Chocolate Chip Scones

Chocolate Chip Scones

yield: 8 SCONES

prep time: 20 MINUTES

total time: 45 MINUTES

Ingredients:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup (1 stick; 115g) unsalted butter, frozen1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, plus an extra 2 Tablespoons for brushing1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 heaping cup (180g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips1optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top before bakingoptional: confectioners' sugar for topping after baking

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Adjust baking rack to the middle-low position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together. Grate the frozen butter (I use a box grater to grate it; a food processor also works for grating - here is the one I own and love). Toss the grated butter into the flour mixture and combine it with a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Set aside.In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup heavy cream, the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together. Drizzle it over the flour mixture and then toss the mixture together with a rubber spatula until everything appears moistened. Mix in the chocolate chips. With floured hands, work the dough into a ball as best you can and transfer to a floured surface. Press into a neat 8″ disc and cut into 8 equal wedges with a very sharp knife. Place scones at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush scones with remaining heavy cream, then sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. (Adds some nice crunch!)Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle lightly with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Picture and Recipe Provided by Patricia Cardamone Rumph