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 smell of fresh-baked scones wafting through your kitchen, especially when they’re studded with rich chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is a little celebration of textures and flavors that make mornings feel extra special.

Three triangular scones sit closely together on a crumpled light brown paper with a white marbled texture underneath. Each scone is golden brown with a slightly rough, crumbly texture and is studded with large, melted dark brown chocolate chunks and whole pecan halves. The tops are dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, giving a soft contrast to the warm tones of the baked scones. The overall look is rustic and inviting, showing the chocolate melted into the crispy edges. 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’ve made my fair share of scones over the years, but this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe truly hits that perfect balance between flaky and tender with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, the pecans add a wonderful crunch that keeps things interesting bite after bite.

Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here—just pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Perfect Texture: The cold butter and careful mixing create scones that are both flaky and tender.
Chocolate & Nutty Goodness: Loaded with chocolate chips and toasted pecans for a flavor combo that everyone loves.
Quick & Versatile: Ready in under an hour and great for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack.

The image shows a close-up of a golden-brown triangular scone with a rough texture, studded with dark shiny melted chocolate chips and pecan nuts. The scone’s surface is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, giving it a soft contrast. The edges are slightly crisp and crumbly, while the inside looks moist with visible chunks of nuts and melted chocolate. Around the scone, there are whole pecans and more melted chocolate drops on a crinkled parchment paper. In the background to the right, there is a clear glass bowl filled with whole pecans placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of these scones lies in combining everyday ingredients that work in harmony to create a flaky, flavorful treat. Each element plays its role—from the cold butter creating layers to the chocolate and pecans adding texture and bursts of goodness.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small heap of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, small cubes of very cold unsalted butter, a whole uncracked large brown egg, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small pile of dark chocolate chips, a small pile of chopped pecans, a whole uncracked large white egg, a small white bowl with milk, and a small white bowl with confectioners' sugar, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white ceramic surface, 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 sturdy base for these scones; it gives structure without making them dense.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate flavor.
Baking powder: Your leavening hero to help the scones puff up and stay tender.
Light brown sugar: A touch of molasses-y sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs effortlessly with pecans and chocolate.
Unsalted butter, very cold: The secret to flaky scones—keep it cold and cut into tiny cubes.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and create richness.
Heavy cream: Adds moisture and tenderness, helping the scones stay soft inside.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor, making everything taste just a bit more special.
Chocolate chips: Sweet pockets of melty goodness throughout.
Pecans, chopped: Toasted or fresh, they bring crunch and that classic nutty flavor.
Milk or water (for egg wash): Helps give that gorgeous golden sheen on top.
Confectioners' sugar: A light dusting adds a pretty touch and extra sweetness when serving.

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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 my favorite things about this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to what you love. Whether you swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or toss in some dried cherries instead of pecans, it’s a recipe that welcomes creativity.

Nut-Free Variation: I once made these without pecans for a friend with allergies and swapped in sunflower seeds—still delicious and crunchy.
Seasonal Twist: Around the holidays, I add a bit of orange zest to brighten things up beautifully.
Extra Chewy Chocolate: Using chopped bittersweet chocolate instead of chips ups the decadence if that’s your vibe.

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

Step 1: Prep for Success

First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your scones bake evenly without sticking. Then gather your ingredients—it’s best if the butter is super cold, so pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter

Combine your flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Then, cut that cold butter into tiny cubes and work it in using your fingers, two forks, or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. I like to feel for little flecks of butter surrounded by flour—that's the key to those flaky layers!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients, Chocolate, and Pecans

Whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a measuring cup. Pour this into your dry ingredients, then toss in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Stir gently with a fork just until combined, but don’t overmix—the dough will look a bit shaggy and that’s perfectly fine.

Step 4: Shape and Cut

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and give it a few gentle kneads to bring it together. Pat or roll it into an 8-inch circle, then cut it into 8 wedges like a pizza. Carefully transfer those wedges to your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to puff up.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush each scone with the beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of milk or water—this gives them that beautiful golden glow when baked. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the scones turn lightly golden and smell heavenly.

Step 6: Cool and Sprinkle

Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes—they’ll firm up a bit and be easier to handle. Right before serving, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for a touch of sweet sparkle. Warm or room temperature, these scones are pure comfort.

Top Tip

When I first started baking scones, I struggled with dough that either turned out too dry or too heavy. Through trial and error, I found a few essentials that really make a difference—and I want that for you too!

Keep Butter Really Cold: That cold butter is your ticket to flaky layers—don’t let it soften before mixing.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir just until ingredients come together for tender scones; overworking can toughen them.
Use a Light Hand When Shaping: Gently pat the dough into shape instead of rolling too much to preserve air pockets.
Brush With Egg Wash: This simple step gives scones their irresistible golden color and slight shine.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Scones - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a dusting of confectioners' sugar for that delicate sweetness and pretty presentation. Sometimes, I add a smear of butter or a dollop of clotted cream right on the side if I’m feeling decadent. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can also complement the chocolate and pecans beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these scones with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy breakfast. I also like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad, yogurt with honey, or even a simple green salad if brunch is on the agenda.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange the scones in a circle on a large platter and garnish with chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips around them. You could also drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and cream on top to add an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I wrap leftover scones tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them at room temperature for 1-2 days. They keep surprisingly well, but I find they’re best eaten fresh or within the first day for that perfect texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these scones both before and after baking—with better results freezing them pre-baked. Freeze the cut dough wedges on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want scones, just bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. It’s a convenient trick when I want fresh scones quickly.

Reheating

To warm up leftover or frozen scones, I pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps refresh the crisp exterior without drying them out. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but since it’s denser and absorbs more liquid, you may need to slightly increase the cream or reduce the flour to maintain that tender, flaky texture. The scones will be heartier and nuttier in flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Yes! After shaping the scones into wedges, you can cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time since the dough will be cold.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chunks melt beautifully and offer a less uniform, more rustic texture that many people enjoy. Just chop a chocolate bar into chunks and fold them into the dough just like chips.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Pecan Scones have become a little ritual for me—a way to bring a bit of warmth and joy into the day, whether it’s a slow weekend morning or a quick treat with coffee. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do; they feel special but are wonderfully easy. Give this recipe a try and let those flaky, chocolaty bites brighten your kitchen and your mood.