As Snowzilla cleanup continues, I have been getting my baking on in a serious way. The only question is, who will receive all the fruits of my baking labor?
Nothing sparks my carb cravings like being snowbound, so being trapped in the house means I had to make scones. And not just any scones, either. This recipe is a version of the great Dorie Greenspan’s cream scones, which come together quickly, easily, and perfectly.
I only made one change: I added mini chocolate chips and drizzled chocolate on top. I mean, how could I not? But if you’re a purist, by all means leave them out.
People all over America (especially those who live in Boston or Buffalo) have been mocking D.C. for our wimpy reaction to snow and our subsequently slow cleanup. And believe me, as a Midwestern import to these here parts, I totally get it. We look really lame to anyone who is accustomed to a two-foot dumping of snow.
Back in Indiana where I grew up, snow days were rare. I have very clear memories of struggling to get to my high school and walking in several hours late to French class after a dicey, two-hour drive on the road that involved being towed by someone who had chains. That’s just how we did it. The expectation was that sooner or later, everyone would show up to work.
But see, I kind of like the wimpy ways of the D.C. area better. It’s so much nicer to be home with hot chocolate and scones than to be struggling out there in crappy weather hoping that nobody rear ends you. Why do we have to be at the rat race all the time? My students will be fine. I’ll just cut out a book or something that we were supposed to read. I kid, I kid.
Thanks to our Puritan roots, Americans are pretty obsessed with working. We equate hard work and productivity with virtue, and I’m sorry, but no. There’s also something to be said for knowing when to kick back and just chill out. I realize that our economy might tank if we all did the whole midday siesta thing, but I love the fact that certain countries take a midday break to go home for lunch and a nap. We might be poorer if we did that , but we’d be a lot happier.
Plus, if we had siesta every day, snow days wouldn’t feel like such a break from the norm. We’d be far more used to chilling with our families in the middle of the day. Anyone up for creating a movement with me?
While you ponder that, have a scone. Or three. These are the best scones ever, and I don’t care about modesty because I didn’t invent this recipe. So there. It’s so easy, too!
A lot of scone makers will hold that to get the best scone, you need to work with frozen butter. Honestly, that’s an extra step I don’t have time to make, and I don’t think it makes much of a difference. I’ve tried it both ways. All you need is cold butter and your fingers (pastry blender not needed) and you’ve got a scone dough that comes together in five minutes and produces the flakiest scones. And they’re not dry at all. Nope. They’re really the epitome of what a scone should be.
While you’re busy running around every day, remember being trapped in the snow, or that time you got a really great midday nap. It might make you wish a blizzard would come and give you an excuse to have more scones for breakfast!
5 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (with an additional 1/4 cup for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the cold butter and using the tips of your fingers, pinch the butter into the dry mixture until crumbs of varying sizes form.
Add the egg and cream, using a fork to stir them in until a dough forms. You can use your hands or the fork to knead lightly until the dough is fully formed.
Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips with your hands.
Turn the dough out onto your prepared cookie sheet, pressing it into a circle that is about six inches in diameter.
Cut the dough into six wedges (as shown in video). Bake for around 20 minutes until the scones are golden.
Melt the 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips carefully in the microwave, being careful not to overheat them. Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over the scones.
Cool the scones until the chocolate hardens. Serve or store in an airtight container.
I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner.
This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker.
Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.
You see, most soda breads are made with raisins (good) and caraway seeds (bad). I do not like caraway seeds. Something about their flavor, not to mention their hard little texture, really throws me off. I’ve never been a fan, and I’ve tried them plenty.
Seedless rye breads are delicious, though. As are seedless soda breads. Especially when you remove all the usual fillings and put chocolate chips there instead. Sacrilege, you say? Too bad. I’m going to enjoy St. Patrick’s my way!
Breakfast is such a huge motivator in my life. I don’t let myself eat until after my workout. It’s good to have something to work toward!
