Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Scones

These are requested every Christmas. They have real hazelnuts in them that are very hard to find except at Christmas time. Normally, my family gets together and we all take turn cracking the hazelnuts and just chatting. I hope you enjoy making them as well.

I have a mini scones pan to make these. However, you can make these without a scone pan.  Instructions are listed below.
 

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted and skinned

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Lightly butter a 9 inch diameter circle in the center of a baking sheet or scone pan.
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch cubes, and distribute evenly over flour mixture. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut butter into the flour mixture.
4. Stir together buttermilk, egg, and almond extract; add to the flour mixture, and stir to combine.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips and hazelnuts. The dough will be sticky.
6. Spread the dough into an 8 inch diameter circle on the baking sheet. Cut with a serrated knife into 8 wedges or put into butter scone pan.
7. Bake for 17 to 19 minutes, or until the top in lightly browned. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer scones to the wire rack to cool, and cut into wedges. Serve warm, or cool completely and store in airtight container.