Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Scones
Imagine starting your fall morning with a warm, spiced treat that’s as comforting as a cozy sweater. These pumpkin scones are quick and simple to make, with a straightforward dough that comes together in about 15 minutes and bakes in 15 18 minutes. The pumpkin scone recipe requires minimal equipment just a bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet so it’s ideal for busy bakers or beginners.
Health benefits include using canned or pureed pumpkin for added fiber, beta-carotene (vitamin A), and moisture that lets you reduce butter or oil slightly without sacrificing texture. Swap part of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or oat flour to boost whole grains and retain the classic scone crumb. These variations support better nutrition while keeping comforting autumn flavors.
The pumpkin scones adapt well to different diets, making them easy to modify for vegan options with plant-based butter and an egg substitute, or gluten-free with a 1:1 baking blend. You can adjust sweetness, spices, and mix-ins to suit various tastes, such as adding dried cranberries or chopped pecans. This versatility ensures pumpkin scones become a favorite for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Scones
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Scones
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Pumpkin Scones: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pumpkin Scones
- 5. Mastering Pumpkin Scones: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Pumpkin Scones: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Scones
- 8. Pumpkin Scones
Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Scones
In this section, we’ll cover the key ingredients that make these pumpkin scones so delicious and versatile. Every item is listed with precise measurements, ensuring you can follow the recipe with ease.
- 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 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree, blotted to remove 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, here are the ingredients you need:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
- Pinch of salt, to taste
These ingredients come together to create tender, flaky pumpkin scones with a warm spice profile. For more ideas on simple baked goods, check out our rhubarb muffins recipe, which pairs well with fall flavors.
How to Prepare the Perfect Pumpkin Scones: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Started
First, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack to the middle or lower spot. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to make cleanup easy. This step ensures even baking for your pumpkin scones. Measure and chill your butter, and prepare the pumpkin puree and cold liquids ahead of time for smooth preparation.
In a large bowl, whisk together 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. This mixture forms the base that gives pumpkin scones their light texture. Grate the 1/2 cup frozen unsalted butter and mix it into the flour using a pastry cutter until pea-sized crumbs form, which helps create those flaky layers.
Mixing the Dough
In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup blotted canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Drizzle this wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened to avoid over-mixing, which keeps the scones tender. For smaller batches, you can form 5-inch discs and cut each into 8 wedges for bite-sized pumpkin scones.
Shape the dough into a ball with floured hands, then flatten it into an 8-inch disc and cut into 8 wedges. Place the scones 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush them with the remaining 2 tablespoons heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want extra crunch. Bake the larger scones for 20-25 minutes or the smaller ones for 18-20 minutes until lightly browned, then let them cool slightly.
Adding the Finishing Touch
For the glaze, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/3 cup pure maple syrup over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm scones for a sweet finish. If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, explore a blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake that’s perfect for mornings.
External resources like scones recipe guides can offer additional tips for beginners.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pumpkin Scones
Pumpkin scones are flexible enough to fit many diets, starting with swaps for protein and main components. Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water or 3 tablespoons aquafaba for vegan options. Use chilled coconut oil or vegan butter in place of butter to keep the flakiness, and add plant-based protein like chopped toasted nuts for extra nutrition.
For vegetable and seasoning changes, mix in 1/2 cup grated carrot or zucchini for moisture, or adjust spices with more ginger or a pinch of cloves. Try a maple glaze made from pure maple syrup and powdered sugar, or go savory by halving the sugar and adding herbs. These tweaks make pumpkin scones ideal for busy parents and diet-conscious individuals seeking variety.
Exploring the perks of pumpkin in your diet shows how these ingredients boost health benefits in your baking.
Mastering Pumpkin Scones: Advanced Tips and Variations
Pro Techniques
To get restaurant-quality results, keep ingredients cold and mix air into the dry components for your pumpkin scones. Chill the dough for 20 30 minutes before baking to maintain height and layers. Use an oven thermometer and rotate pans for even baking, and for extra flakiness, fold the dough over itself once.
