There’s this space between winter and summer, called spring, where seasonal, scone-worthy fruit is sparse. There’s also this space between tummy time and tummy time, called naptime, where free-time turns to precious gold. It’s in that space these scones were born—Walnut Cacao Scones. They come together in less than 30 minutes.
And when I’m feeling guilty, I call these Protein Antioxidant Scones.
My favorite coffee shop, one I will miss dearly in less than two short months, sells killer pastries. Included in the line-up are petit chocolate chip scones. Somehow I always walk out with one in my hand. A latte in the other.
But these days we’re digging under the couch cushions and collecting all our pennies in hopes of buying a roof in Minneapolis to call our own. I’ve had to put my coffee break outings on hold.
Now we have coffee break innings, not the same as baseball. It’s far more thrilling. I promise. I make my own version of the petit chocolate chip scones, minus the petit part. They’re a tiny bit larger for, you know, the extra protein and antioxidants. (Baby hand composition inspired by the ever-inspiring Sarah Kieffer.)
That space between tummy time and tummy time, called naptime, where free-time turns to precious gold, where I can gather my thoughts for a short second, where I can whip up a batch of Walnut Cacao Scones and drink a latte… It must be 3 o’clock somewhere, right?
I’m highly partial to cream scones these days. And when we’re in between fruit seasons or I’m short on time or just because, I make these scones. They’re lightly sweetened with a hint of bitter from the chocolate and nutty from the walnuts. These guys are perfect for your coffee break at home.
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 c. + 1 tbsp. heavy cream
1 large egg + 1 yolk
1 c. all purpose unbleached flour
1 c. white whole wheat flour
1/3 c. pure cane sugar
1 tbsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
6 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/3 c. walnuts, chopped
1/3 c. cacao nibs (or mini chocolate chips)
Wash
heavy cream
turbinado (or sanding sugar)
Instructions
In a measuring cup, whisk together cream and eggs. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Stir in walnuts and cacao nibs.
Make a well in the center and pour in cream mixture. Using a pastry fork and/or your hands, combine until dough just comes together.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat. Place dough on the baking sheet and form into a 6″ square (or so). Cut in half, then into thirds leaving you with 6 rectangles. Cut each rectangle on the diagon resulting in 12 triangular scones.
Using a pastry bench, loosen from the bottom and evenly place on the baking sheet.
Lightly brush with cream and sprinkle with turbinado (or sanding sugar).
Place in freezer. Meanwhile preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Once preheated, remove scones from freezer and bake for 15 minutes.
Serve warm or cooled. Store lightly covered, not airtight.
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I just made these (with chopped dark chocolate), and wow! They are impressively good. I’ve never made scones, and I’m amazed at how easy they are. Like a sweet-ish biscuit, but not complicated at all. I’m sold! Thanks for the recipes and inspiration!
Blizzard outside, scones inside. Noshing on one of these goodies at the moment! I used whole wheat pastry flour and Sweetriot chocolate covered cacao nibs. Ever tried those?! Delish recipe : )
Well these just look and sound completely to die for. I am a huge fan of anything walnut + cacao inspired!! This recipe rocks. So glad I stumbled across your blog. You most definitely have a new reader! 🙂 xoxo
Love the baby hand peeking into the picture! The scones sound delicious too – I haven’t tried scones with whole wheat flour! Perfect for my afternoon tea.
Have you tried this recipe yet? I’ve had the same issues previously, but really like the results of this recipe. Heavy cream and the extra yolk seem to do the trick, though I do like mine on the dryer side.
Thanks Molly! Baby hand pics are my new fave. Though I have to watch her and make sure she doesn’t get things in her mouth while I have a camera in my hand. The girl is fast.
haha, you had me dying at “protein antioxidant scones”! i totally tell myself the same thing when i’m stuffing my face with dark chocolate. and yes, bring on summer berries and fruit!
p.s. loving your babe’s hand on the scone – too cute!
I just made these (with chopped dark chocolate), and wow! They are impressively good. I’ve never made scones, and I’m amazed at how easy they are. Like a sweet-ish biscuit, but not complicated at all. I’m sold! Thanks for the recipes and inspiration!
Blizzard outside, scones inside. Noshing on one of these goodies at the moment! I used whole wheat pastry flour and Sweetriot chocolate covered cacao nibs. Ever tried those?! Delish recipe : )
Well these just look and sound completely to die for. I am a huge fan of anything walnut + cacao inspired!! This recipe rocks. So glad I stumbled across your blog. You most definitely have a new reader! 🙂 xoxo
Just came across your site Melissa and have to say that I totally love your photos.
Yes, I WOULD like a scone with a side of adorable baby fingers, thankyouverymuch!
Love the baby hand peeking into the picture! The scones sound delicious too – I haven’t tried scones with whole wheat flour! Perfect for my afternoon tea.
These scones look so yummy!! LOVE this recipe!
These scones look and sound amazing! Plus that adorable baby hand is just too much.
These look luscious! Perfect to be enjoyed along a cup of coffee.
I can never get my scones to be the right consistency. They are either too dry or too cake-y.
suggestions?
Have you tried this recipe yet? I’ve had the same issues previously, but really like the results of this recipe. Heavy cream and the extra yolk seem to do the trick, though I do like mine on the dryer side.
Love these photos and the “anti-oxidant” terminology! Looking forward to connecting once you make the move here. Have a great week!
Can’t wait! We’ll have to schedule something late summer.
I don’t know what looks more delicious. The scones or that sweet, little hand. Yum.
(PS. I just turned that scone recipe into some killer cream biscuit berry shortcakes. We gotta get our scones ready for summer.)
Good luck on the house!
Thanks and yesss! I hope that makes an appearance soon.
These look so good and I love the idea of walnut and cacao in a scone!
awww i loved this post so much! so cute. and i am a big fan of the sarah-inspired baby hand styling 🙂 yay for coffee innings!
Thanks Molly! Baby hand pics are my new fave. Though I have to watch her and make sure she doesn’t get things in her mouth while I have a camera in my hand. The girl is fast.
ps—happy birthday!
Ah yes, the oasis of naptime. It seems you’ve found a perfect way to recharge for the home stretch of the day. These look wonderful!
“oasis of naptime” “home stretch” yes, yes, yes. This is my new vocabulary 🙂
These look divine! I love the idea of a non-fruit scone for a nice change of pace. Good luck with your house hunting 🙂
Thank you and thank you! Hoping we can do a midwest get together sometime soon!
haha, you had me dying at “protein antioxidant scones”! i totally tell myself the same thing when i’m stuffing my face with dark chocolate. and yes, bring on summer berries and fruit!
p.s. loving your babe’s hand on the scone – too cute!
Yes to summer berries! Also, that babe is fast! She nearly stole the scone while the camera was in my hand.