Chocolate Scones

Chocolate scones are a delicious variation of the traditional British scones, a perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea. Here is a simple recipe to prepare them in an Italian style.

Ingredients

• 250 g of all-purpose flour
• 50 g of cocoa powder
• 100 g of sugar
• 1 sachet of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 100 g of cold butter, cubed
• 150 ml of milk
• 100 g of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 egg for brushing (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (180 °C if convection).
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold cubed butter and work the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse sand.
4. Pour the milk slowly and mix with a fork until the dough starts to come together, then add the chocolate chips.
5. On a floured surface, briefly work the dough (not too much, to avoid overheating it) until it forms a ball.
6. Flatten slightly with your hands or a rolling pin to a thickness of about 2 cm.
7. Cut out the scones with a round cookie cutter or the shape you prefer and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. If desired, brush the surface of the scones with a beaten egg to give them a golden color during baking.
9. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until puffed up and slightly golden on top.
10. Let the scones cool on a rack before serving.

Curiosity

Scones are a traditional element of the “Cream Tea,” typical of the English counties of Devon and Cornwall. Traditionally they are served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The chocolate interpretation is a modern twist that makes them even more irresistible. Remember that for a more Italian version you could opt to accompany the scones with a delicious hazelnut cream or mascarpone.