components and why they are crucial:

A Deeper Dive into Ingredient Roles:

• Frozen Butter: The Flake Factor. Using intensely cold, grated butter is perhaps the most important technique for achieving that signature scone flakiness. As the cold butter melts in the hot oven, it releases steam, creating airy pockets and distinct layers within the dough. This method prevents the butter from fully incorporating into the flour, which would lead to a more cake-like texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Moisture and Tender Crumb. Full-fat Greek yogurt is a secret weapon in this recipe. Its high fat content and acidity react with the leavening agents (baking soda and powder) to create extra lift, resulting in a lighter, more tender crumb. It also keeps the scones wonderfully moist, preventing them from drying out during baking.
• Sugars (Granulated & Brown): For Flavor and Texture. The combination of granulated and light brown sugar adds depth of flavor. Granulated sugar contributes to crispier edges, while brown sugar adds a subtle molasses note and helps keep the interior moist.
• Leavening Agents (Baking Soda & Baking Powder): The Lift. These two ingredients work in tandem to give the scones their rise. Baking soda reacts with the acidic Greek yogurt, and baking powder provides additional lift, ensuring a light and airy texture.

How To Make Perfectly Flaky Chocolate Chip Scones: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create delicious, bakery-quality chocolate chip scones right in your own kitchen:

1. Prepare for Success: Start by freezing your butter solid. This is a non-negotiable step for truly flaky scones! Adjust your oven rack to the lower third position and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure they are thoroughly combined.
3. Incorporate Frozen Butter & Chocolate Chips: Using the large holes of a cheese grater, grate the frozen butter directly into your dry ingredient mixture. Work quickly to keep the butter as cold as possible. Using a pastry cutter or two butter knives, swiftly cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Fold in the chocolate chips gently. Place this mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the wet ingredients to maintain its chill.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla extract, optional almond extract, full-fat Greek yogurt, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the chilled dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, mix until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and may seem too dry initially. Avoid overmixing!
6. Form and Cut the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently use your hands to press the dough into a large ball. Knead minimally, just enough for it to come together – remember, less mixing equals more tender scones. Shape the dough into a 5.5-inch (about 14 cm) disc, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. With a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 equal triangles using swift, decisive cuts rather than a sawing motion.
7. Chill for Optimal Rise: Carefully separate the triangles and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone. If desired, lightly brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream (this promotes a beautiful golden crust) and sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Place the entire baking sheet with the scones into the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes. This chilling period is vital for preventing spread and ensuring a tall, flaky rise.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Remove the chilled scones from the fridge and immediately transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the tops are just barely golden.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the scones cool, prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or heavy cream), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more liquid or powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency – it should be thick enough to cling to the spoon but still pourable.
10. Glaze and Serve: Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting. Allow them to cool further to room temperature on a wire rack before drizzling generously with the prepared glaze using a spoon. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Scones

What is the secret to making truly great scones?

The ultimate secret lies in using full-fat Greek yogurt, preferably a vanilla or honey-flavored variety for an extra layer of deliciousness. This ingredient is key for several reasons: it adds incredible creaminess, contributes to the scone’s structure, and infuses it with a lovely flavor. Make sure the yogurt is well mixed before adding it to your dough. Avoid low-fat or fat-free varieties as they lack the richness necessary for the best texture and flavor. We personally adore Greek Gods® Honey Vanilla yogurt in these chocolate chip scones (and yes, we’re just fans, not sponsored!).

Why do my homemade scones always turn out hard or tough?

Scones typically become hard or tough due to two main reasons: overmixing the dough or overbaking. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, bread-like texture rather than a tender, flaky one. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. A shaggy dough with a few lumps is perfectly fine – resist the urge to keep kneading! Overbaking, on the other hand, dries out the moisture in the scones, making them dense and hard. Keep a close eye on the baking time; they should be lightly golden, not deeply browned.

Can I freeze chocolate chip scones? How do I store them?

Absolutely! Scones are fantastic for freezing, both baked and unbaked. This makes them perfect for meal prep or having fresh scones on demand.

• To freeze unbaked scones: After cutting the dough into triangles, place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the solid scones to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to one month. When ready to bake, place the frozen scones directly on a prepared baking sheet and bake straight from the freezer. You may need to add an extra 1-3 minutes to the baking time. For more detailed tips on freezing and baking scones, you can refer to resources like King Arthur Baking.
• To freeze baked scones: Allow the baked and cooled scones (preferably unglazed) to freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight bag or container. Reheat in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Storage: Fully cooled scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, freezing is recommended.

More Irresistible Chocolate Treats:

If you’re a chocolate lover, these scones are just the beginning! Explore more decadent chocolate recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings:

Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

This Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe creates sweet, sugar-glazed delights, perfectly layered with buttery goodness and irresistible chocolate.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Chilling Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8 scones

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″), lined with parchment paper or silicone mat

Ingredients

Chocolate Chip Scones

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (see Note 1 on measuring)
• 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 drop almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup honey vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for brushing)

Glaze

• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare: Freeze the butter until completely solid. Move the oven rack to the lower third and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Toss well to combine.
3. Incorporate Butter & Chips: Grate the frozen butter using the large holes of a cheese grater directly into the dry mixture. Quickly cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or two butter knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter. Stir in the chocolate chips. Place the bowl in the fridge to keep cold.
4. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), Greek yogurt, and egg until well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky and shaggy. Use your hands to gently press the dough into a large ball. Avoid overmixing or over-kneading; minimal handling is key for tender scones (see Note 2).
6. Shape & Cut: On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a 5.5-inch (14 cm) disc, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 equal triangles with decisive, swift cuts. Separate the triangles and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Chill: If desired, brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream and sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Place the sheet pan with the scones in the fridge and chill for 20 minutes.
8. Bake: Remove the scones from the fridge and bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are barely golden.
9. Make Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together the milk or heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more liquid or powdered sugar as needed to achieve a thick but pourable glaze consistency.
10. Cool & Glaze: Remove the baked scones from the oven and let them sit on the sheet pan for 5 minutes to finish cooking. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before drizzling the glaze on top using a spoon.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Accurate Flour Measurement

To prevent dry, dense scones, always measure flour using the “spoon and level” method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then use the back of a straight knife or a flat edge to level off the top. Do not scoop the measuring cup directly into the flour bag, as this compacts the flour and results in too much being used.

Note 2: Handle Dough Gently & Keep Cold

The key to tender, flaky scones is minimal mixing and keeping the dough cold. Knead the dough gently and stop as soon as it comes together; a few bumps and lumps are perfectly fine. Excessive handling will warm the butter and over-activate the gluten, leading to tougher, denser scones. Ensure the butter remains as cold as possible throughout the process.

Storage:

Let the baked scones cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, unglazed scones can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 1 scone | Calories: 431 kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 558 IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

We hope you enjoy baking and devouring these perfect Chocolate Chip Scones as much as we do! Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you try the recipe – we’d love to hear your thoughts!