Does that work for everyone? Nope. My friend is more of an evening exerciser. By that time, I am done and a half. Can barely move, except to lift the fork to my mouth to eat dessert. That’s my workout later in the day!
When you want a good breakfast treat that is homemade but easy, I recommend turning to refrigerated biscuits. Not to make biscuits with, silly. To make something far more fun. This salted caramel pecan pastry ring is delicious and perfect for the morning, not to mention pretty quick to put together. It takes the usual five minutes or so!
I’ve heard that climbing Mount Everest is pretty hard. For most people, anyway.
We all have our version of that, the near-impossible summit that we can’t reach, no matter how hard we try. For years, that was my grandmother’s mocha bread.
When I was little, I didn’t like apple pie. Chalk it up to youthful foolishness. So when my grandmother made the pie, she’d also make this bread. And I loved it. It was so special that I’d eat it slowly, sliver by sliver, to make it last. Usually, I gobble up my dessert. But this was too special
And when I grew up, I tried to make it. Over and over again I followed the recipe, calling my grandmother each time I failed. It was too light in color, or too heavy in weight. What was I doing wrong? It got to the point where I suspected her of recipe sabotage.
Finally, about a year ago, and shortly after my grandmother’s death, I got the mocha bread right. I’m still not sure exactly what I did to make it correctly other than acquire more knowledge and skill, but I feel like the torch has been passed. She was a phenomenal baker who used scant resources in harder times to make amazing food. Later in life, she still had the knack for producing recipes that nobody else seemed to have.
Mir – I don’t think D.C. is being wimpy at all. Your government doesn’t have the necessary equipment or resources to work with the type of snow that you received this weekend. My sister went to school at University of Delaware, and said one of the worst experiences in the winter was when she lived down there. The town wasn’t prepared for the ice and snow. Disaster. Anyways, I hope you get back to school soon. I’m sure you’re students are enjoying the time off. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Lemon Blackberry Thumbprints
I think adding chocolate chips and a chocolate drizzle is an excellent addition. How could that not make it better?
I hope you are enjoying the time off 🙂 Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on How To Start Eating Healthier by Dannii
Sounds like you’re getting a lot of baking done with the snow! I agree, it would be nice to be able to hang out and sip hot chocolate. But with our Chicago winters, that would never happen, as we have all the resources available to dig us out, and then some. These scones are too cute! I can never resist mini foods, especially when chocolate is involved. Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Creamy Parmesan, Mushroom and Pea Risotto Bowls
As someone who used to live in DC, I feel exactly the same about their approach to snow! And especially if it means we get to each chocolate chip scones! Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Prosciutto Asparagus
Hahaha! I’m totally down for joining your midday siesta movement! Although I’m not a good napper, too much agita (spelling?). But i am all for a break! Can’t think of anything better than taking that break with a few dozen of these scones in hand! These look like flakey, buttery perfection, Mir! Beyond delish! Totally making these with white chocolate for me and as is for the hubs! Pinned!
P.s. pretty sure my relatives in buffalo are saying I have no clue what real snow is down here in NC. But i dont care. It was snow dang it! <3 Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Bacon & Scallion Farro Stuffed Acorn Squash
You are right Mir – snow day means baking to me, too! But we rarely get snow days in Chicago, I guess they are always prepared to clean the roads 🙂 I agree about the midday siesta thing 🙂 These scones look just perfect! Love the chocolate chips! mira recently posted…15 Salads You Need To Try
I’m all for snow days! These scones look so scrumptious and seem like the perfect way to spend a day snowed in 😉 Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Dark Chocolate Orange Muddy Buddy Cookies
I’ll totally jump on that siesta bound train, Mir! I have no judgments about the DC area and snow – I live in Charlotte and 2 inches cripples us for days! I prefer it that way too and just love a good snow day of baking. These scones are perfect! How could you NOT add chocolate?
