Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to pair with your morning coffee, these Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones are just what you need! They are tender, buttery, and infused with a rich coffee flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so versatile; whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a leisurely weekend brunch with friends, these scones fit the bill perfectly. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet treat that combines chocolate and coffee?

These scones are easy to whip up, making them an ideal addition to any gathering or simply as a special breakfast for yourself. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and quick prep time, you’ll have fresh scones in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of chocolate and coffee; it’s sure to please both kids and adults!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these scones shine at any time.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake whenever you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich coffee infusion and sweet chocolate chips create a heavenly taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look!

For the Scones

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
• ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

For the Glaze

• 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tbsp brewed coffee (or espresso)
• 1 – 2 tbsp milk or cream (or water)

Variations

This recipe is not only delicious but also quite flexible! Here are some fun ways you can mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try Different Chips: Substitute the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or even dark chocolate for a unique twist.
• Fruit Boost: Add some dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a fruity flair.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing together your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and instant espresso powder. This step is crucial as it ensures that each bite of your scone has that lovely coffee flavor throughout.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Next, cut the cold butter into your dry mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until coarse crumbs form. This creates those flaky layers we love in scones. It’s important not to let the butter get too soft; cold butter is key!

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips

Once you have your crumbly mixture ready, stir in those delicious mini chocolate chips. They will melt slightly during baking and create pockets of gooey goodness in every scone.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla extract and cold heavy cream. Pour this mixture into the center of your dry ingredients in two parts. Gently mix until just combined — be careful not to over-mix as we want our scones to stay light and fluffy.

Step 5: Shape Your Dough

Turn out your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently fold it over itself just a couple of times until it holds together. Shape it into an 8-inch circle; this will be where all the magic happens!

Step 6: Cut and Chill

Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut your dough into 8 triangles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling helps maintain their shape while they bake.

Step 7: Bake the Scones

Preheat your oven to 400° F while waiting! Brush those chilled scones with an egg wash if desired (this gives them that beautiful golden color) and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a lovely crunch on top. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown — your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 8: Prepare the Coffee Glaze

While those scones cool on a wire rack, mix together the powdered sugar, instant espresso granules, brewed coffee (or espresso), and cream (or milk). Stir until smooth — this glaze adds that perfect finishing touch!

Now that you’ve got all these steps down pat, you’re ready to enjoy your warm Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones

Making perfect scones takes a little practice, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to impressing your friends and family in no time!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and cream cold helps create that tender, flaky texture we all love. Warm ingredients can lead to tough scones instead of light and airy ones.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to ensure your scones remain soft and tender. Over-mixing can develop gluten, resulting in a denser scone.
• Chill before baking: Chilling the shaped scones allows the butter to firm up again, which results in better rise and flakiness. It also prevents spreading during baking.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add nuts or spices like cinnamon for a unique twist. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to cater to your taste preferences!
• Keep a close eye while baking: Ovens vary, so check your scones a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You want them golden brown but not overdone!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones

These delightful chocolate chip coffee scones are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, there are plenty of ways to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes for an attractive presentation.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled scones for an indulgent finish that will tantalize any chocolate lover’s palate.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the scones perfectly.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side dish that complements the coffee flavors beautifully.
• Herbal tea: Pair these scones with your favorite herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of tea enhances the coffee notes in the scones while providing a soothing experience.
• Cheese platter: Offer a selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese alongside your scones for an unexpected savory twist that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious chocolate chip coffee scones! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chocolate chip coffee scones are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy fresh scones throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week; just be aware that the texture might change slightly.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the unbaked scone triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
• When ready to bake, you can bake from frozen by adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop the scones in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they can become tough.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making chocolate chip coffee scones.

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant espresso powder in chocolate chip coffee scones?

Yes! While instant espresso powder enhances the coffee flavor, you can substitute it with finely ground regular coffee. Just keep in mind that it may alter the final taste slightly.

How do I get my chocolate chip coffee scones to rise well?

To ensure your chocolate chip coffee scones rise beautifully, make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you don’t over-mix the dough. A light hand when combining wet and dry ingredients helps create those flaky layers!

Can I make these chocolate chip coffee scones gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it has xanthan gum included or add it separately according to package instructions.

What should I serve with chocolate chip coffee scones?

These delightful scones pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a side of whipped coconut cream. And of course, a hot cup of your favorite brew makes it perfect!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as much as it does to mine! Chocolate chip coffee scones are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or sharing them with friends during brunch, they’re sure to impress. Enjoy making these delightful treats and indulge in their warm flavors—happy baking!