Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones

Some days call for something simple and sweet. So here you go, Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones. Love the flavor combination of the rich dark chocolate and the freshness of the orange zest. Now all you need is a hot cup of coffee. 

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon orange bakery emulsion (extract)
1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest, you can add extra if you like

2/3 cup heavy cream or buttermilk

 sugar, for the tops of scones

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine flour and sugar, baking powder and salt.

3. Add butter, using a pastry cutter to cut in butter or you may want to use your fingers to be sure butter is evenly mixed into the flour mixture.
4. Stir in dark chocolate chips, zest and extract, then add heavy cream/buttermilk. Use spatula, gently stir dough until it holds together.

5. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times to incorporate all ingredients.  Sprinkle dough with flour if it gets sticky. 

6. Gently pat the dough into a circle that is 3/4 inch thick. Cut circle into 6 wedges, transfer wedges to the cookie sheet, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space between them. 

7. Sprinkle with sugar and bake 15-20 minutes or until the tops are beginning to brown and spring back when you push them. Do not over bake.

Enjoy!