Chocolate Chip Scones

A Pass the Cocoa Original

Yields: 12 Scones

Ingredients:

Dough

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

8 tablespoons butter, cold

⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup half-and-half, or heavy cream, cold

1 egg

½ teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate glaze:

3 tablespoons milk or cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons chocolate chips

½ teaspoon instant coffee (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut the butter into ½-inch cubes. Make sure it remains cold.
4. Add the butter to the dry ingredients.
5. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your hands, cut the butter into the flour. It’s okay if a few lumps remain. Work quickly so that the butter doesn't melt.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half or cream, the egg, and vanilla.
8. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
9. Use a fork or wooden spoon to mix it until the dry ingredients are moistened and the dough barely holds together. DO NOT OVER-MIX.
10. Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
11. Shape the dough into a 6-in x 9-in rectangle.
12. Cut the rectangle into six 3-inch squares. Cut each of the square diagonally so you get 12 triangles.
13. Place the scones onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden. Let cool.
14. For the glaze, heat the cream or milk until it is just below boiling. (You can do this in the microwave or on the stove). Stir in the instant coffee (if you are using it), powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. Mix well until the chocolate is melted and you get a smooth glaze.
15. Drizzle the glaze over the scones, and serve!
16. Give yourself a huge congratulations! You just made scones!