When the sun dips below the horizon and the day winds down, there’s nothing quite like stepping into the kitchen to create something delightful. That’s how I stumbled upon these Babka Scones, a delightful twist on the comfort of classic baked goods. Imagine the rich aroma of dark chocolate mingling with buttery pastry while visions of a cozy evening dance in your head. This recipe blends the indulgence of babka with the convenience of scones, making it a perfect choice for those who love homemade treats but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
If you’re tired of the same fast-food routine and craving something that feels just a bit fancy, these scones are the answer. They come together quickly, and with just a handful of ingredients, you can impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. Plus, they’re endlessly versatile—add in chopped hazelnuts for crunch, or keep them simple for a classic chocolate experience. Get ready to bring joy to your kitchen with a bake that’s as satisfying for the soul as it is for the taste buds!
Why are Babka Scones a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavors: The rich dark chocolate filling creates a luscious surprise in each bite.
Quick and Easy: These scones come together in no time, perfect for a busy day or unexpected guests.
Endlessly Customizable: Whether you add hazelnuts or keep it classic, you can easily make these scones your own.
Comforting Treat: The combination of buttery pastry and sweet chocolate brings a sense of indulgence to any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good scone, and these are sure to be a hit at brunch or afternoon tea!
Set your sights on perfection with these Babka Scones! For more delightful baked goods, check out my recipe for Classic Scones.
Babka Scones Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to a delicious batch of Babka Scones with these simple yet essential ingredients!
For the Scones
• 325 g all-purpose flour – This forms the backbone of your scones, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Aids in the rising process, ensuring your scones are perfectly fluffy.
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt – Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate.
• 50 g fine granulated sugar – Provides just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
• 113 g unsalted butter – Cold and cubed, it creates that beautifully flaky pastry everyone loves.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting flavor.
• 120 g heavy cream – Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent, giving structure to your scones.
For the Chocolate Filling
• 57 g unsalted butter – Melted, it combines beautifully with the other filling ingredients.
• 30 g powdered sugar – Sweetens the chocolate filling to create a decadent surprise.
• 20 g Dutch process cocoa – Richens the flavor of the chocolate filling, enhancing that classic babka taste.
• 150 g chopped dark chocolate – The star of the filling, adding gooey indulgence to each bite.
Optional Topping
• ¼ cup finely chopped hazelnuts – Adds a delightful crunch that complements the richness of the scones if desired.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to baking the most scrumptious Babka Scones that will tantalize your taste buds!
How to Make Babka Scones
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure your scones bake to golden perfection. It’s the perfect temperature for a warm, flaky treat!
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Combine the flour, baking powder, sea salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
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Add the cold, sliced unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Mix until crumbly, resembling coarse sand. This helps create that light, tender texture in your scones.
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Stir in the pure vanilla extract, cold heavy cream, and egg until a dough forms. Don’t overmix; you want it just combined for the best texture!
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about 1 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutter or knife to cut into desired shapes.
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Prepare the chocolate filling by melting the unsalted butter. Mix it with the powdered sugar, Dutch process cocoa, and chopped dark chocolate until smooth and gooey!
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Place a small dollop of the chocolate filling in the center of each scone shape. Fold over the dough and seal the edges, ensuring that delicious filling stays inside.
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Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Your kitchen will be filled with a lovely aroma!
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Cool for a few moments on a wire rack before serving. This brief wait makes them even more enjoyable when you take that first bite.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Babka Scones are a delightful choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps of the recipe, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the chocolate filling, simply mix and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough, fill with the prepared chocolate, and follow the baking instructions. This not only saves time but ensures your scones are just as delicious and satisfying as when made fresh!
Expert Tips for Babka Scones
Chill Your Butter: Make sure the butter is cold and diced; this helps achieve that flaky texture that makes scones irresistible.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough scones; you want a tender crumb with these Babka Scones.
Spacing is Key: Place the scones with some space between them on the baking sheet to allow even baking and rising.
