Double Chocolate Chip Scones

I believe that hard work and dedication pays off.

I believe that there is nothing in the world that can replace a supportive family and good friends.

I believe that chocolate makes everything better.

I suppose I'm close to what one may call a "choco-holic." I'm addicted to fun size Kit Kats and I swoon over chocolate covered pretzels. If I can have my coffee with mocha swirl, my day is instantly better. Oh, and chocolate doughnuts? Let's not even go there.

It seems to me that this love for chocolate is what led to these Double Chocolate Chip Scones. There is not only one but two types of chocolate chips in these delicious breakfast babies. And because I can't leave well enough alone, I drizzled a chocolate glaze on top. These plus a hot cup of coffee plus a cozy couch and a warm blanket equal total breakfast bliss.

They start with a fairly simple scone recipe. A bit of flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Unsalted butter is cut in to form a course crumble. Cue mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks (this is where chocolate overload commences). Finally, wet ingredients (that is, a faux buttermilk and an egg) combine with dry ingredients and we are that much closer to a dynamite homemade breakfast.

The phrase "faux buttermilk" may have you lifting an eyebrow and calling me crazy, but this is such a lifesaver. On a regular basis, do you have buttermilk in your fridge? I don't, but it takes things to the next level. And so the fact that there are ways to fake it is excellent for your basic home cook. I do mine by vigorously whisking together one cup of cold milk with 1 and 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar. I've also heard it can be done with milk and vinegar!

I think there is something special about taking the time on a Saturday or Sunday morning to make something delicious for breakfast. Monday through Friday can be tough, so we need to treat ourselves!

These scones are divine. They are soft and flaky on the inside with a golden brown crust on the outside. The bursts of chocolate chips are sweet and melty. And a chocolate glaze is made with coffee, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Are you worth it? YES. So keep scrolling for the recipe!

Dark Chocolate and Walnut Pumpkin Cookies

I want to talk about cookies. I think now is as good a time as ever to have such a talk.

Cookies are so necessary. Always. That’s really all I have to say on the matter.

Ok, well really, there is more. I’m completely guilty of loving Oreos way more than a person should, particularly the double-stuffed peanut butter variety. I’m also guilty of feeling immense joy during Girl Scout cookie season. 18 boxes of thin mints, 20 boxes of samoas, and a tag along or 12 while you’re at it. I love a good store bought cookie. Who doesn’t?!

I also have a fear of baking. See my post on pink lemonade cupcakes for more on why…

I love, however, an easy recipe that takes some of that immense stress off of the baker (namely, me) and still yields a delicious sweet treat.

Enter boxed cake mixes (have all the real bakers of the world given up hope on me?!). These things are a good place to start for the not-so-advanced, burn savvy baker (again…me). Doctor them up a bit and, as long as you make your sweet treat with love, I don’t think anyone will object.

Fall flavors are in full swing – I can tell, because a LOT more people are walking around with Starbucks cups. I KNOW you have a pumpkin spice latte in there. I know this because I do, too. No reason to be ashamed. Pumpkin is delicious. So I wanted to make something with pumpkin.

The secret is definitely out on how to make an easy yet delicious pumpkin cookie.

I’m going to add dark chocolate chunks and walnuts to mine. That brings the total number of ingredients to 5.

Fearful bakers of the world: let’s do this thing!