These look amazing! Love the mini chocolate chips- for some reason I just love the smaller ones in muffins/scones 🙂 Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie
These really look amazing Mir! Ahh I would do the same, bake when it snows..even though it never snows in Seattle! Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Berry Orange Pavlova Cake
There’s something about having a lot of snow that makes me want to just bake too. These scones sound delicious and you can never go wrong adding in some chocolate too! Danielle recently posted…Raspberry Banana Smoothie
I could not deal with snow. You’re my hero for surviving, no matter how much or little! Love these, they look PERFECT. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Chocolate Churro Pies
Oh yesss, I’m in – siestas, slow food, family dinners everyday…that’s livin’ in my book! And so are these scones! I can imagine one of these beauties with a cup of sweet tea! Done! annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Shrimp Scampi with Rocket and Angel Hair Spaghetti
I love scones! I always make this recipe. Love that you made them minty. They are gorgeous as well. I will def start the siesta movement with you Mir! Especially today when I feel so rundown!
Not wimpy at all. In 1999 Toronto called the Canadian Army when we got a large snowfall. I wasn’t in Toronto at the time, but they were basically ridiculed because of it.
Also, I was wondering whether or not to try freezing the butter next time I make scones. I’m glad I don’t really need to take that extra step 🙂 Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness recently posted…Chocolate Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies
I wouldn’t take the extra step, Cathleen. Honestly, it’s just as good without thinking ahead quite that much! And I love the story about the Canadian Army!
Mir, I love that you added mini chocolate chips and drizzled chocolate on top. I love Dorie Greenspan but homegirl needs some chocolate. I applaud you for enjoying your time at home to rest a little and time with you kids. . and you baked and worked. Dang, girl. After I read all the stories about how many people died and all the accidents, I was in shock! I had no idea how crazy it was. I read that the “economic impact of the storm may top $850 million, CBS News reported. Factor in the damage costs left behind, especially along the coast from flooding, and it’s almost a certainty that this will be a billion-dollar storm.” Isn’t that crazy??!! Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Avocado Waffles
I love Dorie too, but yep. More chocolate always! And the snowstorm was pretty epic. The DC area is not equipped to handle two-plus feet of snow, so it’s expensive and messy. Everything is melting now (it’s 60 degrees!) so the flooding is also bad. I’m from the Midwest, so this east coast stuff is crazy!
Mir – I don’t think D.C. is being wimpy at all. Your government doesn’t have the necessary equipment or resources to work with the type of snow that you received this weekend. My sister went to school at University of Delaware, and said one of the worst experiences in the winter was when she lived down there. The town wasn’t prepared for the ice and snow. Disaster. Anyways, I hope you get back to school soon. I’m sure you’re students are enjoying the time off.
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Lemon Blackberry Thumbprints
No, we sure don’t. The sidewalks are still totally covered and people are still digging!
I think adding chocolate chips and a chocolate drizzle is an excellent addition. How could that not make it better?
I hope you are enjoying the time off 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on How To Start Eating Healthier by Dannii
Agreed. Chocolate makes everything better!
Sounds like you’re getting a lot of baking done with the snow! I agree, it would be nice to be able to hang out and sip hot chocolate. But with our Chicago winters, that would never happen, as we have all the resources available to dig us out, and then some. These scones are too cute! I can never resist mini foods, especially when chocolate is involved.
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Creamy Parmesan, Mushroom and Pea Risotto Bowls
I’ve been pretty productive, but I took today off, Gayle. I needed a day in bed!
As someone who used to live in DC, I feel exactly the same about their approach to snow! And especially if it means we get to each chocolate chip scones!
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Prosciutto Asparagus
You used to live here? Aaah, I didn’t know that, Kate! I’ll have to ask you whereabouts!
Hahaha! I’m totally down for joining your midday siesta movement! Although I’m not a good napper, too much agita (spelling?). But i am all for a break! Can’t think of anything better than taking that break with a few dozen of these scones in hand! These look like flakey, buttery perfection, Mir! Beyond delish! Totally making these with white chocolate for me and as is for the hubs! Pinned!
