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 truly comforting about warm, flaky scones dotted with rich chocolate and crunchy pecans. This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is a kiss of sweetness and nuttiness that’s perfect for cozy mornings or a special brunch treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Three triangular scones sit close together on crumpled parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each scone has a golden-brown, slightly rough texture dotted with large melted dark chocolate chunks and pieces of nuts, giving it a rich, chunky look. The scones are lightly dusted with fine white powdered sugar, adding a soft contrast to the warm tones. The image shows detailed cracks on the scones' surface, revealing a dense and crumbly inside. 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’m genuinely excited to share this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe with you because it strikes the perfect balance: tender yet flaky, studded with melty chocolate chips, and crisped pecans that add just the right crunch. It’s one of those recipes that elevates your coffee break or brunch table instantly.

Simple ingredients, big flavor: Using everyday pantry staples creates scones that taste bakery-fresh at home.
Perfect texture: Cold butter and gentle kneading mean you get flaky layers without the fuss.
Chocolate & pecan duo: The rich chocolate chips and toasted pecans complement each other like best friends in every bite.
Great for any time: These scones shine fresh from the oven but also taste amazing the next day.

A close-up of three triangular scones with a golden-brown crust, dotted with melted dark chocolate chunks and pecan nuts throughout the dough, resting on crinkled brown parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. The scones have a rough, crumbly texture with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top, enhancing the contrast of the chocolate and nuts. To the right, there is a clear glass bowl filled with whole pecan nuts adding extra texture to the setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe plays a key role in bringing that flaky texture and balanced flavor we all crave. Here’s why each one matters, plus a few tips to get the best results.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon, a stick of unsalted butter cut into tiny cubes, a clean whole large brown egg with an uncracked shell, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small pile of glossy dark chocolate chips, a small heap of chopped pecans, another whole large uncracked egg, a small white ceramic bowl with milk, and a small white ceramic bowl of fine confectioners’ sugar, each ingredient fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Provides the structure that holds the scones together without weighing them down.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
Baking powder: Gives rise and lightness to your scones, so they’re tender yet airy.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with pecans and chocolate.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint for warmth and complexity.
Unsalted butter (VERY cold): Cold butter flakes throughout the dough, creating that signature scone texture.
Large eggs: Bind the dough and add richness; one goes into the dough, another for the egg wash.
Heavy cream: Adds moisture and tenderness without making the dough too wet.
Vanilla extract: A splash to round out the flavors.
Chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that make every bite a treat.
Chopped pecans: Toast them if you like for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Milk or water (for egg wash): Helps create that beautiful golden glaze on top.
Confectioners' sugar: A light dusting adds a pretty, sweet finish.

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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 the things I love most about this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch things up a bit depending on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for. Letting your creativity shine makes it even more fun.

Variation: I sometimes swap pecans for walnuts or add dried cherries for a tart twist—both bring a delicious new dimension.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or your favorite plant-based milk with a bit of oil for richness.
Spice it up: Adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon always perks up the flavor if you want a spice-y kick.

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

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a spacious bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they’re evenly combined. This makes sure every scone is perfectly flavored from edge to edge.

Step 2: Cut in the Cold Butter

Here’s where the magic starts: grab your VERY cold butter, cut into tiny cubes. Using your fingers, two forks, or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is the secret to flaky scones — no melted butter, so keep it cold!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients & Add Mix-Ins

In a measuring cup, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla. Pour this into your flour and butter mix, then add the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Fold everything together gently with a fork just until the dough comes together — don't overmix! It should look a bit shaggy, which is perfect.

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it lightly just a few times to bring it together. Pat or roll it into an 8-inch disc about an inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 even wedges. Transfer them carefully to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to let them puff up.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Mix the second beaten egg with a teaspoon of milk or water to make your egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops of each scone — this gives them a gorgeous golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until they're puffed and just turning golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, so they firm up just right. Before serving, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for a pretty, sweet finish—this little step makes them feel extra special.

Top Tip

Through my many attempts at perfecting this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe, I’ve learned that technique really matters. Taking the time to keep the butter cold and not overworking the dough will make all the difference.

Cold butter is a must: Always cut your butter into very small cubes and keep it chilled until use to help create flaky layers.
Don’t overmix: Stir just until moistened; overworking makes scones tough instead of tender.
Gently shape your dough: Minimize kneading and use your hands lightly when forming the dough disk.
Even spacing is key: Give your scones room on the baking sheet so they can rise beautifully without sticking together.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Scones - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little confectioners' sugar right before serving—it gives a delicate sweetness and a classy look. A smear of butter or a dollop of clotted cream pairs beautifully too, especially if you want a touch of decadence.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Pecan Scones enjoy company with a fresh fruit salad, some creamy yogurt, or even a simple cup of your favorite morning coffee or tea. I’ve found that the fruit helps balance the richness and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these scones on a tiered cake stand, garnished with pecan halves and a few chocolate chips scattered decoratively. It’s a simple touch that turns a humble breakfast treat into something festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them nice and tender without drying out. If it’s humid where you live, popping them in the fridge wrapped well also works.

Freezing

These scones freeze wonderfully! I flash freeze the unbaked wedges on a tray first, then transfer them to a sealed zip-top bag. When I want a fresh batch, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a couple more minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop scones in a warm oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly for 20 seconds then finish in the oven for that perfect fresh-baked feel. This helps restore that flakey, melty texture we all love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides pecans in this Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just chop them roughly and toast lightly if you want extra flavor.

How important is it to keep the butter cold?

It's very important to keep the butter cold because it helps create the flaky layers that make scones so delicious. Warm butter will blend too thoroughly with the flour, resulting in a denser texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Let it come back to a slight chill before shaping and baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover scones?

Leftover scones are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently in the oven to refresh their texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Scones Recipe is one of my kitchen favorites for turning a simple morning into a lingering, lovely moment. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do — warm, buttery, and with that irresistible mix of chocolate and nuts, they’re a wonderful treat to share or savor solo. Go ahead, try this recipe soon, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!