The best mocha chocolate scones - they are moist and buttery with a rich mocha flavor. They're easy to make and can be prepared at night and baked in the morning!
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
In a large bowl add flour, sugar, baking powder espresso powder and sea salt. Stir to combine.
Add butter and using a fork, pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until there are coarse crumbs. (You want little chunks of butter)!
Add half and half, melted chocolate, egg and vanilla extract and stir until combined. The dough will look crumbly, but should clump together when squeezed between your fingers.
Add mini chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed.
Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface (or pastry slab) and form into a round circle about 10” in diameter.
Transfer the circle of scone dough to the prepared baking sheet.
Cut into eight equal pieces. Start by cutting the circle in half from top to bottom. Then cut it in half from side to side. Then cut the remaining two pieces in half diagonally. (see video)
Sprinkle the top with raw sugar and gently press it into the top of the scones.
Carefully separate the scones and spread them out evenly on the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes, or until the scones look set.
Remove from the oven and transfer scones to a baking sheet to cool, or serve warm (which I highly recommend).
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
All-purpose flour. to make them gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free baking flour.
Granulated sugar. white sugar or organic cane sugar are both great choices.
Espresso Powder. For the richest mocha flavor use espresso powder! If you don't have access to espresso powder, instant coffee works well too.
Salted Butter. unsalted butter works well too.
Half and Half. whole milk is a great substitute. So is heavy cream, but you will need to increase the amount by 1 to 2 Tablespoons.
Chocolate Chips. Chocolate chips or chunks or chopped chocolate bars can be used in this sweet scones recipe with great success.
StoreStore this scones recipe in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap (to retain moisture) at room temperature.FreezeWrap cooled scones tightly in plastic wrap and put them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.Prepare in AdvanceMake the dough and form it into a circle. Then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and put it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, cut the scones, sprinkle them with sugar and bake according to the recipe.