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Home » Type » Breads » Biscuits and Scones » Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate Chunks

Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate Chunks

January 21, 2022 by Faith 10 Comments

Jump to Recipe

These Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate pair the sweet, floral flavor of pear with the complexity of dark chocolate for an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect anytime.

pear scones recipe with chocolate

After last year’s infamous Christmas Morning Scones, I knew I wouldn’t get away with not at least attempting to come up with another equally mind-blowing scone recipe.

I had nothing particular in mind; no single ingredient I was dying to incorporate and no flavor profile I was trying to build. I let my mind wander, and as it did, my eyes came to rest on the bowl of pears on my counter.

That’s all it took.

caramelized pear scones

Soon enough, the sweet, slightly floral scent of caramelized pears was filling my kitchen and I was chopping chocolate, both my face and apron flour-dusted.

And not long after, I was enjoying one of these lovelies with a cup of hot coffee, thinking about how scone-making, like baking in general, is therapy for the soul, especially on a cold near-winter day. It’s a sure cure for whatever ails you.

caramelized pear scones with chocolate chunks

In This Article

  • Here’s What You’re Going to Love About This Recipe
  • The Best Pear Scones Recipe
  • Tips for Making Pear Scones
  • Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate
  • Need More Scone Ideas? I’m on It…

Here’s What You’re Going to Love About This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients with beautifully complex flavors that blend perfectly. Sweet floral pear and vanilla bean are lovely together, and dark chocolate provides a nice contrast.
  • Light, fluffy scones with rich buttery deliciousness. Say goodbye to dense, dry scones! These are light and fluffy with buttery richness.
  • Double (or triple) duty. These are perfect for brunch, a mid-afternoon snack, or dessert.
  • Easy to make! If you’re new to making scones, you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to make!
caramelized pear scones with description

The Best Pear Scones Recipe

Sweetly caramelized and slightly floral-scented pear is the perfect contrast for the complexity of dark chocolate.

Vanilla bean is a flavor accent, hitting your palate after other flavors.

And mahlab is the spice that makes people wonder what the heck is in there that makes these scones so special. (If you’re interested, you can read more about mahlab in my post on Cherry Sauce.)

If you have concerns about dry scones, let me lay your fears to rest. You won’t find dry scones here! These have a moist, tender crumb that will entice you with their sweet aroma before you even take your first bite.

Ingredients in Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate

Caramelized Pear:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Pear (such as Bartlett)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt

Scones:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground mahlab
  • Unsalted butter
  • Half and half
  • Vanilla bean paste
  • Dark chocolate

Other:

  • Egg lightly beaten with water (for eggwash)
  • Turbinado sugar

How to Make Pear Scones

Step 1: Make the Caramelized pear

Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the pear, sugar, and salt and cook until the pear starts to caramelize, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cool completely.

sauteed pears

Step 2: Make the Scone Dough

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and mahlab in a large bowl.

Cut in the butter with a fork or using two butter knives until it looks like coarse meal. Whisk together the half and half and vanilla bean paste, and stir it into the flour mixture. (The dough should come together, but not be too wet.)

Mix in the cooled pear and chopped chocolate, adding 1 tablespoon additional flour at a time as needed.

Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk. 

Step 3: Chill the Scone Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill 10 minutes in the freezer or 1 hour in the fridge.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Scones

Preheat oven to 425F; line a baking sheet with a silpat liner.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough out to a circle about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and 3/4-inch thick. Cut the circle of dough into 8 equal wedges.

Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, lightly brush the tops with eggwash and sprinkle on the sugar.

Bake until the scones are puffed and light golden brown on top and bottom, about 15 to 17 minutes.

pear scones on silpat baking liner

How to Store Homemade Scones with Fruit

Like most scone recipes, these are best served the same day they’re baked. This is especially true because these scones have pear chunks, which hold moisture and can change the texture of the scones.

