Chocolate Chip Scones (or any other scone)

Scones are a nice, easy-to-make, versatile baked good to have on hand around the holidays if you have guests. They are sort of like a cross between a muffin and a biscuit.  Scones store well, re-heat well, and freeze well.


Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Scones:

2 Cups flour
2 Tblsp  sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips1 beaten egg
1/2 cup milk

Icing:
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 tblsp milk

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Cut in butter until a crumbly mixture forms.
2. Stir in chocolate chips.  Add beaten egg and milk, stir until moistened.
3. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a minute or two.
4. Roll or pat to 3/4" thick rectangle
5. Cut into 3" squares.  Cut each square in half to form 2 triangles.  Place 1" apart on parchment lined baking sheet (if not using parchment, lightly spray baking sheet).
6. Bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes.  Cool on rack for 5 minutes.
7. Mix the icing ingredients in a small bowl, and use a spoon to drizzle over the scones.  Scones are good without icing, too!

Makes about 12 scones.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  You can re-warm scones in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Store leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature, or freeze.

 To make scones other than chocolate chip scones, try one of these variations:

• Plain scones: Omit the chocolate chips and do not add the icing. Serve with butter, honey, or preserves.
  

• Cranberry Scones: Omit the chocolate chips, replace with 1/2 cup dried cranberries 

• Lemon Scones:       Omit the chocolate chips.  Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 Tablespoon lemon zest to the dough with the milk and egg.  Replace the vanilla in the icing with lemon juice.
  

• Savory scones (nice w/ soup or salad):  Omit the sugar, chocolate chips, and icing.  Add 1/4 teaspoon  each of dried oregano, thyme, basil, and onion powder.  Add 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.