Flavor ideas include adding citrus zest or mixing in chocolate chips for a twist. Brown butter can add nutty notes that enhance the pumpkin taste in these scones.
Presentation and Storage
Serve warm with a glaze for dipping, and pair with seasonal spreads for a brunch board. For make-ahead options, freeze shaped dough and bake later, keeping pumpkin scones fresh for busy schedules.
How to Store Pumpkin Scones: Best Practices
Keep your pumpkin scones fresh by refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to one week, using parchment to separate layers. For longer storage, freeze cooled scones wrapped individually for up to three months. Reheat in a 325°F oven to restore their crisp texture, making this ideal for working professionals.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Scones
What type of butter should I use to get flaky pumpkin scones?
Using cold or frozen butter is best for pumpkin scones. When baked, the solid butter melts and releases steam, forming flaky layers and crisp edges. Grate the frozen butter into fine pieces or cut it into small chunks to mix evenly with the dry ingredients. This method helps maintain the dough’s texture and prevents it from becoming greasy or dense.
How do I prevent pumpkin scone dough from becoming too wet?
Before mixing the pumpkin puree into the dough, blot it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important because too much liquid can cause the scones to spread during baking and lose their crumbly texture. Measuring the pumpkin puree first and then draining the extra liquid helps create tender yet firm scones.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream or buttermilk in pumpkin scones?
Heavy cream or buttermilk is preferred for pumpkin scones as they contribute to the rich flavor and proper texture. Using milk may result in scones that spread too much and lack the delicate crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
How should I store pumpkin scones to keep them fresh?
Baked pumpkin scones can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in an oven or microwave before serving. This keeps the scones moist without sacrificing their texture.
Is it okay to refrigerate or freeze pumpkin scone dough before baking?
Yes, pumpkin scone dough can be shaped into wedges and refrigerated overnight or frozen before baking. If freezing, first place the dough on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, either thaw overnight or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Pumpkin Scones
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
🎃 These Classic Pumpkin Scones combine warm spices and tender, flaky textures for the perfect fall morning treat.
🍁 Enhanced with a sweet maple glaze, they bring cozy flavors that make breakfast special all season long.
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 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
1 large egg
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree, blotted to remove moisture
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: 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
Instructions
1-Getting Started: First, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack to the middle or lower spot. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to make cleanup easy. This step ensures even baking for your pumpkin scones. Measure and chill your butter, and prepare the pumpkin puree and cold liquids ahead of time for smooth preparation.
2-Getting Started: In a large bowl, whisk together 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. This mixture forms the base that gives pumpkin scones their light texture. Grate the 1/2 cup frozen unsalted butter and mix it into the flour using a pastry cutter until pea-sized crumbs form, which helps create those flaky layers.
3-Mixing the Dough: In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup blotted canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Drizzle this wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened to avoid over-mixing, which keeps the scones tender. For smaller batches, you can form 5-inch discs and cut each into 8 wedges for bite-sized pumpkin scones.
4-Mixing the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball with floured hands, then flatten it into an 8-inch disc and cut into 8 wedges. Place the scones 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush them with the remaining 2 tablespoons heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want extra crunch. Bake the larger scones for 20-25 minutes or the smaller ones for 18-20 minutes until lightly browned, then let them cool slightly.
5-Adding the Finishing Touch: For the glaze, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/3 cup pure maple syrup over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm scones for a sweet finish. If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, explore a blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake that’s perfect for mornings.
Notes
🧈 Grate frozen butter finely to keep scones tender and flaky.
🎃 Blot excess moisture from pumpkin puree to avoid wet dough.
🥄 Mix dough just until combined to ensure light texture and prevent toughness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
Keywords: Pumpkin Scones, Fall Baking, Maple Glaze, Warm Spices