Chocolate Chip and Strawberry Shortcakes

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed)
• Milk (3/4 cup, cold)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup)
• Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced)
• Whipped cream (1 cup, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gently stir in the cold milk, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes.
7. Place the shortcakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Remove the shortcakes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
9. To assemble, slice the shortcakes in half horizontally. Place a spoonful of sliced strawberries on the bottom half of each shortcake.
10. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and place the top half of the shortcake back on.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!