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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - 3/4 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for warmth - 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder for depth - Zest of one orange for brightness - 1/4 cup dried fruit like cranberries for added texture Choose fresh, high-quality flour. This makes a huge difference in scone texture. Look for butter that is unsalted. It allows you to control the salt level. For chocolate, select semi-sweet or dark chips. The richness of good chocolate enhances the flavor. Fresh pecans add crunch and taste. Always check for a good aroma and avoid any that smell stale. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the scones rise well. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the scones later. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until there are no lumps. This mix gives the scones their structure and sweetness. Now, take 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter and add it to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter. You want it to look like coarse breadcrumbs. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. This adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor. In a separate bowl, mix 3/4 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Slowly pour this mix into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough should be a bit sticky. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones light. Next, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a round disc about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the disc into 8 equal wedges. Make sure to cut through completely. This helps each scone bake evenly. Move the scone wedges onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them out so they can rise. Brush the tops with a beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into a scone; it should come out clean. Once baked, cool them slightly on a wire rack before serving. To get the best scone texture, keep your butter cold. Cold butter makes your scones flaky. Cut your butter into small cubes before mixing it with flour. You want to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don't overmix the dough when adding the cream. Mix just until combined. A little stickiness helps the scones rise nicely. One common mistake is overworking the dough. This makes scones tough instead of light. Another mistake is using warm butter. Warm butter will not create the right texture. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can dry out the scones. Also, remember to space the scones on the baking sheet. They need room to grow while baking. To store leftover scones, place them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will refresh their texture and warmth. {{image_4}} If you want to change up your scones, try using different nuts. Walnuts add a rich taste. Almonds give a nice crunch. Pecans are great, but hazelnuts can also bring a unique twist. Just make sure to chop them roughly, so they mix well into the dough. You can even mix and match nuts for more flavor. You can use various chocolate types in your scones. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic and sweet. Dark chocolate offers a bold taste. If you love milk chocolate, it adds a creaminess. You can also try chocolate chunks for bigger bites of chocolate. Consider mixing chocolates too, like dark and milk, for a fun blend. Spicing up your scones can make them special. Adding cinnamon gives warmth. Nutmeg adds a cozy flavor. You can also add lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist. A touch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate taste. Just a little can make a big difference. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite mix! To keep your chocolate pecan scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This way, they won’t stick together. Store them at room temperature for the best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. Freshly baked scones last about two to three days at room temperature. If you store them properly, they can stay tasty even longer. If you freeze them, they can last for months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your scones while they are fresh for the best flavor! Yes, you can make chocolate pecan scones ahead of time. You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, slice the dough into wedges and bake them fresh. This way, you enjoy warm scones, which taste best right out of the oven. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you have options. You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with melted butter. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or almond milk combined with a bit of oil. These alternatives will give you a nice texture, but may alter the flavor slightly. You can tell when the scones are done by checking their color. Look for a light golden brown on the tops. You can also use a toothpick; insert it into the center of a scone. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready. Baking usually takes about 15-20 minutes, so keep an eye on them! The best way to serve chocolate pecan scones is warm. You can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Pair them with whipped cream or rich chocolate sauce for dipping. Enjoy them with tea or coffee for a perfect treat! You learned how to make chocolate pecan scones from scratch. We covered key ingredients and tips for quality. I shared step-by-step instructions, crucial tips for the perfect texture, and common mistakes to avoid. You can explore fun variations and how to store your scones properly. Baking should be fun, and you now have the tools to enjoy it. Experiment, learn, and make delicious treats! Your next bake will be a hit.

Chocolate Pecan Scones

Indulge in the rich flavors of decadent chocolate pecan scones that are perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines crispy pecans and melted chocolate in a buttery scone that will warm your heart. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have these delicious treats ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game with these delightful scones!
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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, cut into small cubes

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, based on preference)

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the scones after baking.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.

      Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Utilize a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it achieves a texture similar to coarse breadcrumbs.

        Gently fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in each scone.

          In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; the dough should remain slightly sticky for optimal scone texture.

            Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. With your hands, pat it into a round disc approximately 1-inch thick. Utilizing a sharp knife or dough cutter, slice the disc into 8 equal wedges, making sure to cut through the dough completely.

              Carefully move the scone wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion during baking. Brush the tops of each wedge with the beaten egg to achieve a beautifully golden finish.

                Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops of the scones are lightly browned. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a scone; it should come out clean.

                  Once baked to perfection, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. This will help maintain their texture before serving.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the scones warm, lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Enhance the experience by pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a small dish of rich chocolate sauce for dipping. Enjoy the decadent treat with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon indulgence!