Delightful & Healthier Espresso Chocolate Chip Scones: A Wholesome Recipe from Texanerin Baking
After what felt like an incredibly long journey back from Japan, battling persistent jet lag, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome a very special guest to the blog today: my wonderful friend, Erin from Texanerin Baking. Erin possesses an extraordinary talent for transforming conventionally indulgent treats into creations that you can savor with significantly less guilt. Her ingenious approach allows us to enjoy classic desserts while incorporating healthier ingredients, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean decadent in the traditional sense.
If you’re looking for more inspiration from Erin, you absolutely must check out some of her other fantastic recipes. Her Whole Grain Peanut Butter Cup Filled Chocolate Brownies are a revelation, offering a wholesome twist on a beloved favorite. For those craving a breakfast pastry, her Grain Free Cinnamon Roll Donuts provide a delightful, lighter alternative. And if you’re looking for a snack that has taken the internet by storm, these Grain Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Dough Bites are legendary on Pinterest for a reason!
Hello everyone! It’s Erin here from Texanerin Baking, and I am incredibly excited and grateful to be featured on my friend Erin’s blog today! I was genuinely thrilled when she reached out and asked if I would consider doing a guest post while she was enjoying her trip to Japan. My host Erin has been an immense source of support and guidance for me with all aspects of blogging, from technical tips to creative inspiration. So, having this opportunity to contribute and give something back in return is an absolute pleasure.
Normally, my blog posts revolve around baked goods that have been “healthified” in some ingenious way – that’s my signature style! When Erin gave me free rein to post whatever I desired, I admit, I was incredibly tempted to step outside my usual zone. I briefly considered creating something utterly sinful and atypical for me. It felt like a chance to break free from my healthy baking constraints and embrace pure indulgence! However, after some reflection, I had a realization: I actually genuinely love the challenge and satisfaction of making things healthier without compromising on taste. It’s what drives my passion for baking.
Introducing My Healthier Espresso Chocolate Chip Scones
So, today I’m bringing you a recipe for slightly healthier scones. But don’t let the word “healthier” deter you! I promise these scones do not taste healthy in the slightest. They boast a rich, satisfying flavor and a perfect texture that will fool even the most discerning palates. Feel confident serving these to your family, your partner, or anyone who might typically shy away from “healthy” foods – they won’t even realize they’re made with whole wheat flour! My husband, who is notoriously skeptical of anything labeled healthy, usually only enjoys my orange chocolate chip scones. Yet, he enthusiastically accepted and devoured these espresso chocolate chip scones, which is high praise indeed!
These delightful scones are crafted with 100% whole wheat flour, but the distinctive whole wheat flavor is expertly masked and complemented by the subtle yet robust addition of espresso powder. This ingredient doesn’t just hide the whole wheat; it introduces a wonderful depth and complexity that elevates the entire scone. While the espresso powder is highly recommended for its unique contribution, if you prefer not to use it, cinnamon would make a fantastic substitute or even an excellent addition alongside the espresso for an extra layer of warmth. I always find that a little something extra, like spices or coffee notes, is key to ensuring that “healthy” taste stays far away from my baked goods.
Tips for Perfect Scones: Flour and Butter Choices
When it comes to the flour, I’ve used whole wheat for this recipe to boost the nutritional value. However, if whole wheat flour isn’t your preference, or you’re just starting to experiment with it, you certainly have options. You can use all-purpose flour for a more traditional scone. Alternatively, a half-and-half mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour works wonderfully. If you’re truly apprehensive about the whole wheat flavor or texture, try incorporating just a fourth whole wheat flour into your recipe. Remember, even a small amount of whole wheat is always better than none, adding beneficial fiber and nutrients without drastically altering the outcome. Experiment to find what works best for your taste buds!
While I often substitute coconut oil for butter in many of my recipes to make them healthier, with scones, butter is absolutely essential. There’s just no substitute for the rich flavor and flaky texture that cold butter brings to a scone. It creates those beautiful pockets of tenderness and crispiness that are the hallmark of a truly great scone. These scones, in particular, boast an incredible texture: they’re not overly soft like muffins, nor are they dry and hard. They strike the perfect balance, just as a scone should be – tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
The Essential Espresso Glaze
And whatever you do, please don’t skip the glaze! The scones themselves are not overly sweet, which makes the glaze a really crucial component. It provides a fantastic burst of sweetness and an additional layer of espresso flavor that ties everything together beautifully. The combination might sound a little unconventional to some, but trust me, the subtle bitterness of the espresso paired with the sweet glaze and rich chocolate chips creates a harmonious and incredibly addictive treat. It’s the finishing touch that elevates these good scones to truly great ones, making them irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
That’s all for me today on this guest post! If you ever find yourself in need of delicious, healthified baked goods that don’t compromise on flavor, please feel free to stop by Texanerin Baking any time. I love sharing recipes that let you enjoy your favorite treats with a little less guilt and a lot more goodness. Happy baking, everyone! 😉
Espresso Chocolate Chip Scones
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Ingredients
Scones
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat.
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In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set this liquid mixture aside.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution. Next, cut in the cold butter. You can do this using a pastry cutter, two knives, or even your fingertips, rubbing the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Once the butter is incorporated, gently stir in the chocolate chips.
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Pour approximately half of the reserved egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or your hands until just combined. Continue adding the remaining egg mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough barely comes together and can hold its shape. Be careful not to over-mix and avoid adding too much liquid, as this will result in a muffin-like texture rather than a traditional scone. I typically use all but one or two tablespoons of the liquid for the perfect consistency.
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Turn the scone dough out onto a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circular shape, about 10 inches in diameter and roughly 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into 6 to 8 equal-sized pie wedges. Carefully transfer these wedges to your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 14-17 minutes, or until the tops are nicely golden brown and the scones are cooked through. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before glazing.
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While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, hot water, and espresso powder until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze. You can either drizzle the glaze artfully over the cooled scones with a spoon or, for a neater presentation, use a piping bag. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Once again, a massive thank you to Erin for gracing my blog with her incredible talent and these truly unforgettable espresso chocolate chip scones! It’s such a pleasure to feature her innovative approach to baking.
You can connect with Erin and discover more of her amazing healthier recipes on her social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +