Cozy Hot Chocolate Scones: The Best Winter Baking Hug

Hot Chocolate Scones. I remember the first time I truly fell head over heels for a scone; it wasn’t the dry, crumbly kind, but a tender, impossibly buttery dream that simply melted in my mouth. That transformative moment ignited a deep passion, sparking a mission to bake the perfect scone, a journey that has led me through many delightful variations, including my beloved blueberry white chocolate scones. As the crisp chill of winter began to settle in, my thoughts inevitably turned to the ultimate cold-weather comfort: a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate.

Merging these two ultimate comforts felt less like an experiment and more like a delicious destiny, and oh, friends, these hot chocolate scones are pure magic! Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, chocolatey scone, generously studded with pockets of gooey melted chocolate chips, all crowned with a glistening, sweet marshmallow glaze that sparkles like fresh snow. They’re more than just a baked good; they’re a warm hug on a chilly morning, a whisper of childhood joy, and the perfect excuse to slow down and savor life’s sweet moments – a joy I hope you’ll feel with every bite, perhaps even sparking curiosity to explore other wonderful takes on this classic, like Bakemode’s hot chocolate scone recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Scones

There’s just something incredibly special about these hot chocolate scones. They manage to capture all the nostalgic comfort of your favorite winter beverage in a perfectly flaky, tender pastry. It’s the kind of treat that transforms a regular morning into something truly delightful. From the first whiff of cocoa baking in the oven to that final decadent bite, these chocolate chip scones are designed to bring a smile to your face. They’re not overly sweet, allowing the rich chocolate flavors to truly shine, making them the ultimate cozy breakfast treat or an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up. You’ll find yourself craving these tender hot chocolate scones on repeat.

The Secret to Great Hot Chocolate Scones

The real magic behind flaky, tender hot chocolate scones lies in a few key principles, but the biggest secret I’ve learned is keeping everything COLD. Seriously, your butter should be straight from the fridge, even frozen and grated if you want extra flakiness. The tiny bits of cold butter melt slowly in the oven, creating pockets of steam that lift the scone layers, giving you that irresistible texture. Beyond that, using buttermilk is a game-changer; its acidity helps tenderize the dough and reacts with the baking powder to give these chocolate scones their perfect rise without any tough gluten development, ensuring a moist crumb.

Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time

To ensure your hot chocolate scones come out perfectly every time, remember not to overmix the dough. Overworking it develops gluten, which leads to tough scones, and we want tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Mix just until combined; a slightly shaggy dough is actually a good sign. When cutting, avoid twisting your cutter; press straight down and lift to keep the edges clean for a better rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for five minutes before using. This simple trick ensures you still get that tender crumb, making your homemade chocolate scones extra special.

Fun Variations to Try

While these hot chocolate scones are perfect as is, they’re also a fantastic canvas for creativity. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of chili powder or a dash of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor, turning them into Mexican hot chocolate scones. Swirl in some mini marshmallows into the dough just before baking for gooey pockets of sweetness, or sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the marshmallow glaze for a salted caramel effect. You could also swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chunks, dark chocolate, or even a mix of different chocolates to customize your chocolate scone experience to your heart’s content.

Final Thoughts

These hot chocolate scones have become a cherished tradition in my kitchen, a go-to for bringing a little extra warmth and joy to any day. There’s an honest satisfaction in baking something so comforting from scratch, and these chocolate chip scones truly embody that feeling. They remind us that even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary, something that not only fills our bellies but also warms our hearts. So go ahead, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and prepare to make some incredibly yummy hot chocolate scones that will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your home too. You won’t regret these cozy, homemade treats.

Cozy Hot Chocolate Scones: A Winter Baking Hug

Recipe by SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Indulge in warm, chocolatey hot chocolate scones, perfectly tender and topped with a sweet marshmallow glaze. A cozy breakfast treat for any chocolate lover!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• For the Marshmallow Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows, for topping (optional)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the very cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or your hands just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch thick.
• Cut the circle into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or a bench scraper.
• Carefully transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• While the scones cool, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle generously with the marshmallow glaze. If desired, sprinkle with mini marshmallows. Serve warm.

Notes

• Keep it Cold: The secret to flaky hot chocolate scones is using very cold butter and buttermilk. You can even grate frozen butter for extra tender results. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough scones.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. A slightly shaggy dough is perfect. Overmixing develops gluten, making scones dense and chewy instead of light and airy. Trust the process for tender chocolate scones!
• Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to use different types of chocolate chips – milk, dark, or even white chocolate chunks work wonderfully in these hot chocolate scones. A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can also add a delightful warmth and depth of flavor.