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Chip Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

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4.3 from 55 reviews

These Chip Sourdough Scones are a delightful twist on a classic scone recipe, incorporating sourdough starter discard for a subtle tang and enhanced texture. Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with coarse sanding sugar, these scones offer a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they are easy to make and bake to a golden perfection in just over an hour.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones

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

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, and baking powder until well combined.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Chocolate Chips: Stir the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the butter-flour mixture so they are evenly distributed.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter discard, egg, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Cut into Wedges: Using a bench scraper or large knife, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Bake the Scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
  11. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American