My family loves scones. In fact, it was Graham’s request for scones that launched my son Charlie’s homemade scone pop-up when he was 12 years old.
That was 13 years ago and ever since then, Graham requests scones for Father’s Day and any other special occasion. So, when I got David Lebovitz’s new book, The Great Book of Chocolate, and saw the Chocolate-Cherry Buttermilk Scones, I just had to make them. They are buttery and tender, super chocolatey, and have a terrific tartness from the cherries. They are perfection!
The fact that we devoured these scones and I promptly made another batch, will surprise no one, since David Lebovitz has built his reputation for producing delicious recipes and creating books we all want to bake from and read cover to cover. I am never sure if I enjoy his treats or writing more!?
Giveaway
Want to win one of three copies of David’s book, The Great Book of Chocolate? Simply leave a comment below about your favorite chocolate dessert. I will randomly select three winners next week and contact them via email! Giveaway ends Monday, June 22 at 11:59 p.m. central time. US addresses only. GIVEAWAY CLOSED! We have contacted the winners and are awaiting their confirmation.
Video
Ingredients
Scones
- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon (290g) all-purpose flour plus more if necessary
- 7 tablespoons (90g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder preferably aluminum-free
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (125ml) buttermilk see note
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- Zest of 1 orange preferably unsprayed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons (4 ounces/ 115g unsalted butter) cubed and chilled
- 3/4 cup (90g) plump dried cherries, sour or sweet
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup (80g to 120g) chocolate chips or coarsely chopped bittersweet, milk, or white chocolate, or a mix
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or coarse-crystal sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole or low-fat milk
- Scant 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or by hand), stir together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, orange zest, and vanilla.
- Add the butter to the flour mixture and stir on medium-low speed until the pieces of butter are the size of chickpeas.
- Stir in the buttermilk mixture and mix on low speed until the dough begins to go from shaggy to starting to form a solidified mass. Add the cherries and chocolate chips and mix just until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a countertop dusted with flour and knead it very gently two or three times to bring it together. If the dough is too sticky, add another tablespoon of flour, although scones turn out better when the dough is on the humid side, so add it only if it feels really wet.
- Use your hands to pat the dough into an 8-inch (20cm) circle. Cut the circle into eight equal-size wedges with a chef’s knife or pastry scraper.
- To make the topping, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate. Press the top of each wedge heavily into the sugar mixture and set the scones, sugared side up, on
- the prepared baking sheet as you go, spacing them ½ inch (1.5cm) apart—because scones like to be baked close together.
- Bake until the scones feel firm to the touch on top and lightly golden brown up the sides, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
- To glaze the scones, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla paste in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread or drizzle the glaze over the scones.
Storage
- The scones are best the day they’re made, but they keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
My favorite chocolate recipe is chocolate chip cookies, crisp on the edges and soft and melty on the inside.
My favorite is any ice cream with chocolate chunks in it
My fav would be chocolate pudding layered with ladyfingers.
My fav would be chocolate pudding and ladyfingers layered in a loaf pan.
Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of this dessert, but I definitely remember it.
I was in France for an art retreat, and the caretaker of the home we stayed in made our lunches and dinners. One evening she made this chocolate dessert, and I was making noises of great pleasure ☺️
These look incredible! I can’t wait to make them, and I would adore a copy of David’s book! My favorite chocolate dessert is chocolate mousse with raspberries and whipped cream!
Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of this dessert, but I definitely remember it.
I was in France for an art retreat, and the caretaker of the home we stayed in made our lunches and dinners. One evening she made this wonderful chocolate dessert, and I was making noises of great pleasure while eating it, when she replied, “Orgasmic, right?”
It was one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten
This recipe looks yummy and a great Fathers Day Breakfast pastry. One of my favorite desserts is the devils food chocolate cake from your book “Zoe Bakes Cakes”. The chocolate zucchini cake is a close second!
Derby Pie is my favorite chocolate dessert. I went to college in Kentucky and the Derby is a huge event! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you for the recipe! I would love to win this book! My favorite chocolate recipe is dark chocolate raspberry cake.
I can’t wait to make these! I will likely add more dark chocolate and skip the vanilla icing because for whatever reason I prefer my scones without icing (however, give me allll the frosting on cake!). I love chocolate so it would be hard to say what my favorite chocolate dessert is, but I do love a moist, dense chocolate cake or brownie with chocolate chunks and frosting. Pair that with a cup of really good black coffee or a glass of milk and I’m in heaven.
Ah Chocolate…Chocolate Cheesecake as decadent is my favorite. Thank you for sharing your chocolate scones recipe.
I cannot wait to try the scone recipe — it looks delish!!
My favorite chocolate dessert is a chocolate dacquoise filled with raspberries — or any chocolate-raspberry cake combo!
Best chocolate dessert? Guinness chocolate cake from NYT cooking, made with a chocolate stout instead of Guinness (sorry!). With whipped cream and sliced strawberries, I guarantee there will not be a crumb left.
My family favorite chocolate recipe is Nigella Lawson’s Dense Chocolate Cake because it’s, as she says “squidgy”.
Just a simple chocolate cake. Funny story: my ex loved chocolate cake, so I made him my favorite when we first got married–homemade, of course. I was shocked when he wasn’t fond of it, so I asked, “What did your mother make you?” And he said, “It came in a box.” I said, “You mean Betty Crocker?” “Yeah,” he said. So, all the years I was married to him, I was stuck making him Betty Crocker cakes!
The chocolate cherry buttermilk scones look luscious! Perhaps my favorite chocolate dessert is chocolate layer cake!
I’ve made chocolate cherry scones before but am definitely trying these. They look great! I would love this cookbook!
Chocolate fudge brownies!
I look your passion and joy in celebrating great foods and bakes and those baking with you for those whom you’re baking them! Love any dark chocolate salted caramel combination and some little crunch!
My favorite is Zoe’s chocolate devil’s food cake with cream cheese frosting
I love scones and this incorporates two flavors I like. Excited to try these. My favorite chocolate dessert is French silk pie.
Thank you for this recipe. I can hardly with to try it. You are so awesome and a blessing to me who loves to cook and eat delicious food!
Yum I would love to win! My favorite dessert is hard to pick…. probably brookies! Thanks.
My favorite chocolate dessert are chocolate macarons!