The Ultimate Moist Mixed Berry & Chocolate Chunk Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze
Imagine the perfect scone: tender, flaky, and bursting with flavor. Now, picture that scone packed with juicy mixed berries and delightful pockets of rich chocolate chunks, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese glaze. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the delicious reality of these **Mixed Berry Chocolate Chunk Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze**. Crafted with a clever ‘faux buttermilk’ and a secret ingredient for unparalleled moisture, these scones are surprisingly fast and easy to prepare, making them the ultimate treat for any morning, afternoon tea, or special brunch.
What truly elevates these scones to an extraordinary level is the beautifully sweetened Cream Cheese Glaze. We’re not just talking about a light drizzle here – prepare to immerse these golden-baked delights! The creamy, dreamy glaze adds a layer of tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the tart berries and rich chocolate, transforming each bite into a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of finishing touch that makes these homemade scones utterly irresistible and ensures they stand out from any other scone you’ve tried.
For many, scones can be a source of culinary frustration. I confess, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with them over the years. Far too often, scones turn out disappointingly dry, crumbly, and chalky, leading to what I’ve humorously dubbed a “dust storm” incident mid-bite. This common experience can leave you feeling underwhelmed and reluctant to bake them yourself. However, I made it my mission to create a scone recipe that breaks this mold – a recipe where dryness is a distant memory, replaced by a wonderfully moist and tender interior that still retains that quintessential scone flavor and flaky texture.
This recipe is the culmination of that quest. Every Mixed Berry Chocolate Chunk Scone you pull from your oven will be a testament to a perfectly balanced bake, featuring a soft, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. The edges are lightly crisp, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft center, while the juicy berries and melted chocolate chunks are generously distributed throughout. You’ll discover that making genuinely moist and flavorful scones at home is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. Prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with these utterly delightful pastries.
The Secret to Unrivaled Moisture: Faux Buttermilk and Greek Yogurt
So, what’s the magic behind ensuring these scones are consistently super moist and tender? It’s a two-pronged approach involving a clever homemade buttermilk substitute and a touch of creamy Greek yogurt. Real buttermilk is excellent if you have it readily available, but for those times it’s not in the fridge (which, for me, is almost always!), a “faux buttermilk” comes to the rescue. It’s incredibly simple to make: just add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of your preferred milk (any type will do, from dairy to almond milk) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it slightly curdles. This simple acidification works wonders, interacting with the baking powder to create a lighter, more tender crumb.
The addition of Greek yogurt is another game-changer. It contributes essential moisture and a subtle richness, while its slight tang beautifully complements the berries. Whether you opt for fat-free or full-fat Greek yogurt, it adds a lovely depth to the dough without making the scones heavy. Together, the faux buttermilk and Greek yogurt create an environment that encourages a perfectly risen, incredibly tender, and wonderfully moist scone every single time. Say goodbye to dry, dusty scones and hello to a new standard of homemade perfection!
An Instant Family Hit: Gone Before They Knew It!
Let me just say, the irresistible combination of plump, juicy mixed berries baked right into these scones, coupled with the sweet and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chunks, all topped with that incredible cream cheese glaze? These delightful treats vanished from the cooling rack before my kids even made it home from school to have a taste! Naturally, this led to immediate, fervent requests for a second batch. And truthfully, I didn’t mind at all. When a recipe brings this much joy and disappears so quickly, it’s a clear sign of success, and I was more than happy to whip up another round.
This experience truly highlights the universal appeal of these scones. They strike a perfect balance, being just sweet enough to satisfy without being cloying, allowing the vibrant flavors of the berries and the rich notes of the chocolate to shine through. Their tender texture and comforting aroma are simply captivating, making them an instant favorite for anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, be prepared for them to disappear almost as soon as they emerge from the oven!
The Magical Trio: Berries, Chocolate, and Lemon Zest
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when berries and chocolate come together. It’s a classic pairing, much like peanut butter and chocolate (though my personal preference often leans towards fruitier combinations!). The medley of mixed berries – blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries – introduces a delightful spectrum of tartness and natural sweetness, creating tiny explosions of fruit flavor in every mouthful. The chosen chocolate chunks, especially dark chocolate, add a luxurious depth and a creamy melt that beautifully contrasts the berries’ bright notes.
But the true alchemy occurs with the addition of the sweetened cream cheese glaze, particularly when it’s infused with a hint of fresh lemon juice. The lemon cuts through the richness, acting as a vibrant counterpoint that brightens all the other flavors. It elevates the entire scone, making the berries sing and the chocolate taste even more decadent. This harmonious blend of sweet, tart, creamy, and rich notes creates a flavor combination that is truly out of this world, making these scones an unforgettable culinary experience.
Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Scones
Achieving light, fluffy, and tender scones at home is simpler than you might think with a few key techniques. Follow these tips for consistently perfect results:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Ensure your butter, buttermilk, and even the egg and yogurt are very cold. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, which is what gives scones their wonderful flaky texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to tough, dense scones. Mix your wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined and still a bit shaggy. A light touch is key!
