If you love the sweet blend of strawberries and chocolate, you’re in for a treat! This Strawberry Chocolate Chip Scones recipe will make your taste buds dance. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up light, fluffy scones perfect for breakfast or a snack. Let’s dive into the easy steps and tips to create this delightful treat that everyone will adore!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet strawberries paired with rich chocolate chips create a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea, these scones are versatile and suitable for any gathering.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding different fruits or types of chocolate to suit your personal preferences.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (very cold)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and diced)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
– Extra flour for dusting
Gathering ingredients is key. First, use two cups of all-purpose flour. This flour gives the scones a nice base. Next, add one-quarter cup of granulated sugar for sweetness. Then, mix in one tablespoon of baking powder. This helps the scones rise. Don’t forget half a teaspoon of salt. Salt enhances the flavors.
Next, take half a cup of unsalted butter. It must be very cold and cut into small cubes. Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the scones. Then, measure half a cup of heavy cream. This adds richness. You will also need one large egg for binding and texture.
For flavor, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is a must. Now, for the star ingredients: one cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and diced, and half a cup of chocolate chips. I suggest using dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a rich taste. Lastly, keep extra flour on hand for dusting your work surface.
With these ingredients, you can create delicious strawberry chocolate chip scones that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping for Baking
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops the scones from sticking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
– Whisk these dry ingredients well until they blend nicely.
Incorporating Butter
– Next, add 1/2 cup of very cold, cubed butter to the bowl.
– Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the flour mixture. Aim for a crumbly texture. Some butter pieces should still be small.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
– In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
– Make sure this mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combining Mixtures
– Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
– Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; this keeps the scones soft.
Forming the Dough
– Now, fold in 1 cup of diced strawberries and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
– Be careful not to crush the strawberries as you mix.
Shaping and Baking
– Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out onto it and knead gently for about 1 minute.
– Shape the dough into a circle, about 1 inch thick. Cut it into 8 wedges or use a round cutter.
– Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
– Bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean when poked in the middle.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Fluffy Scones
To make fluffy scones, use very cold butter. Cold butter adds air when it melts. This helps your scones rise and stay light. Mix the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing the dough. This keeps your scones tender and airy.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add more flavor to your scones with nuts or spices. Try adding chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the taste. You can also swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a twist. The options are endless!
Presentation Tips
To make your scones look amazing, dust them with powdered sugar. This gives a lovely finish. Serve them warm with whipped cream or fresh butter. You can even add a side of strawberry jam. It makes for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream are very cold. This helps create flaky layers in the scones as the cold butter melts during baking, resulting in a tender texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so handle the dough gently.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes after baking. This allows them to set and enhances their texture for a better eating experience.
Variations
Fruit Alternatives
You can change the fruit in these scones. Try using blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each fruit gives a new taste. For example, blueberries add a sweet burst. Raspberries give a nice tang. Feel free to mix and match based on what is in season.
Chocolate Types
You have options for chocolate, too. Dark chocolate chips add a rich flavor. Semi-sweet chips balance sweetness and cocoa taste. If you prefer, use white chocolate for a creamy touch. Each type of chocolate changes the scone’s overall flavor.
Gluten-Free Options
If you want a gluten-free scone, it’s easy to adapt. Use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour. You may also need to add extra binding agents like xanthan gum. This helps hold the scones together. Be sure to check the mix for the right ratios. Gluten-free scones can be just as tasty!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your strawberry chocolate chip scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They stay best at room temperature for up to two days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your scones again, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This will restore their warmth and crispness. You can also use a microwave. Heat each scone for about 10-15 seconds, but know that they may lose some crispiness.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing scones is a great way to enjoy them later. After baking, let the scones cool completely. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months. To enjoy, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them from frozen in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them first. This helps reduce extra moisture in the dough. Cut them into small pieces before adding them to your mix. The flavor will still be great, though fresh berries taste best.
How can I make the scones sweeter?
To make the scones sweeter, add more sugar. Increase the granulated sugar by one or two tablespoons. You can also add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the wet mix. Taste the dough before baking to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
What can I serve with scones?
Serve scones with butter or whipped cream for a rich experience. Fresh fruit preserves or jam pair nicely, too. You can also try clotted cream for a classic touch. A cup of tea or coffee makes the perfect drink alongside your scones.
You now have a solid guide for making delicious strawberry chocolate chip scones. We covered all the key steps, from choosing the right ingredients to shaping the dough. I included tips for extra flavor and easy storage methods. Feel free to get creative with variations or to adjust sweetness to your liking. Enjoy baking these tasty treats, and remember, the best part is sharing them with others. Happy bakin