P.s. pretty sure my relatives in buffalo are saying I have no clue what real snow is down here in NC. But i dont care. It was snow dang it! <3
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Bacon & Scallion Farro Stuffed Acorn Squash
Hey, you don’t have to nap to enjoy stretching out midday for a rest! And white chocolate would work perfectly!
You are right Mir – snow day means baking to me, too! But we rarely get snow days in Chicago, I guess they are always prepared to clean the roads 🙂 I agree about the midday siesta thing 🙂 These scones look just perfect! Love the chocolate chips!
mira recently posted…15 Salads You Need To Try
Yeah, Chicago is pretty tough that way. Move out here and you’ll get snow days all the time!
I’m all for snow days! These scones look so scrumptious and seem like the perfect way to spend a day snowed in 😉
Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Dark Chocolate Orange Muddy Buddy Cookies
They really are, Megan. I’ve been eating way too many!
I’ll totally jump on that siesta bound train, Mir! I have no judgments about the DC area and snow – I live in Charlotte and 2 inches cripples us for days! I prefer it that way too and just love a good snow day of baking. These scones are perfect! How could you NOT add chocolate?
In Charlotte 2 inches is a huge deal!
These look amazing! Love the mini chocolate chips- for some reason I just love the smaller ones in muffins/scones 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie
I’m with you, Medha. I think the flavor distributes better!
These really look amazing Mir! Ahh I would do the same, bake when it snows..even though it never snows in Seattle!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Berry Orange Pavlova Cake
But you get plenty of rain! Imagine if it froze…
There’s something about having a lot of snow that makes me want to just bake too. These scones sound delicious and you can never go wrong adding in some chocolate too!
Danielle recently posted…Raspberry Banana Smoothie
I think that baking is just the perfect cozy, trapped at home activity!
I could not deal with snow. You’re my hero for surviving, no matter how much or little! Love these, they look PERFECT.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Chocolate Churro Pies
Well, you’re a CA girl, so snow is not in your blood. Or in mine, to be honest. But the snow days are nice!
Oh yesss, I’m in – siestas, slow food, family dinners everyday…that’s livin’ in my book! And so are these scones! I can imagine one of these beauties with a cup of sweet tea! Done!
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Shrimp Scampi with Rocket and Angel Hair Spaghetti
Siesta needs to be a thing. If only we’d start doing that!
I love scones! I always make this recipe. Love that you made them minty. They are gorgeous as well. I will def start the siesta movement with you Mir! Especially today when I feel so rundown!
Sorry you’re worn out, Michele. It’ll get better!
Not wimpy at all. In 1999 Toronto called the Canadian Army when we got a large snowfall. I wasn’t in Toronto at the time, but they were basically ridiculed because of it.
Also, I was wondering whether or not to try freezing the butter next time I make scones. I’m glad I don’t really need to take that extra step 🙂
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness recently posted…Chocolate Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies
I wouldn’t take the extra step, Cathleen. Honestly, it’s just as good without thinking ahead quite that much! And I love the story about the Canadian Army!
Mir, I love that you added mini chocolate chips and drizzled chocolate on top. I love Dorie Greenspan but homegirl needs some chocolate. I applaud you for enjoying your time at home to rest a little and time with you kids. . and you baked and worked. Dang, girl. After I read all the stories about how many people died and all the accidents, I was in shock! I had no idea how crazy it was. I read that the “economic impact of the storm may top $850 million, CBS News reported. Factor in the damage costs left behind, especially along the coast from flooding, and it’s almost a certainty that this will be a billion-dollar storm.” Isn’t that crazy??!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Avocado Waffles
I love Dorie too, but yep. More chocolate always! And the snowstorm was pretty epic. The DC area is not equipped to handle two-plus feet of snow, so it’s expensive and messy. Everything is melting now (it’s 60 degrees!) so the flooding is also bad. I’m from the Midwest, so this east coast stuff is crazy!
Chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle? What a perfect breakfast treat!!!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted…Loaded Hot Corn Dip
They were great while they lasted!