Maple Pumpkin Scones Recipe With Warm Spices For Fall

Name: Maple Pumpkin Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or substitute with a mix of ground allspice, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves along with cinnamon); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, frozen; 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree, blotted to remove excess moisture; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; coarse sugar for sprinkling on top before baking; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar; Pinch of salt, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Pumpkin Scones

Maple pumpkin scones offer a simple way to enjoy the flavors of fall without much fuss. These treats come together quickly using everyday ingredients, making them perfect for busy mornings or quick brunches. You’ll appreciate how the warm spices and maple blend create a comforting bite that’s hard to resist.

One key benefit is the ease of preparation. These maple pumpkin scones require basic pantry staples and take just about 10 minutes to mix the dough, with a baking time of 15-20 minutes at 400°F. This streamlined approach suits busy parents, students, and working professionals who want a fast autumn treat without complicated tools.

Health-wise, the recipe includes canned pumpkin puree, which adds fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin A to help keep things balanced. Using pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar can bring in trace minerals like manganese, and you might try whole-grain flour for more fiber while keeping that cozy pumpkin-maple taste intact.

These scones are also versatile for different needs. For instance, swap in plant-based milk and vegan butter to make a dairy-free version, or use a gluten-free flour blend to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets. This flexibility means baking enthusiasts and diet-conscious folks can tweak the recipe to fit their preferences.

The flavor stands out with its mix of earthy pumpkin, warm spices, and rich maple. A simple maple glaze on top enhances the sweetness, turning these into a standout fall favorite that everyone from seniors to food lovers can enjoy as part of a memorable meal.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Maple Pumpkin Scones
2. Essential Ingredients for Maple Pumpkin Scones
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Maple Pumpkin Scones: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Maple Pumpkin Scones – Protein and Main Component Alternatives
5. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Maple Pumpkin Scones – Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
6. Mastering Maple Pumpkin Scones: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store Maple Pumpkin Scones: Best Practices
8. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Pumpkin Scones
9. Maple Pumpkin Scones

Essential Ingredients for Maple Pumpkin Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or substitute with a mix of ground allspice, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves along with cinnamon)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, frozen
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
1 large egg
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree, blotted to remove excess moisture
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top before baking

For the maple glaze, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
Pinch of salt, to taste

These ingredients form the base of classic pumpkin scones with warm spices. Each item plays a role, like the frozen butter for flakiness or the pumpkin puree for moisture. If you’re exploring pumpkin scones or maple scones, this list keeps things straightforward.

Special options include vegan swaps, such as using vegan butter and a flax egg for binding. For gluten-free pumpkin-maple scones, swap the flour with a 1:1 blend. This setup helps home cooks adapt to various dietary needs while focusing on the pumpkin-maple flavor.

Ingredient Type	Purpose	Dietary Swap
Dry Ingredients	Provides structure and leavening	Use gluten-free flour for alternatives
Wet Ingredients	Adds moisture and flavor	Replace dairy with plant-based options
Spices and Sweeteners	Enhances taste with fall notes	Adjust for low-sugar versions if needed

How to Prepare the Perfect Maple Pumpkin Scones: Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat and Prep

First, heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Keeping everything cold, like the butter, helps make your maple pumpkin scones flaky. This step sets up a smooth process for that classic pumpkin scone recipe with warm spices.

Next, mix the dry ingredients in a chilled bowl. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Grating the frozen butter into this mix creates those perfect crumbs for flaky layers.

Mix Wet and Dry

In another bowl, whisk 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup blotted pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this into the dry mix and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture light.

Shape the dough into an 8-inch disc and cut into wedges. For smaller sizes, divide into two discs. Brush with the remaining cream and add coarse sugar if you like. Here, explore a similar breakfast bake for more ideas on easy morning treats.

Bake and Glaze

Bake for 20-25 minutes for larger scones or 18-20 for smaller ones until golden. While they bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1/3 cup maple syrup, then whisk in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of salt for the glaze. Drizzle it over warm scones for the full maple pumpkin scone experience.

