Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sanding sugar (coarse sugar)
Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter (frozen or very cold)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter discard
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (milk or half and half can be used) + extra 2 tablespoons for brushing
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Use a cheese grater to grate the very cold or frozen unsalted butter directly into the dry flour mixture. Toss the grated butter with the flour using a fork to coat the pieces and separate them. Then, use a pastry cutter or bench scraper to cut the flour into the butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the butter-flour mixture so they are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter discard, egg, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a fork to gently mix everything together. The dough will be crumbly; resist adding more liquid to avoid a wet dough.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a clean lightly floured surface. Use your hands to press and shape the dough into an 8-inch diameter disc. Use small amounts of flour to prevent sticking as needed.
- Cut into Wedges: Using a bench scraper or large knife, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges.
- Chill the Dough: Arrange the scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove the chilled scones from the refrigerator. Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake the Scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use very cold or frozen butter to achieve the best flaky texture in these scones.
- The sourdough starter discard adds a subtle tang and improves the crumb, but you can substitute with plain yogurt for a similar effect if needed.
- Resist the urge to add extra liquid even if the dough seems crumbly; this will ensure the perfect scone texture.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the scones hold their shape and improves flakiness.
- Sanding sugar provides a lovely crunch and sparkle on top; if unavailable, coarse granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
- For variation, try swapping chocolate chips for dried fruit or nuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American