However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like the scones reheated in a toaster oven after the first day.

pear scones recipe graphic

Tips for Making Pear Scones

  • You can caramelize the pear ahead of time. It needs to be completely cooled before we add it to the scone dough anyway! Feel free to make the caramelized pear up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you make the scones.
  • What to use if you don’t have vanilla bean paste. You can use either 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or use 1/2 teaspoon of the scrapings from inside a vanilla bean.
  • Avoid letting the dough get too warm.  I recommend using chilled butter and half and half. And also, don’t skip the chill time once the dough is made.
vanilla bean pear scones

Let’s Connect

I love hearing from you!
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment.
You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media.
To stay up-to-date, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
xoxo, Faith

pear scones featured image

Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate

By: Faith Gorsky
These Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate pair the sweet, floral flavor of pear with the complexity of dark chocolate for an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect anytime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Chill Time 10 mins
Course Bread, Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine British
Servings 8 servings
Calories 411 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Caramelized Pear:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large pear cored and chopped small (I used Bartlett)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/6 teaspoon salt

Scones:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus up to 3 tablespoons more as needed
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground mahlab optional
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled and diced
  • 1 cup half and half or milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate

Other:

  • 1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 1/2 tablespoons water, for eggwash
  • 2 teaspoons turbinado sugar for sprinkling on top

Instructions
 

For the Caramelized Pear:

  • Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the pear, sugar, and salt and cook until the pear starts to caramelize, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Cool completely.

For the Scones:

  • Preheat oven to 425F; line a baking sheet with a silpat liner.
  • Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and mahlab in a large bowl.
  • Cut in the butter with a fork or using two butter knives until it looks like coarse meal. Whisk together the half and half and vanilla bean paste, and stir it into the flour mixture. (The dough should come together, but not be too wet.)
  • Mix in the cooled pear and chopped chocolate, adding 1 tablespoon additional flour at a time as needed.
  • Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill 10 minutes in the freezer or 1 hour in the fridge.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough out to a circle about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and 3/4-inch thick. Cut the circle of dough into 8 equal wedges.
  • Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, lightly brush the tops with eggwash and sprinkle on the sugar.
  • Bake until the scones are puffed and light golden brown on top and bottom, about 15 to 17 minutes.

Faith’s Tips

  • Half and Half Substitute: Instead of half and half, you could use whole milk or cream for this recipe.
  • Make Ahead: You can caramelize the pear ahead of time. It needs to be completely cooled before we add it to the scone dough anyway! Feel free to make the caramelized pear up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you make the scones.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Vanilla Bean Caramelized Pear Scones with Dark Chocolate
Amount Per Serving (1 scone)
Calories 411 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 583mg25%
Potassium 345mg10%
Carbohydrates 52g17%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 475IU10%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 119mg12%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Pear Scones
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Need More Scone Ideas? I’m on It…

Cherry-Vanilla Sour Cream Scones with Vanilla Cream Spread

Cherry-Vanilla Sour Cream Scones with Vanilla Cream Spread

Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream

Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

Christmas Morning Scones {aka Vanilla Bean, Nutmeg, and Rosemary-Scented Scones}

And last, but not least, my infamous Christmas Morning Scones {aka Vanilla Bean, Nutmeg, and Rosemary-Scented Scones}

vanilla bean pear scones recipe pin

This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on December 14, 2015. It was updated with more information on January 21, 2022.

Filed Under: Biscuits and Scones, British Tagged: Pear Scones

Comments

  1. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    December 19, 2015 at 1:01 am

    Why have I never thought to bake with pears and chocolate? Just brilliant, these scones are beautiful!

    Reply
  2. Nutmeg Nanny says

    December 17, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I personally think pears are totally underrated. They are so sweet and delicious and go perfect in baked good. I love the idea of them in scones and paired with dark chocolate chunks…heck yes! Sign me up :)

    Reply
  3. lauren Kelly Nutrition says

    December 15, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    Scones are my weakness! These look delicious and I love your plates!

    Reply
  4. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says

    December 15, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    Everything is better with vanilla bean! I love the looks and sound of your scones. Your photos are so pretty too.

    Reply
  5. Rosa says

    December 15, 2015 at 3:50 am

    Very tempting! I’m a sucker for scones.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  6. The Food Hunter says

    December 14, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    I think they are pretty mind blowing! Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  7. Amanda Paa says

    December 14, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    There’s no denying that you are a scone wizard. Not one speck of dryness in sight.
    It’s hard to decide which to make first with all these wonderful options! I do love pear + chocolate though.
    Beautiful photos Faith! xo

    Reply
  8. Paula - bell'alimento says

    December 14, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    Those scones are seriously lovely! I’ll take two please ; )

    Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    December 14, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Oh my, these sound amazing! Love all the flavors!

    Reply
  10. Martha @ A Family Feast says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:54 am

    Oh wow Faith – these scones are incredible! Caramelized pears…dark chocolate chunks…I’m drooling!

    Reply

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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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meet faith

I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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