Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/3 cup (63 grams) light brown sugar; 8 tablespoons (114 grams) unsalted butter, frozen; 3-1/2 ounces (100 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1/3 cup (55 grams) toasted hazelnuts, chopped; 1 1/2 cups (252 grams) heavy cream, cold; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (for egg wash); 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 36 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love pastries that combine rich flavors with a tender crumb, this Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe will become your new go-to delight. These scones boast the perfect balance of bittersweet chocolate chunks and toasted hazelnuts, all wrapped up in a lightly spiced dough that’s buttery and flaky. Whether you’re craving a decadent breakfast treat or an afternoon snack to savor with your favorite cup of tea or coffee, these scones are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and chocolate as you bake these beauties!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and a clear measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl on the top left holds a mound of pale off-white all-purpose flour. Below it, a small clear bowl contains coarse white kosher salt. To the right of the salt is a small bowl filled with dark brown sugar, textured with small clumps. Above the sugar is a stick of butter with its paper wrapper still on, pale yellow in color. To the right of the butter, a small glass bowl holds a rich brown cinnamon powder. Next to the cinnamon is a large bowl filled with light brown hazelnuts, some whole and some halved, showing a rough texture. Below the hazelnuts is a small bowl with white baking powder, fine and powdery. In the bottom center, a clear bowl contains rough chunks of dark chocolate in dark brown and almost black shades. On the bottom right, a glass measuring cup holds creamy white heavy cream, smooth in texture. The ingredients are neatly laid out with clear labels in black text above or near each container. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver texture, flavor, and that perfect golden color. Each one plays an essential role from the flaky butter to the fragrant cinnamon.

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups / 315 grams): The foundation for a tender, flaky scone crumb.

Baking powder (4 teaspoons): Helps the scones rise and become delightfully fluffy.
Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to every bite.
Light brown sugar (⅓ cup / 63 grams): Brings subtle sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.

Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons / 114 grams, frozen): Key for flaky layers and richness.
Bittersweet chocolate (3-½ ounces / 100 grams, chopped): The star ingredient providing smooth chocolatey pockets.
Toasted hazelnuts (⅓ cup / 55 grams, chopped): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast to the chocolate.

Heavy cream (1-½ cups / 252 grams, cold): Brings moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and is used for the egg wash that creates a glossy finish.
Heavy cream or milk (1 tablespoon): Mixed with egg for that perfect golden, shiny top.

Turbinado sugar (3 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for a sweet, crunchy sparkle.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Nuts and Chocolate

Start by coarsely chopping the toasted hazelnuts, reserving about 16 half-pieces to decorate the tops later. Chop the bittersweet chocolate into a mix of small and larger ¼-inch chunks, again keeping some larger pieces aside for topping. This step ensures every bite delivers a perfect balance of nutty crunch and molten chocolate.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and light brown sugar for about 30 seconds. Use your fingers to break up any clumps of brown sugar for an even distribution. This dry mix forms the flavorful base and gives the scones their light texture.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Using a box grater, grate the frozen unsalted butter directly into the dry ingredients. Toss everything together with your fingers, coating the butter in flour. The small butter shards are what create those flaky, buttery layers when baked, so keeping the butter cold and distributed is essential.

Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate and Hazelnuts

Add the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chunks to the flour and butter mixture, tossing everything together evenly. This step ensures the nutty crunch and rich chocolate pieces are well spread throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every scone.

Step 5: Mix in the Heavy Cream

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cold heavy cream. Using a silicone spatula, fold the flour mixture gently into the cream until the dough begins to come together. It will be slightly sticky but manageable. This creamy addition brings moisture and richness to the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Fold and press the dough four times to incorporate any loose flour bits, creating a cohesive mass. Then, form the dough into an 8-inch circle—using an 8-inch cake pan or plate as a guide helps create an even shape. Slice the dough circle into eight wedges, and press the reserved chocolate and hazelnut pieces on top of each wedge.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Place the scones on a plate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Chilling firms up the butter again, which helps the scones maintain their shape and develop a flaky texture when baked. This step also deepens the flavors.

Step 8: Bake the Scones

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Mix the egg and milk (or cream) to create an egg wash, then gently brush it over the tops of the scones. This will give you a beautiful shiny and golden crust. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes until puffed, golden, and cooked through. If baking from frozen, add an extra 5 minutes of baking time.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe

The image shows two triangular scones stacked on a white plate, both having a golden-brown crust speckled with dark chunks of chocolate and whole hazelnuts visible on the surface. In the background, three more scones rest on a cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface, with scattered hazelnuts and chocolate pieces around them, adding texture and a natural look. The scones look flaky with a slightly rough texture, and the lighting softly highlights their warm color and ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The scones are stunning on their own, but you can elevate them with a pat of butter that melts into warm crevices or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. For a fresh touch, sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few more toasted hazelnuts right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these scones with your favorite hot beverage such as freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a velvety hot chocolate to complement the chocolate-hazelnut flavors. A fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries adds a bright and refreshing contrast as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange these scones on a tiered cake stand surrounded by edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint. You can even slice a scone in half and spread with whipped cream and jam for a fun twist on a classic treat that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scones are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they’re baked. If you have extras, keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their tender crumb and keeps them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these scones before baking by placing them on a sheet tray in the freezer until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. When you want a fresh-baked treat, bake directly from the freezer—no thawing needed—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the scones in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. This brings back that delightful freshly baked texture better than microwaving, which can make them soft and chewy.

FAQs

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream in this Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk or even buttermilk for heavy cream to reduce richness, but heavy cream gives these scones their tender, moist crumb and richer flavor, so it’s best if you can stick to the original recipe.

Do I have to use bittersweet chocolate?

Bittersweet chocolate provides a nice balance to the sweet dough and toasted hazelnuts. However, you can use semisweet or dark chocolate based on your taste preferences to make the scones sweeter or more intense.

Is it necessary to freeze the butter before grating?

Yes, freezing the butter is important because cold butter creates those flaky layers that make scones so irresistible. Warm or room temperature butter will blend too much with the flour and result in denser scones.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

To make these scones gluten-free, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the chocolate and hazelnut flavors will still shine brilliantly.

How long do these scones keep fresh after baking?

These scones are best enjoyed fresh the day they are baked but will keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days without losing much of their tender texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a scone recipe that marries rich, chocolaty indulgence with a satisfying nutty crunch, this Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe has got you covered. It's straightforward to make yet impressively delicious, perfect for elevating any breakfast or coffee break. Trust me, once you bake a batch, you’ll want to share these golden gems with everyone you know!

Chocolate Hazelnut Scones Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need