Name: Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, VERY cold and cut into tiny pieces; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 ounce bag chocolate chips; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon milk or water; 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling

There's something so comforting about the warm, flaky texture combined with rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in this delightful Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe. It's a treat that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare at home, making your coffee breaks or brunch moments truly memorable.

Three triangular scones are placed close together on a crinkled parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each scone has a golden brown crust with a rough, crumbly texture and is studded with melted dark chocolate chunks and pecans. Powdered sugar is lightly sprinkled across the top, adding a soft white contrast to the warm brown colors. The scones show small cracks and uneven surfaces, giving a homemade feel to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these scones—my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery, and the melt-in-your-mouth bites packed with chocolate and pecans just made my day. This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is a lovely blend of texture and flavor that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Flaky and Tender Texture: The secret lies in the very cold butter, which creates that perfect crumbly, tender texture you want from a scone.
Rich Chocolate Meets Crunchy Pecans: The combination provides a delightful balance of sweet and nutty in every bite.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to swap nuts, add dried fruit, or adjust sweetness, this recipe is super flexible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfasts, brunches, or just a cozy afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe plays a key role, from the flour giving structure to the pecans and chocolate chips injecting personality. I always recommend fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of light brown sugar on a white ceramic dish, a few whole uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly, a stick of very cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes on a white ceramic square dish, a small white bowl filled with heavy cream, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a small heap of shiny dark chocolate chips on a white ceramic plate, a small pile of chopped pecans on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl containing a light dusting of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl holding fine baking powder, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with confectioners’ sugar, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides the right balance of gluten for a tender yet sturdy scone.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, grounding the sweetness.
Baking powder: Gives scones their rise and lightness.
Light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes that complement the chocolate and pecans beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: A gentle warmth that brightens the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Very cold butter creates flaky layers; the key is to handle it quickly so it stays cold.
Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
Heavy cream: Moisturizes and enriches the scones, contributing to tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet fragrance and depth.
Chocolate chips: Use a good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for best taste.
Pecans: Toast them lightly beforehand for an even nuttier crunch, if you like.
Egg wash (egg + milk or water): For that beautiful golden-brown finish.
Confectioners' sugar: A light dusting adds a pretty touch and a hint of sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I sometimes swap pecans for walnuts or add a pinch of nutmeg alongside cinnamon to give it a little extra warmth. Feel free to experiment and make it yours!

Variation: For a slightly more decadent scone, try mixing in some white chocolate chips with the regular ones—I did this once, and it became a fast favorite among friends!
Dietary modification: For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Seasonal twist: Add dried cranberries or cherries during holiday seasons for a festive vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix Dry Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (that's about 200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so your scones won’t stick and cleanup is easy. In a big bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step felt like the calm before the delicious storm for me—and it sets the stage for those perfect scones.

Step 2: Cut in Cold Butter

Now, here’s an important trick: make sure your butter is VERY cold and cut into tiny cubes—this keeps your scones flaky! Using your fingers, two forks, or a pastry cutter, work the butter into your dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it! You want little chunks of butter to remain—they puff up during baking and give you that lovely texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk your egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract together. Pour this into your flour and butter mixture. Then add your chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Use a fork to bring everything together gently—just until the dough is moistened. It might look shaggy and a bit loose right now, and that’s perfectly normal!

Step 4: Shape the Dough and Cut Wedges

Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and give it a few gentle kneads—no more than 5 or 6—to bring it together. Form it into an 8-inch disc. I find a springy dough is what you’re after. Use a sharp knife to cut this disc into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pizza. Then, carefully transfer the wedges to your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they crisp up nicely without sticking together.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Lightly brush each scone with the egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of milk or water). This step gives you that irresistible golden shine. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and smell divine. Keep an eye on them around the 18-minute mark—the difference between perfect and slightly dry is just a couple of minutes!

Step 6: Cool and Sprinkle

Once baked, let your scones cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up. Then, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar for a pretty, delicate finish. Serve warm or room temperature—I personally like mine with a slight crisp outside and soft inside, enjoyed just as they are or with a touch of butter.

Top Tip

After making these scones a few times, I realized a few small adjustments can really make your batch turn out bakery-worthy every time.

Butter Temperature: Keep your butter cold until the last possible moment. Cold butter is key to flaky scones—warm butter makes dough dense and tough.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking gluten, which can make scones chewy instead of tender.
Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and helps the bottoms brown evenly without burning—trust me, I’ve had my share of scrapped batches!
Watch the Oven: Start checking scones at 18 minutes; ovens vary and you want just the right golden touch, not overbaked dryness.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—just a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a lovely visual and a hint of extra sweetness. Occasionally, I add a spoonful of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey, which makes the scones extra indulgent. If you like a bit of tang, a dollop of lemon curd complements the chocolate nicely too!

Side Dishes

These scones go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or black tea, bringing out the chocolate and nuts beautifully. For brunch, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait—keeps the meal balanced while letting the scones shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve arranged scones on tiered cake stands with small bowls of whipped cream, honey, and fresh berries around them. It makes everything feel festive and inviting. Another idea is wrapping individual scones in parchment tied with twine for a sweet gift or takeaway at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I’ve found that scones lose some crispness when refrigerated, so keeping them in a cool, dry place is best if you plan to eat them soon.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to prep in advance. After shaping the dough, freeze the unbaked scones on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into a preheated oven adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To refresh your scones, I like to warm them gently in a 325°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their crisp edges and warm, melty centers. Microwaving works too in a pinch, but I prefer oven reheating for texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different nuts in this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great. Toasting them lightly beforehand enhances their flavor.

What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat milk mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter, or use half-and-half if you have it.

How do I keep my scones from being dry?

Make sure not to overmix the dough and don’t overbake—check them around the 18-minute mark. Also, use very cold butter and fresh ingredients for best results.

Can these scones be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in food form. Whether you're sharing with friends or treating yourself to a cozy morning, these scones are simple to make and so rewarding to eat. I hope you find as much joy in baking and savoring these as I have—there’s nothing quite like homemade scones fresh from the oven!