Prep time is about 20 minutes, bake time 25 minutes, and total time around 45 minutes. These steps make the fall pumpkin scone recipe with spices simple and fun for baking enthusiasts. For more on scones, check out this scones recipe guide.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Maple Pumpkin Scones – Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Start with protein swaps like using a flax egg for vegan options. This means mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water to replace the egg in your maple pumpkin scones. Adding protein powder can boost nutrition without changing the dough much.

For nuts, try 1/3 cup chopped pecans to add healthy fats. If nuts aren’t an option, pumpkin seeds work well for crunch. These changes keep the pumpkin-maple flavor while making the recipe adaptable for various diets.

Dairy-free tweaks include using fortified soy milk in place of cream. This helps maintain the texture in plant-based maple pumpkin scones, ensuring they stay tender and flavorful.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Maple Pumpkin Scones – Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap pumpkin puree with butternut squash for a similar taste in your maple pumpkin scones. You could also mix in grated apple for a fruity note, but cut back on sugar to balance it out. These options keep the recipe flexible for vegetable lovers.

For the glaze, try honey instead of maple syrup, though it’s not vegan. Adding lemon juice can bring a tangy twist, or use a lighter cinnamon-sugar top instead. Seasoning tweaks like adding cardamom enhance the warm spices in this classic recipe.

For a savory version, reduce sugar and mix in cheese. This way, you can tailor maple pumpkin scones to fit seasonal preferences or dietary goals, still highlighting that pumpkin-maple profile.

Mastering Maple Pumpkin Scones: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Techniques for Flakiness

Keep your ingredients cold to get those airy layers in maple pumpkin scones. Use the pincer method for butter to leave pea-sized bits that create steam during baking. Resting the dough in the fridge for 10-20 minutes helps it rise better and avoids spreading.

For even baking, weigh your portions or use a cutter. Rotate the sheet halfway through to handle hot spots, ensuring your pumpkin scones with maple glaze turn out just right.

Flavor and Presentation Ideas

Try adding pecans and orange zest for a nutty twist, or chocolate chips for something sweet. A chai version could include more ginger and cardamom to vary the fall spices. For serving, drizzle glaze neatly and add garnishes like pepitas.

Make-ahead tips include freezing the dough for later. Shaped scones can go straight into the oven from frozen, making this recipe convenient for busy schedules. For those into pumpkin desserts, these variations keep the maple pumpkin scones exciting.

How to Store Maple Pumpkin Scones: Best Practices

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer, refrigerate them for up to five days, using parchment to separate layers if glazed. This keeps the pumpkin-maple flavor fresh.

Freezing works great for both baked and unbaked scones. Flash-freeze them first, then store in a bag for up to two months. When ready, bake from frozen with extra time for that perfect texture.

To reheat, use a 325°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up. If using a microwave, it might soften the outside, so finish in a toaster oven. These methods help maintain the moisture and taste of your maple pumpkin scones.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Pumpkin Scones

Can I freeze maple pumpkin scone dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. After shaping the scone wedges, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then transfer the frozen wedges to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can either bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, or thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

What’s the best way to store baked maple pumpkin scones?

Baked scones store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving. This helps preserve their texture and flavor, especially if you plan to add icing after reheating.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for maple pumpkin scones?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Measure the puree first, then gently blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture if it seems watery. This step helps prevent the dough from becoming too wet and ensures a tender scone texture. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling since it contains added sugar and spices.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the scone recipe?

Whole milk is a suitable substitute for heavy cream, but because it’s thinner, your scones might spread more during baking, resulting in a less fluffy texture. For best results, cream or half-and-half is preferred. If you need a non-dairy option, full-fat coconut milk can work, adding a subtle flavor that pairs well with pumpkin spices.

How long does it take to bake maple pumpkin scones, and at what temperature?

Bake maple pumpkin scones at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. The high temperature helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. For even baking, place the scones in the center of your oven and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Classic Pumpkin Scones Recipe with Warm Spices for Fall