Check for Readiness: Look for a golden brown color on top; if they’re too pale, they may lack flavor and texture.
Enjoy Warm: Scones are best served warm, allowing the chocolate filling to be gooey and delightful in every bite!
Babka Scones Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these delicious scones your own with these fun variations!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful, safe treat.
- Nutty Flavor: Swap in almond flour for half of the all-purpose flour to infuse a subtle nutty essence throughout.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for an unexpected twist of warmth.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free butter alternative to keep this recipe creamy without the dairy.
- Fruit Delight: Add in dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for bursts of sweetness and chewiness in every bite.
- Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus lift that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Chocolate Variety: Experiment with white chocolate chunks or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Extra Crunch: Top the scones with a sprinkle of coarse sugar or chopped nuts before baking to give a delightful crunch.
Every twist adds a dash of personality to your Babka Scones, making each batch uniquely yours!
How to Store and Freeze Babka Scones
Room Temperature: Store completely cooled Babka Scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: If you prefer, place the scones in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked scones individually wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chocolate filling to become gooey and tempting all over again!
What to Serve with Babka Scones?
Indulge in a delightful pairing of flavors and textures that will elevate your Babka Scones experience to new heights.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a vibrant burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the scone’s sweetness and provides a luscious creaminess.
- Citrus Iced Tea: A refreshing drink like citrus iced tea offers a tangy balance to the sweetness of the scones, making every bite more invigorating.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top provides a delightful texture and makes for a wholesome breakfast treat alongside your scones.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert twist, serve warm scones with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the chocolate to melt into a gooey delight.
- Creamy Yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that complements the sweetness of the scones, perfect for a brunch gathering.
- Hazelnut Spread: Drizzling hazelnut spread not only amplifies the flavor but ties beautifully with the optional chopped hazelnuts, creating a richer experience.
- Dark Roast Coffee: The bold flavor of dark roast coffee brings out the depth of the chocolate, making it a perfect companion for your dreamy scones.
- Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai complement the sweet chocolate filling, wrapping you in comfort with each bite and sip.
Babka Scones Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Babka Scones?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, ensure that your butter is unsalted and cold, as this contributes to the flaky texture of your scones. For the flour, all-purpose is ideal, but if you want a softer result, you might even consider cake flour. The dark chocolate should be high quality to achieve maximum flavor, and for the hazelnuts, look for fresh nuts without dark spots. This attention to detail will pay off in the final product!
How do I store leftover Babka Scones?
Very straightforward! After they have completely cooled, place your Babka Scones in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. If you have any leftovers after that, you can move them to the fridge for up to a week, making sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Babka Scones?
Certainly! To freeze your Babka Scones, I recommend freezing them unbaked. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding about 2 extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly baked scones!
What should I do if my scone dough is too dry?
Great question! If you find your scone dough is too dry after mixing, simply add a tablespoon or two of cold heavy cream until the dough comes together. Sometimes, different flour brands absorb moisture differently, leading to dry dough. Remember, the aim is to mix just enough to form the dough without overworking it, so keep it gentle!
Are Babka Scones suitable for a nut allergy?
If you’re catering to someone with a nut allergy, I recommend avoiding the hazelnuts altogether, as they are optional. The scones themselves don’t contain any nuts, but always check your chocolate to ensure it doesn’t have cross-contamination instructions. You can equally enjoy the scones without any fillers and still have a delightful treat!
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! While heavy cream gives the scones a rich texture, you can substitute it with whole milk if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that the final result may be slightly less tender, but they will still be delicious! If opting for milk, consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter for richness.
Decadent Babka Scones with Gooey Chocolate Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Combine the flour, baking powder, sea salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl.
- Add the cold, sliced unsalted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and egg until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about 1 inch thick.
- Prepare the chocolate filling by melting the butter and mixing in the powdered sugar, cocoa, and chopped dark chocolate.
- Place a small dollop of the filling in the center of each scone shape and fold over the dough.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.