Peppermint Chocolate Chip Scones Irresistible Treat
Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that captures the spirit of the season? My Peppermint Chocolate Chip Scones are not just delightful; they are easy to make and packed with festive flavors. Imagine soft, buttery scones filled with rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create these irresistible scones that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and chocolate in these scones creates a deliciously festive taste that captures the essence of the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these scones are quick to whip up, making them perfect for busy holiday mornings.
- Perfectly Flaky: The technique of cutting in cold butter ensures that the scones are light and flaky, providing the ideal texture with every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint or chocolate chips to suit your taste, or add your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch!
Ingredients
To make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Scones, gather these key ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 large egg, for egg wash
These ingredients create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The all-purpose flour gives the scones their structure. The sugar adds sweetness, while the baking powder makes them rise. Salt enhances all the flavors.
Cold, cubed butter is key. It creates flaky layers in the scones. Heavy cream adds moisture. The vanilla and peppermint extracts provide rich flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a touch of chocolatey goodness. Crushed peppermint candies offer a festive crunch and a pop of color.
Each ingredient plays an important role. Together, they create a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. So, let’s gather everything and get ready to bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up the oven for perfect baking.
2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix 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 until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
1. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir until fully blended.
2. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the cream mixture into this well. Gently stir with a spatula until it is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones light.
Dough Formation
1. Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies. Make sure they are evenly mixed throughout the dough.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it a few times until it comes together. Shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges. Carefully transfer these wedges to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Beat 1 large egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the scones for a nice golden finish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They should be lightly browned when done. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
6. Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delicious peppermint chocolate chip scones!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Success Tips
– Cold butter importance: Using cold butter is key. It helps create flaky layers in your scones. When you cut cold butter into the flour, you trap small pockets of air. This makes your scones light and airy. If the butter melts too soon, your scones may turn out dense.
– Avoiding overmixing: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create tough scones. When you add the wet ingredients, fold them in gently. You want to keep the dough tender. A few lumps are okay. This way, your scones will be soft and delicious.
– Perfecting the egg wash: An egg wash adds a nice shine and golden color. Use one large egg, beaten, and brush it over the tops of the scones before baking. This simple step makes a big difference in how your scones look.
Serving Suggestions
– Presentation ideas: To serve, place your warm scones on a festive platter. Sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top for color and crunch. This adds a fun touch and makes them look appealing.
– Pairing with beverages: These scones pair well with hot drinks. Try serving them with hot cocoa or tea. The warm flavors complement each other perfectly. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for extra delight.
– Storage recommendations: Keep scones in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature. If you need to store them longer, freeze them. Wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Reheat them in the oven for a warm, fresh taste.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream are very cold to achieve the flakiest scones. This helps create steam pockets during baking, resulting in a light texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones rather than tender ones.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the shaped scones in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps them retain their shape and rise better in the oven.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your scones by adding different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or flavored chocolate chips for a unique twist!
Variations
Flavor Adjustments
You can change the flavor of your peppermint chocolate chip scones easily. Try using different extracts. Instead of peppermint, use almond or orange for a fresh twist. Each extract brings a unique taste to your scones. You can also mix in various types of chocolate. Use dark chocolate for a rich flavor. Milk chocolate adds sweetness, while white chocolate gives a creamy touch. Each choice can change the scone’s taste and make it special.
Dietary Substitutions
If you need gluten-free scones, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This keeps the texture close to the original. Check that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best results. For a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use almond or soy milk instead of heavy cream. You can also skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk for a golden finish. These swaps let everyone enjoy these tasty scones!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
When you bake peppermint chocolate chip scones, storing them correctly keeps them fresh. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. Just place them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and tasty.
If you need to keep them longer, the refrigerator is a good option. They can last up to a week when stored this way. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or put them in an airtight container.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the scones. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for about three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
Reheating scones is easy and quick. You can use an oven or a microwave.
– Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps them crisp on the outside and soft inside.
– Microwave method: Place a scone on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10 to 15 seconds. This method works fast but might make them a bit softer.
To ensure freshness and texture, always check before serving. Warm scones taste best, bringing out the chocolate and peppermint flavors. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or cocoa for a cozy treat!
FAQs
Common Questions
How to tell when scones are done baking?
You can tell when scones are done by looking for a light golden color. If you poke one with a toothpick, it should come out clean. The scones will feel firm to the touch.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Shape the scones and wrap them tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. Just know that texture may change a bit.
Related Inquiries
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Just remember, the texture may vary. You might need to adjust the liquid a little for gluten-free flour.
How to store crushed peppermint candies?
Store crushed peppermint candies in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh for a few months.
Ideas for other scone flavors?
You can try cranberry-orange scones for a fruity twist. Lemon-ginger scones also work well. For chocolate lovers, consider double chocolate scones.
You’ve explored delicious scone recipes from ingredients to baking tips. Let’s recap: use fresh ingredients like butter, cream, and chocolate. Pay attention to mixing and shaping for the best texture. Store your scones properly, and feel free to experiment with flavors and dietary needs.
Enjoy your baking journey. Each step leads to tasty treats that will impress friends and family. Dive in and let your creativity shin
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 0.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.25 cups crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg, for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the cream mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the scones for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
