Homemade Breads and Buns
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones

Bread of the Day
Sunday, December 12, 1999
Submitted by: Bonnie Gudikunst
Makes 8 scones.

Delicious ‘pick-me-up-snack’ any time of the day for chocolate chip lovers.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
  
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
  
• 1 egg
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanila or almond extract
  
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  
• 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts or walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 400° F (205° C). Lightly butter a 9 inch diameter circle in the center of a baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch cubes, and distribute evenly over flour mixture. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut butter into the flour mixture. Stir together buttermilk, egg, and extract; add to the flour mixture, and stir to combine. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. The dough will be sticky.

3. Spread the dough into an 8 inch diameter circle on the baking sheet. Cut with a serrated knife into 8 wedges.

4. Bake for 17 to 19 minutes, or until the top in lightly browned. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

5. Transfer scones to the wire rack to cool, and recut into wedges.

6. Serve warm, or cool completely and store in airtight container.