1-Preheat oven: Getting started with this chocolate chip scones recipe is as easy as preheating your oven, so let’s dive into the steps. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and simple cleanup. This basic prep helps everything go smoothly from the start.

2-Mix dry ingredients: Next, in a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir them together until they’re well combined, which sets the base for your scones. Then, add in the 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cutting it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs this step is crucial for that flaky texture.

3-Cut in butter: Now, fold in 1 cup of dark chocolate chips to spread the goodness throughout the dough. Pour in 3/4 cup of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as that keeps the scones tender and light.

4-Shaping and baking: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut it into 8 wedges and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk for a nice golden finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool a bit before enjoying the warm, chocolatey centers.