Chocolate Peppermint Scones are like a winter wonderland in your mouth—fluffy, chocolatey, and with a zing of peppermint that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into a warm scone, the rich chocolate melting slightly while the cool peppermint tickles your senses. These delightful treats are perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple indulgence after a long day. For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
Every time I whip up a batch of these Chocolate Peppermint Scones, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen where the scent of peppermint and chocolate filled the air during the holidays. savory dish for brunch It’s like magic in the oven! Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or just need an excuse to treat yourself, these scones promise to delight everyone who takes a bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Peppermint Scones will brighten any gathering with their irresistible flavor combination.
- They are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
- The vibrant colors and textures make them visually stunning on any table.
- Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they’re versatile enough to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Scones
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for giving structure to your scones; sift it for lightness.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate flavor we all crave.
- Baking Powder: This magical ingredient helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar provides sweetness to balance the bitterness of cocoa.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
- Butter: Cold butter creates flaky layers—cut it into small cubes before mixing.
- Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it brings everything together into a dough.
- Peppermint Extract: A few drops will give that refreshing minty kick without overpowering.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add gooey goodness in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Scones
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick baking spray so those beauties don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. The darker it gets, the more delicious it will be!
Step 3: Add Butter
Cut cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture resembling coarse sand.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix milk and peppermint extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumpy is good!
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough. It’s like hiding little treasures within!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat into an approximate circle about an inch thick. Cut into wedges (like slicing pizza) and transfer them onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until they’re firm but still soft inside.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra melted chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy these scones warm with coffee or tea—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
You Must Know
- These delightful Chocolate Peppermint Scones are not just for the holidays; they can brighten any gloomy morning.
- The combination of rich chocolate and fresh peppermint creates a festive flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the scone dough. Mix the dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add chocolate chips and peppermint extract next, followed by gently folding in wet ingredients. Finally, shape the scones and bake until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dark chocolate for white chocolate or even add crushed candy canes for an extra peppermint kick. You can also experiment with different flavored extracts like almond or vanilla to create your unique twist on these scones!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about five minutes to restore their flaky texture and warm up those gooey chocolate chips.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use chilled butter when making the dough; it helps create a flakier texture.
- Avoid overmixing after adding wet ingredients, which may lead to tough scones.
- Lastly, for an extra touch of flavor, brush the baked scones with melted chocolate before serving.
Sometimes I whip up these Chocolate Peppermint Scones just to listen to my friends rave about how I’m a “baking wizard.” Little do they know, I’m just following this simple recipe!
FAQs:
What are Chocolate Peppermint Scones?
Chocolate peppermint scones are delightful baked goods that combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. These scones typically feature cocoa powder or chocolate chips mixed into a buttery, flaky dough. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, they are often topped with a glaze or sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies for added texture and flavor. no bake dessert alternative These scones are especially popular around the holiday season but can be enjoyed year-round.
How do I store Chocolate Peppermint Scones?
To keep your chocolate peppermint scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I make Chocolate Peppermint Scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare chocolate peppermint scones ahead of time! You have two options: You can either make the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking or bake the scones ahead and store them. If you choose to refrigerate the dough, just roll it out and cut it into shapes before chilling. indulgent chocolate dessert option When ready to bake, pop them into the oven straight from the fridge for about 5-10 minutes longer than usual for a fresh-baked taste.
What variations can I try with Chocolate Peppermint Scones?
You can get creative with chocolate peppermint scones by adding different ingredients. For example, try using white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor profile. You can also incorporate crushed candy canes into the dough or sprinkle some on top after glazing. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider substituting honey or agave syrup instead of traditional sweeteners. Each variation adds its own twist while keeping the essence of these delicious scones. For more inspiration, check out this peppermint dark chocolate truffles recipe.
Conclusion for Chocolate Peppermint Scones:
In summary, chocolate peppermint scones offer a tasty blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, these scones provide versatility and delight with every bite. Feel free to experiment with variations to create your unique version. Enjoy making and sharing these delectable treats, especially during festive seasons!
Chocolate Peppermint Scones
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Peppermint Scones are a festive delight that combine rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint in fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth scones. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings, these scones are easy to make with common ingredients and are sure to impress. Enjoy them warm alongside your favorite beverage for a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, combine milk and peppermint extract; mix into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick, and cut into wedges.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm yet soft inside. Enjoy warm!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, brush the baked scones with melted chocolate before serving. You can also substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate or add crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.