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 irresistible about the warm, nutty aroma of fresh-baked scones mingling with rich chocolate. This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is one of my favorite weekend treats that truly feels like a cozy hug in pastry form. Let me show you how easy and rewarding it is to make!

Three triangular scones sit closely together on crinkled brown parchment paper, each golden-brown with a slightly crumbly texture. Dark chocolate chunks are embedded throughout the scones, melting slightly and creating shiny patches. Lightly dusted powdered sugar lightly coats the tops, adding a soft white contrast to the warm tones of the baked scones. There are pieces of nuts visible, giving a rough, crunchy texture to parts of the scones. The overall look is rustic and inviting, with the scones filling most of the image frame. 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 adore this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe because it combines flaky, buttery dough with pockets of melty chocolate and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is so straightforward that anyone can pull it off.

Flaky, Buttery Texture: The cold butter technique creates tender layers you’ll want to savor.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet chocolate chips and warm cinnamon play beautifully against the nutty pecans.
Simple Yet Impressive: You don’t have to be a pro baker to get professional results.
Great for Any Time of Day: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these scones shine.

The image shows a close-up of three triangle-shaped scones with a golden-brown crust filled with dark chocolate chunks and pecan nuts. The scones have a rough texture with visible cracks and are dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar. Pieces of pecan nuts are scattered on and around the scones. The scones rest on crumpled light brown parchment paper, giving the image a warm, rustic feel, with a small glass bowl of pecan nuts blurred in the background. The overall lighting highlights the melted chocolate and crisp edges of the scones against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together classic scone ingredients with chocolate chips for indulgence and chopped pecans for crunch and richness. Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference, so here's a little insight to help you shop smart.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour with a light dusting around it, a small pile of light brown sugar, a few sprigs of ground cinnamon powder finely scattered, tiny cubes of cold unsalted butter arranged neatly, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, another small white bowl containing clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl filled with glossy dark chocolate chips, a small pile of roughly chopped pecans, an additional large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl holding milk, and a small white bowl with fine white confectioners’ sugar, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance and realistic proportions, 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: The base for tender yet sturdy scones; measure carefully for best texture.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Baking powder: Your secret weapon for light, fluffy scones.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm spice that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Unsalted butter: Use very cold butter for flaky layers — tiny cubes work best.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Heavy cream: Makes the dough tender and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: Lifts all the flavors with a sweet aroma.
Chocolate chips: Choose semi-sweet or dark depending on how rich you want it.
Pecans: Chopped for texture and toasty flavor, I always toast mine lightly first.
Milk or water (for egg wash): Keeps the tops shiny and golden.
Confectioners’ sugar: A delicate dusting to finish scones with a pretty touch.

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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

While I love the classic chocolate pecan combo, I’ve found these scones really let you play around. Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or add dried cherries for a tart twist. Don’t be shy about tweaking the chocolate amount either — I sometimes go heavier for an extra chocolate fix!

Variation: Adding a splash of orange zest brightens the flavor and makes for a delightful surprise.
Dietary adjustments: You can use a dairy-free butter and non-dairy cream to make these scones vegan-friendly, but watch for slight texture differences.
Sweetness level: If you prefer less sweet, reduce the brown sugar by a tablespoon or swap chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate.

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

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Prep Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is easy to overlook but crucial for a smooth bake and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter

Combine flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a big bowl. Then, cut your very cold butter into tiny cubes and mix it into the flour mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter. It might feel messy, but you’re aiming for coarse crumbs not a smooth dough.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix in Chocolate & Pecans

Whisk the egg, cream, and vanilla in a separate cup. Pour this into your dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips and pecans. Stir gently with a fork just until everything is moistened — the dough should look a bit rough and shaggy.

Step 4: Form the Dough and Cut Into Wedges

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times to bring it together. Shape it into an 8-inch round disc, then cut into 8 wedges. Transfer these wedges gently to your prepared baking sheet, giving them space to expand.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush each scone with the egg wash made from a beaten egg mixed with a little milk or water. This step gives the scones their gorgeous golden shine. Then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until light golden brown and firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cool and Sprinkle with Sugar

Let the scones cool for about 10 minutes on the pan. Finally, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a lovely finishing look.

Top Tip

Through countless batches of these Chocolate Pecan Scones, I’ve learned that the key to flaky, tender scones lies in keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough. Here are my best tips to help you nail the texture every time.

Cold Butter Is Key: Always use butter straight from the fridge and cut into small cubes before mixing in. This prevents the fat from melting too soon.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid tough scones; a shaggy dough is totally okay!
Handle Dough Gently: Knead only a few times to bring it together; this helps keep the crumb tender.
Egg Wash Makes a Difference: Brushing on egg wash before baking gives your scones that beautiful golden finish and slight gloss.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe

chocolate pecan scones - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling these scones with confectioners’ sugar for just a hint of sweetness and an elegant look. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of honey or a light smear of butter for extra indulgence. Fresh berries on the side add a fresh pop that balances the richness well.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad to round out the meal without overpowering those buttery flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange the scones on a tiered cake stand layered with fresh mint leaves and pecan halves. You can even serve them with bowls of mascarpone mixed with a touch of vanilla and honey for guests to dollop on top, turning the humble scone into an elegant treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They keep their texture nicely if you avoid the fridge, which can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully. I flash freeze the wedges first on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want a treat, just pop them directly into a preheated oven for a few minutes to refresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm scones in a 325°F oven for about 7-10 minutes. This restores that fresh-baked crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft and melty, especially around the chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen butter to make these scones?

Yes! In fact, using very cold or even frozen butter helps create those flaky layers. Just grate or finely cube the frozen butter to mix in more easily without letting it warm up.

How do I prevent the scones from becoming tough?

Avoid overmixing your dough. Stir just until the ingredients come together and knead only a couple of times before shaping. Overworking activates gluten and will make scones dense.

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work well in this recipe. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor before adding.

Is it okay if my dough looks shaggy after mixing?

Yes, that’s normal and actually good! Shaggy dough means you haven’t overmixed it, which leads to tender, flaky scones rather than tough ones.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe has been my go-to weekend project that never fails to impress family and friends. Every bite offers that perfect little crunch, sweet chocolate, and buttery flakiness that feels like a special treat — but without any fuss. I’m excited for you to try it and discover just how simple it is to bake your own bakery-worthy scones at home.