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; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 teaspoon milk or water (for egg wash); 12 ounce bag chocolate chips; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling

Nothing beats the cozy warmth of fresh-baked scones, especially when they’re loaded with rich chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is a true delight—flaky, tender, and just sweet enough to make your morning coffee feel extra special.

Three triangular scones are placed closely together on crumpled brown parchment paper with a white marbled surface underneath. The scones are golden brown with a textured, slightly rough surface filled with melted dark chocolate chunks and embedded pecan nuts that add a touch of pattern and color contrast. Each scone has a light dusting of white powdered sugar scattered unevenly across the top, highlighting the edges and some deep cracks on the scones' surface. The overall look shows a warm, freshly baked finish with a moist interior peeking through the cracks 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 a lot of scones over the years, and this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe quickly became a go-to for brunch at my place. It strikes the perfect balance between tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, plus the chocolate and pecans add a fun twist that feels indulgent but not heavy.

Perfect Texture: The cold butter technique ensures these scones come out flaky and tender every time.
Flavor Combo: Chocolate chips and pecans create a lovely contrast of sweet and nutty in each bite.
Simple to Make: Even if you’re new to scones, the steps are straightforward and forgiving.
Versatile for Any Time: Great for breakfast, a snack, or paired with tea in the afternoon.

The image shows triangular scones with a golden-brown crust speckled with melted dark chocolate pieces and whole pecans inside and on top. Each scone is lightly dusted with powdered sugar that adds a soft white contrast to the warm tones of the baked dough. The scones have a crumbly texture with slightly cracked tops. They rest on a wrinkled parchment paper that adds a rustic feel. To the side, a clear glass bowl holds more pecans. Some pecans and small chocolate drops lie scattered near the scones, enhancing the warm, inviting display. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe plays a role in creating that wonderful balance of texture and flavor. Choosing quality butter and fresh pecans can take your scones from good to unforgettable.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small pile of light brown sugar, a small heap of baking powder, a small pinch of salt, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a stick of unsalted butter cut into tiny cubes, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl with chopped pecans, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, and a small white ceramic bowl with confectioners' sugar, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 structure; I always recommend sifting to avoid lumps and get a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Baking powder: Gives the scones their rise and light crumb.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel depth that pairs beautifully with pecans.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint for warmth—it’s subtle but makes a difference!
Unsalted butter: The star of flaky pastries; keeping it very cold is key to flaky layers.
Large egg: Adds richness and binds the dough together.
Heavy cream: Keeps the dough tender and moist without weighing it down.
Vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
Chocolate chips: Make sure to pick your favorite type—semisweet works beautifully here.
Pecans: Toast ‘em lightly for extra flavor and crunch before adding to the dough.
Beaten egg with milk or water (egg wash): Gives the scones a gorgeous golden finish.
Confectioners’ sugar: Adds a lovely delicate sweetness once the scones cool.

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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

I love experimenting with these scones—sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or toss in a few dried cranberries for a fruity pop. Feel free to make this recipe your own, and don’t be afraid to tweak the chocolate type or nut choice according to your mood.

Variation: One time, I added orange zest to the dough, which paired beautifully with the chocolate and pecans — it’s a lovely bright twist.
Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, though it might change the texture a little.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to maintain that tender flaky texture.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that’s my favorite shortcut to prevent sticking and cleanup. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This step ensures your leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cut In the Cold Butter

Chop the cold butter into tiny cubes and toss them into your flour mixture. Use your fingers, two forks, or a pastry cutter (whatever you have!) to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is what creates those flaky layers when baked, so avoid overworking it to keep little chunks intact.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

In a measuring cup, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Then pour this into your dry mix along with your chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Stir gently with a fork until everything is just moistened. It’s okay if the dough looks a bit shaggy at this point—you don’t want to overmix it.

Step 4: Shape and Cut Your Scones

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just a few times until it holds together. Pat it into an 8-inch disc—no need for perfection here. Slice the disc into 8 equal wedges and transfer them carefully onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple inches between each so they can rise nicely.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush each scone lightly with the beaten egg mixed with a little milk or water. This gives them a beautiful, glossy golden top once baked. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes until they’re just golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Cool and Finish with a Dusting

Once out of the oven, let the scones rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up. Then sprinkle generously with confectioners’ sugar for a delicate sweetness and elegant look. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Top Tip

After making this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe several times, I’ve discovered little tricks that make all the difference between good and spectacular scones. Keeping the butter cold and not overmixing the dough are absolute game changers for flaky layers.

Cold Butter: Always use very cold butter straight from the fridge; it should almost be firm when you cut it in.
Minimal Kneading: Knead the dough just enough to bring it together—overworking leads to tough scones.
Pat the Dough, Don’t Roll: I find patting into a disc helps keep the layers intact rather than rolling out, which can compress the dough too much.
Egg Wash at the End: Brush the egg wash right before baking to get that shiny, gorgeously golden top.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Scones - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love dusting these scones with confectioners’ sugar as a simple finishing touch. Sometimes I serve them with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of honey butter for an extra indulgence. Lemon curd also pairs surprisingly well with the pecan and chocolate flavors.

Side Dishes

These scones shine with a fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait on the side. For a savory contrast, crisp bacon or a sharp cheddar cheese platter complements the sweet scones beautifully during brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the scones on a tiered cake stand with small bowls of jams, clotted cream, and nut butters nearby. It makes a cozy yet elegant spread that friends always rave about. Wrapping a few scones in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without them drying out. If you want to keep them soft, placing a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully! I wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop scones in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes; this helps refresh their crisp edges while keeping the crumb tender inside. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts offer a similar crunchy texture and rich flavor that complements the chocolate chips perfectly. Toast them lightly for extra depth.

How do I keep my scones flaky and not dense?

Make sure your butter is very cold, cut into small cubes, and work it quickly into the dry ingredients without melting it. Also, avoid overmixing or overkneading the dough to maintain a tender, flaky texture.

Can I make these scones vegan?

You can try substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative and using a plant-based milk with a touch of flax egg or another egg replacer. However, texture and flavor may slightly vary from the classic version.

Should I toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting pecans enhances their natural flavor and adds a wonderful crunch, but it’s optional. If you have time, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe has become a little ritual for me—whether I’m baking for company or just indulging myself on a quiet weekend morning. It’s simple, satisfying, and just feels like a warm hug in pastry form. I really hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do!