Nutella Scones

My Unexpected Nutella Scone Adventure: A Busy Mom's Baking Journey

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding client meetings, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for myself, let alone baking, often feels like a luxury. Yet, last weekend, I found myself inexplicably drawn to the kitchen. Maybe it was the quiet house after the kids were tucked in, maybe it was the promise of a sweet treat, but whatever the reason, I decided to try something new: Nutella scones.

I've always loved the rich, hazelnutty goodness of Nutella. I've spread it on toast, stirred it into ice cream, and even secretly eaten it straight from the jar (don't tell the kids!). But making it a part of a baked good? That was a whole new level. The recipe I found looked promising—a simple combination of flour, sugar, cocoa, butter, and of course, Nutella. The instructions weren't overly complicated, but they did require a bit of patience and precision. The process itself was surprisingly therapeutic. The rhythmic rubbing of butter into the flour, the gentle kneading of the dough—it was a welcome break from the usual chaos of my life. As I worked, I imagined the warm, gooey Nutella melting into the perfectly baked scones, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

The aroma that filled the kitchen as the scones baked was simply intoxicating. It was a heady mix of cocoa, hazelnuts, and that unmistakable Nutella scent. I watched anxiously as they puffed up in the oven, their golden-brown tops hinting at the deliciousness inside. When they were finally ready, I carefully transferred them to a cooling rack, resisting the urge to devour them immediately. I followed the instructions for the final touch—drizzling warm Nutella over the slightly cooled scones. That was the moment I realized this was no ordinary scone. It was pure decadence. The warm, slightly crispy exterior gave way to a soft, tender crumb, generously infused with the rich flavor of Nutella. The extra drizzle of warm Nutella provided the perfect finishing touch, adding a touch of molten sweetness that completed the experience.

These Nutella scones weren't just a delicious treat; they were a small act of self-care amidst the whirlwind of my life. The process of baking, from measuring the ingredients to savoring the final bite, provided a much-needed moment of calm and creativity. They were a testament to the simple pleasures that can bring joy even amidst the busiest of schedules. And let me tell you, sharing these heavenly scones with my family made them a truly memorable experience, transforming a simple weekend baking project into a cherished family moment. They were gone in a flash, a clear indication of their irresistible appeal. And as I cleaned up the last crumbs, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. I had not only created a delectable treat but had also found a little piece of serenity in the midst of my busy life—a reminder that even in the busiest of days, there's always room for a little bit of sweetness. I’ll definitely be making these again soon, maybe even twice this week.

The experience reaffirmed my belief in the simple joys of baking. It's not just about the end result, the delicious scones, but the process itself, the quiet moments of concentration, the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, the warmth of sharing something special with loved ones. This wasn't just about Nutella scones; it was about rediscovering the simple pleasures of life, the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious, and the quiet moments of self-care that are essential for navigating the demands of motherhood and career.

So, if you're a busy mom, a working professional, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious treat, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You might be surprised at how much joy a simple act of baking can bring. It's a delicious escape, a moment of creativity, and a sweet reward for a job well done. And trust me, those Nutella scones are worth every minute.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and place the rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl - whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder and salt until combined
• Add the butter. Use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the butter is pea sized and the mixture is coarse.
• In a separate bowl - whisk together the egg and heavy cream until combined. Slowly pour into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough just comes together. Gently knead the dough with your hands. Add the hazelnuts and knead gently to incorporate.
• Flatten the dough into a rectangle approximately 6 x 12 inches and spread 1/4 cup of the Nutella on top in a criss-cross pattern.
• Roll the dough up to make a cylinder about 6 inches long, turn on its end and flatten it into a disk about 1 3/4 inches high. DO NOT OVERWORK THE DOUGH.
• Cut the dough into 6 or 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, or until a toothpick inserted into the scone comes out clean.
• Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool completely. Place the baking sheet with the parchment paper still on it underneath the rack.
• Before serving: Heat the scones in a microwave
• Heat the remaining 1/4 cup Nutella in a microwave until pourable. (About 10 seconds on high). Pierce the scones several times with a fork. Using a spoon drip the warm Nutella in a zigzag pattern over the hot scones.
• Transfer to the refrigerator to cool and set for 5 minutes and serve immediately.
• Wrap tightly and store at room temperature.