- Handle Gently: When kneading, do so minimally, just enough to bring the dough together. Pat the dough into shape rather than rolling it with a rolling pin, which can compact it.
- Use Frozen Berries: Frozen berries are ideal for baking into scones. They maintain their shape better and prevent the color from bleeding excessively into the dough. If using fresh berries, gently toss them in a spoonful of flour before adding them to the dough to help prevent sinking and bleeding.
- Sharp Knife for Cutting: Use a sharp, floured knife to cut your scone wedges. A clean cut allows the scones to rise evenly. Alternatively, you can use a round biscuit cutter (floured between cuts) for classic round scones.
- Preheat Oven Thoroughly: A hot oven creates an initial burst of steam, helping the scones rise quickly and achieve a lovely golden crust.
- Don’t Skimp on the Glaze: The cream cheese glaze isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of the flavor profile, adding tang and sweetness that perfectly balances the scone itself.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
These Mixed Berry Chocolate Chunk Scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate experience. They are magnificent with an extra drizzle of the cream cheese glaze, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a side of plain Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. They pair perfectly with your morning coffee, a fragrant cup of tea, or as a show-stopping addition to any brunch spread. Feeling creative? Here are some variations to inspire you:
- Custom Berry Mix: Feel free to adjust the berry blend to your liking. Use a single type of berry (like all blueberries or raspberries) or swap in other fruits like chopped cherries or peaches.
- Chocolate Adventure: Experiment with different types of chocolate. White chocolate chips or chunks would offer a sweeter contrast, while milk chocolate would be a delightful middle ground. You could even add a mix of different chocolates!
- Citrus Boost: For an extra layer of brightness, add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest directly into the scone dough alongside the dry ingredients. It beautifully enhances the berry flavors.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in a handful of chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds with the berries and chocolate for a delightful textural crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spiced Scones: A pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cardamom can add a warm, comforting twist to the dough, especially appealing during cooler seasons.
- Glaze Variations: While the cream cheese glaze is phenomenal, you could also opt for a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) or a vanilla bean glaze for a different flavor profile.
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Mixed Berry and Chocolate Chunk Buttermilk Scones with a Cream Cheese Glaze
Ingredients
Scones:
- 2/3 cup cold buttermilk* See Notes for Faux Buttermilk option
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat both work well for moisture)
- 1 cup light spelt flour or all-purpose/plain flour
- 1 cup plain wholemeal flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter chopped into small cubes
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries , hulled and halved (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup frozen blackberries
- 6 squares chocolate chunks (I recommend dark chocolate, e.g., Lindt 70%, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (extra, for brushing before baking)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons reduced fat/fat free cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons icing/powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons low fat/skim milk (or any milk of your choice)
Instructions
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1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Lightly spray a large baking tray with cooking oil spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Set aside.
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2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk (or faux buttermilk, see notes below), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, large egg, and Greek yogurt until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Set this wet mixture aside.
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3. Prepare Dry Ingredients & Cut in Butter: In a separate, larger bowl, thoroughly mix together the light spelt flour (or all-purpose flour), plain wholemeal flour (or white whole wheat flour), baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter, which you’ve chopped into small cubes. Using a flat-bladed knife, a pastry blender, or your fingertips, quickly cut or rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs or coarse meal. Ensure there are still some small pea-sized pieces of butter visible; this is key for flaky scones.
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4. Add Inclusions & Mix Dough: Gently fold in the mixed frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries) and half of the chopped chocolate chunks into the flour mixture. Tossing them lightly in the flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet milk mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the ingredients are just combined. The dough should appear shaggy and moist but not overly sticky. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
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5. Shape and Cut Scones: Turn the scone dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for only about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a roughly 9-inch (23 cm) circle directly onto your prepared baking tray. Evenly sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks over the top of the dough. Using a sharp, floured knife (dip the knife into flour and shake off any excess to prevent sticking), cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, cutting all the way through to the tray. Then, cut each of those wedges in half, creating 16 smaller, more manageable scone slices. You can separate them slightly on the tray or leave them touching for softer edges.
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6. Brush & Sprinkle: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with the extra melted butter. Then, generously sprinkle over the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown crust and a delightful sugary crunch.
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7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are beautifully golden brown on top and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them towards the end. Once baked, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
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8. Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, icing/powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. Adjust the consistency with more milk if you desire a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
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9. Glaze & Serve: Drizzle the warm (or cooled) scones generously with the freshly made cream cheese glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures! These are truly best when fresh.
Notes
Storage Tips: These delightful scones are undoubtedly at their peak freshness and flavor on the day they are baked. However, any leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To best enjoy them later, gently reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions: You can easily prepare these scones ahead of time! Unbaked scones can be frozen: after cutting the dough into wedges, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until they are completely solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container where they will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen scones directly onto a prepared baking tray and bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, or until they are golden and cooked through. Alternatively, you can freeze baked scones (without the cream cheese glaze) in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature, warm gently, and then apply the freshly made glaze before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
