Name: Chocolate Cocoa Scones with Dark Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 295 g plain flour (all purpose flour) (2 ¼ cups / ~10 ½oz); 25 g dutch processed cocoa (¼ cup / ~1oz); 65 g icing sugar (powdered sugar) (½ cup / 2 ¼oz); 4 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 57 g unsalted butter (cold and cubed) (½ stick / 2oz); 1 cup dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet chocolate chips) (200g / 7oz); 1 cup whole milk (cold); Extra chocolate for drizzling

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

There is something incredibly comforting about sinking your teeth into freshly baked scones, and when those scones are infused with rich cocoa and dotted generously with melty dark chocolate chips, you know you’ve struck gold. This Chocolate Cocoa Scones with Dark Chocolate Chips Recipe strikes the perfect balance between tender crumb and a deep chocolatey flavor, making it a wonderful treat whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast or an indulgent afternoon snack. Each bite offers a soft, slightly crumbly texture, enriched by the bittersweet bursts of dark chocolate, making these scones a beloved favorite for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight round chocolate cookie dough balls placed in two rows on white parchment paper inside a black baking tray. Each cookie dough ball has a rich brown color with some white flour or powdered sugar dusted lightly on top, giving a slightly uneven texture. A woman's hand is holding a wooden brush with light brown bristles, brushing a light glaze or egg wash onto the cookie dough ball at the lower right corner. The baking tray is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chocolate Cocoa Scones with Dark Chocolate Chips Recipe lies in its simplicity—using everyday pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays its own vital role, from the dutch processed cocoa providing a velvety chocolate base to cold butter adding flaky texture, and the dark chocolate chips delivering pockets of luscious sweetness throughout.

Plain flour (2 ¼ cups / ~10 ½oz): The foundation for the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Dutch processed cocoa (¼ cup / ~1oz): Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor with smooth color and intensity.
Icing sugar (½ cup / 2 ¼oz): Sweetens the scones gently while contributing to tender texture.
Baking powder (4 teaspoons): Ensures the scones rise beautifully and stay light.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolatey flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed – ½ stick / 2oz): Key to flaky layers and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Dark chocolate chips (1 cup / 200g / 7oz): Semi-sweet morsels that add bursts of rich chocolate in every bite.
Whole milk (1 cup, cold, with 1 teaspoon set aside): Binds the dough while keeping it moist and tender.
Extra chocolate for drizzling: A finishing touch that amps up the decadence and visual appeal.

How to Make Chocolate Cocoa Scones with Dark Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced) or 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your scones bake evenly and prevents any sticking, so your beautiful chocolate cocoa scones come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Create the crumbly flour and butter mixture

In a food processor, combine the flour, dutch processed cocoa, icing sugar, baking powder, salt, and cold cubed butter. Pulse these together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. No food processor? No worries! Just use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture. This process is critical because those little butter bits create the flaky layers we all adore.

Step 3: Incorporate the chocolate chips

Tip the crumbly mix into a large bowl and stir in your dark chocolate chips gently. Folding them in now keeps their shape intact and spreads that rich chocolate flavor evenly throughout each scone.

Step 4: Add the milk and form the dough

Using a spatula, stir in most of the cold milk until the dough comes together and turns sticky. The moisture activates the baking powder and gives your scones that soft, tender texture that makes every bite so satisfying.

Step 5: Shape the dough

Lightly dust your work surface with a bit of cocoa powder to avoid sticking, then turn the dough out gently. Pull it together without overworking, and flatten it into a disk roughly one inch thick. This thickness ensures a good height for your scones so they bake up tender and fluffy inside.

Step 6: Cut out scone rounds

Using a 6.5cm (2 ½ inch) round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough disk. Gather the scraps, gently reshape, and cut again—but be careful not to overwork the dough, as that can make the scones tough.

Step 7: Prepare for baking

Place the cut rounds on your lined baking tray, spacing them at least an inch apart to allow room for rising. Brush the tops lightly with the reserved teaspoon of milk for a lovely, glossy finish.

Step 8: Bake to perfection

Bake your scones for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are crisp to the touch and the scones sound hollow when tapped lightly underneath. Once baked, let them cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 9: Drizzle with extra chocolate and enjoy

After cooling slightly, melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it artistically over the tops. This finishing touch not only adds visual appeal but enhances the chocolate experience with an irresistible shine and added richness.

How to Serve Chocolate Cocoa Scones with Dark Chocolate Chips Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds thick, unevenly mixed chocolate batter with a rich dark brown color, visible lumps showing the mix of ingredients. The bowl’s sides have streaks of batter clinging to them, and a wooden spatula with traces of batter rests inside, partially buried. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. The overall look is messy but homey, with a focus on the textured chocolate dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty contrast to these dark scones, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns them into something extra special. Fresh berries on the side brighten the flavor and add a lovely pop of color.

Side Dishes

Pair these scones with a warm cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a fragrant tea like Earl Grey or chai. The creamy beverage balances out the deep chocolate notes perfectly and makes for a cozy, indulgent treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chocolate Cocoa Scones with Dark Chocolate Chips Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of clotted cream, honey, or fruit preserves. Arrange with a few sprigs of mint or edible flowers for an inviting, café-style display that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and tender, though they are always best enjoyed the same day for peak flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked scones by shaping them and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and cooled scones for the same time period; just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover scones back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their crisp exterior and warm, gooey chocolate goodness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed?

Yes, you can, but Dutch processed cocoa has a smoother, less acidic flavor and gives a richer color to the scones. Using regular cocoa may alter the taste slightly and could affect the rising a bit due to acidity.

What kind of dark chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet dark chocolate chips are ideal because they bring just the right amount of bittersweet flavor without overpowering the dough’s sweetness. You could try chunks of a good-quality dark chocolate bar for a more indulgent experience.

Is it possible to make these scones dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously chocolatey and tender.

How can I avoid overworking the dough?

Be gentle when bringing the dough together and avoid kneading it. The dough should be sticky but not overly handled, as too much working develops gluten and results in tougher scones instead of soft, flaky ones.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cherries work beautifully as additions alongside the chocolate chips. Just fold them in during the step when you add the chocolate chips for even distribution.

Final Thoughts

There is a warm satisfaction that comes from baking and sharing these Chocolate Cocoa Scones with Dark Chocolate Chips Recipe, and I encourage you to give them a whirl. Whether for a special brunch or an anytime chocolate craving, they bring luscious flavor and comforting texture in one glorious bite. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delicious aroma of chocolatey goodness!

“`