As I pulled the warm, fragrant scones from the oven, I could hardly resist the sweet aroma of chocolate mingling with peppermint—a heavenly combination that instantly transports me to cozy holiday gatherings. These Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones are more than just a delightful holiday treat; they’re an invitation to slow down and savor moments with loved ones, whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or serving them as a festive dessert. With a tender, flaky texture and a delightful candy cane crunch on top, they offer a perfect blend of comfort and cheer. Plus, they come together in no time, making them an easy yet impressive addition to your holiday baking lineup. What’s your favorite way to enjoy the flavors of the season?

Why Make Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones?

Festive Flavors: These scones celebrate the season with a blissful blend of chocolate and peppermint, making each bite feel like a holiday treat.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for any baker, they come together in less than 30 minutes! Ideal for those busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Mouthwatering Texture: Experience the light, flaky layers that melt in your mouth paired with a sweet glaze and crunchy candy cane topping.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy them as a breakfast delight or a festive dessert alongside a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. You can even serve them at a holiday brunch spread with Chocolate Chip Sourdough for a delightful pairing.
Customizable: Want to mix things up? Feel free to explore different chocolate types or add fun extras like dried cranberries!

2. Ingredients

Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones Ingredients

For the Scone Base
All-Purpose Flour – The foundation for a fluffy scone; can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and a golden touch while baking; swap for coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
Baking Powder – Essential for rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavor.
Butter (cold and cubed) – Provides flakiness and richness; margarine works as a good dairy-free alternative.
Milk – Hydrates the dough for tenderness; almond milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
Egg Yolks – Contributes to richness and binding; a flax egg can replace it for a vegan option.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Pockets of sweetness and chocolate; feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a twist.
For the Topping
Candy Cane Crunch (optional) – A festive touch that adds a delightful peppermint flavor; crushed peppermint candies are a tasty substitute.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetener for the glaze; be sure to sift for a smooth finish.
Milk (for glaze) – Creates a lovely drizzle; any type of milk will do.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures a non-stick surface for your scones. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients, and set your mixing bowl on the counter, ready for action.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture forms the base of your Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones. A uniform blend helps ensure your scones rise evenly, so make sure to break up any clumps you encounter.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small peas. This step is crucial for achieving that tender, flaky texture in your scones, so take your time to disperse the butter evenly.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips into the butter-flour mixture. This adds sweet pockets of chocolate in each bite of your scones. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed to avoid clumping, ensuring your Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones are deliciously chocolaty.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg yolks until well mixed. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here, as this keeps the scones light and fluffy.

Step 6: Fold in Peppermint
Carefully fold in the crushed candy cane pieces until they’re evenly incorporated. This adds a delightful peppermint twist to your scones, transforming them into a festive treat. Be gentle to avoid overworking the dough, retaining that beloved tender crumb is key.

Step 7: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and shape it into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into rounds or wedges. Place the formed scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking
In a small bowl, beat the reserved egg white with a splash of water, then brush this mixture over the tops of the scones. This creates a lovely golden crust as they bake. The glossy finish also enhances the visual appeal, making your Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones irresistible.

Step 9: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the shaped scones for about 15 minutes before baking. This step firms up the butter and helps maintain the flaky texture. Chilling also allows the scones to rise beautifully while baking, resulting in a light, airy bite.

Step 10: Bake the Scones
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 18 to 22 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You want the edges to be firm but still slightly soft in the center. The enticing aroma of chocolate and peppermint will fill your kitchen, hinting that they’re almost ready.

Step 11: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. While they cool, prepare your glaze by mixing sifted powdered sugar with a bit of milk until smooth. Drizzle this mixture over the warm scones for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle crushed candy cane over the glaze for added crunch and flavor. Your Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, surrounded by loved ones for a cozy holiday gathering.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones

Keep It Cold: Ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing. This is key for obtaining those lovely flaky layers in your Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of tender ones.
Sharp Tools Help: Use a sharp knife or biscuit cutter for cutting the scones. Clean edges promote even baking and a beautiful presentation.
Chill for Flakiness: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps maintain structure and creates a perfectly airy texture during baking.
Customize Your Flavors: Want to add a twist? Try swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate or fold in dried cranberries for a festive touch!

Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones Variations

Embrace your inner chef and let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful scones to suit your taste!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious option that everyone can enjoy.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or margarine, and use almond milk to keep your scones dairy-free yet indulgent.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
Fruit Twist: Incorporate finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries alongside the chocolate chips for a fruity burst of flavor.
Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a little cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up your scones and enhance their holiday vibe.
White Chocolate Delight: Swap out regular chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor profile.
Peppermint Extract: Boost the peppermint flavor by adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra zing.
Candy Cane Drizzle: For added flair, use crushed candy canes mixed into the glaze for a beautiful and crunchy finish.

With so many options to explore, these Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones can cater to all preferences! And if you’re interested in other delightful ideas, try pairing them with our Chocolate Chip Sourdough. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe steps up to shaping the scones. After cutting them into rounds, simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, just remove them from the fridge, chill for 15 minutes, brush with egg wash, and pop them in the oven to enjoy warm, freshly baked scones that are just as delicious as if they’d been made from scratch that day. This makes them a fantastic option for those busy holiday mornings!

What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones

Indulging in these delightful scones creates the perfect opportunity to dream up the ideal cozy meal or gathering.

Peppermint Tea: A fragrant, soothing tea that complements the scones’ peppermint flavor, enhancing their festive qualities during chilly mornings.
Hot Cocoa: Rich, creamy hot chocolate elevates the sweetness of the chocolate chips and adds a comforting warmth.
Merry Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like cranberries and citrus adds a refreshing balance to the scones’ sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs perfectly with the scones for a luxurious treat.
Cheese Platter: An assortment of mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese provides a creamy contrast to the flaky scones while enhancing flavors.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider is a festive drink that harmonizes beautifully with the holiday flavors of chocolate and peppermint.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced beverage adds a decadent touch, making every bite of the scones even more indulgently festive.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple chocolate glaze on top can amplify the chocolate flavors, creating a rich and decadent experience.
Homemade Jam: A dollop of cranberry or raspberry jam brings an inviting tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the scones.
Baked Pears: Sweet, caramelized baked pears topped with nuts create a warm dessert that pairs beautifully with the scones, enriching the festive atmosphere.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones

Airtight Container: Store your Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and maintain their delightful texture.

Refrigeration: If you want them to last a little longer, you can refrigerate the scones for up to a week in an airtight container. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Baked Scones: Freeze baked scones by wrapping each one in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and warm them in the oven.

Freezing Unbaked Dough: For convenience, freeze unbaked scone shapes. Place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.

Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my scones?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose all-purpose flour that hasn’t been sitting in your pantry for ages to ensure it’s fresh. When using dairy products, select milk with a close expiration date to ensure flavor and texture. Cold and unsalted butter is essential for flaky scones—look for butter that’s firm and free of any discoloration.

How should I store Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones?
Store your Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. If you want to prolong their life, you can refrigerate them in the airtight container for up to a week. Just ensure they’re cool before sealing, or moisture can compromise their texture!

Can I freeze Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones?
Yes! You can freeze both baked and unbaked scones. For baked scones, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they’ll last up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them out and warm in the oven for that fresh-baked experience. If freezing unbaked dough, place the cut scones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your dough too sticky to work with, don’t worry. Give it a light dusting of flour as you knead it on your floured surface. Just be careful not to add too much, as that could make your scones dense. Always remember, a little stickiness means they might be super tender, which is a good thing!

Are these scones allergy-friendly?
Definitely! These Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones can be adjusted to meet various dietary needs. For dairy-free options, simply substitute the butter with margarine and use almond milk. To replace the egg yolks, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until gelatinous) can do the trick. As always, double-check your chocolate chips to ensure they’re allergy-safe.

What if I can’t find candy cane crunch?
No problem at all! If you can’t get candy cane crunch, crushed peppermint candies work perfectly as a substitute. They’ll provide the same delightful peppermint flavor and a pretty speckled appearance. For an extra holiday flair, consider using crushed homemade peppermint bark, too!