Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Scones
Sweet potato scones combine simple ingredients to deliver a fluffy texture that makes them a favorite for home bakers. These tasty treats add a nutritious twist to your morning routine, blending the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with classic baking elements. In this section, we’ll dive into what makes this recipe so appealing, especially if you’re looking for quick and healthful options.
One key benefit is the ease of preparation, making sweet potato scones perfect for busy mornings. You can mash roasted or steamed sweet potato, mix with flour, fat, a little sugar and leavening, and have them ready in about 20 to 30 minutes of hands-on time, with baking at 400Β°F taking only 12 to 18 minutes. Using leftover mashed sweet potato speeds things up even more, helping busy parents and working professionals save time without sacrificing flavor.
Beyond simplicity, sweet potato scones offer great health benefits that appeal to diet-conscious individuals. They pack in vitamin A, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, turning your baked goods into a wholesome treat. For more on how sweet potatoes boost nutrition, check out benefits of sweet potatoes, which highlights their role in supporting gut health and steady blood sugar when paired with mindful ingredients like whole-grain flours or modest fat.
The versatility of this recipe is another highlight, allowing adaptations for various dietary needs. You can easily make vegan sweet potato scones by swapping dairy for plant-based milk and butter, or opt for gluten-free versions with gluten-free flour blends. This flexibility lets baking enthusiasts tweak the recipe for low-calorie or keto-style variations, ensuring everyone from students to seniors can enjoy them.
Finally, the distinctive flavor of sweet potato scones sets them apart, with an earthy depth and tender crumb that’s more memorable than plain options. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the taste, creating unique profiles for food enthusiasts. The primary keyword ‘sweet potato scones’ reflects this recipe’s charm, drawing in those who value both flavor and adaptability in their baking.
Having explored these aspects, let’s move on to the key elements that bring this recipe to life.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Scones
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Scones
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Sweet Potato Scones: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sweet Potato Scones
- 5. Mastering Sweet Potato Scones: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Sweet Potato Scones: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Scones
- 8. Sweet Potato Scones
Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Scones
Starting with the essentials, putting together sweet potato scones means using ingredients that create a fluffy texture and simple flavors. Below is a comprehensive list extracted from the recipe details, ensuring you have everything needed for a successful bake. Remember, precision with measurements helps achieve the best results, so let’s break it down clearly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heavy cream (typically 2-3 tablespoons for brushing)
For the Brown Sugar Glaze, you’ll need these additional items to top off your scones:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (note: quantity inferred as typical for glazes, based on standard recipes)
These ingredients form the base for delicious sweet potato scones, with options for special dietary needs like vegan or gluten-free swaps. For special variations, consider using a gluten-free flour blend or plant-based milk to keep things adaptable.
How to Prepare the Perfect Sweet Potato Scones: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting sweet potato scones just right involves a straightforward process that delivers that fluffy texture we all crave. Begin by prepping your ingredients and oven, then follow the steps for a smooth baking experience. This guide incorporates directions from the recipe summary, ensuring you capture every detail for success.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato and Ingredients
Start by preheating the oven to 400ΒΊF and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook your sweet potato by baking it at 425Β°F for about an hour until soft, then mash it to get 1 cup. Measure out all your dry and wet ingredients to keep things organized, which helps for quick prep in just about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. This step ensures even leavening and flavor, setting the stage for fluffy sweet potato scones.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs, which is key for that flaky texture. If you’re making a vegan version, use coconut oil as a substitute. This technique helps create the lift and layers in your sweet potato scones.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add this to the dry mixture and stir gently until a crumbly dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep the scones tender.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Gently knead the dough on a floured surface, then shape it into a 7-inch round disk and cut into 8 wedges. Freeze the shaped scones for 30 minutes, as this step is essential for maintaining their shape and texture, leading to perfectly baked sweet potato scones.
Step 6: Bake the Scones
Brush the tops with about 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. This results in sweet potato scones with a fluffy interior, and for smaller ones, reduce baking time if you cut the dough into 16 pieces.
Step 7: Add the Glaze and Serve
Once cooled slightly, prepare the glaze by melting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons heavy cream, then stir in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the scones for a sweet finish. For meal prep, these can be stored or frozen as noted in other sections.
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, plus 25 minutes baking and 30 minutes freezing, totaling around 70 minutes, not including sweet potato cooking time. If you’re interested in more breakfast ideas, try our blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake for another easy option.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sweet Potato Scones
Customizing sweet potato scones means you can adapt them to fit various preferences, keeping the fluffy texture intact. From protein boosts to vegan swaps, these changes make the recipe versatile for everyone from newlyweds to health-focused travelers.
- Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend to make gluten-free sweet potato scones.
- Replace some flour with finely ground oats or chickpea flour for more protein and fiber.
- For higher protein, add 1/4 1/3 cup protein powder and reduce flour accordingly.
- Use Greek yogurt or silken tofu in place of some butter to cut fat while boosting protein.
For vegetable and seasoning tweaks, consider adding grated carrot or herbs to vary the flavor. These substitutions ensure your sweet potato scones remain delicious and aligned with dietary goals.
Mastering Sweet Potato Scones: Advanced Tips and Variations
To take your sweet potato scones to the next level, focus on pro techniques and creative twists. Keeping fats cold and dough chilled is crucial for that flaky result, while flavor variations add excitement to your baking routine.
| Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chill dough before baking | Improves rise and texture |
| Use cold butter | Creates flaky layers |
For variations, try maple-walnut or savory cheddar-herb options. If you enjoy experimenting, check out rhubarb muffins for more baking inspiration.
How to Store Sweet Potato Scones: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your sweet potato scones fresh and tasty, whether you’re refrigerating or freezing them. Cool them fully before storing to maintain that fluffy texture for up to 4 days in the fridge.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Scones
What type of flour works best for making sweet potato scones?
Regular all-purpose flour is ideal for sweet potato scones because it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Using all-purpose flour helps the scones hold together without becoming too dense, ensuring a light and flaky texture.
How do I prepare the butter for the perfect texture in sweet potato scones?
Use cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces, then blend it into the flour mixture until the texture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This method creates pockets of butter that melt during baking, resulting in a flaky and tender scone.
Can I prepare sweet potato scone dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and shape and bake the scones the next day. For longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow frozen dough to thaw in the refrigerator before baking for best results.
Why should sweet potato scones be frozen before baking?
Freezing shaped scones for about 30 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape and keeps the butter cold, which is essential for a flaky texture. This step also prevents spreading and ensures even baking.
How should I store leftover sweet potato scones, and how long do they stay fresh?
Store baked scones wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, unglazed scones can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and apply glaze before serving for best taste.
Sweet Potato Scones
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
π These Sweet Potato Scones provide a deliciously fluffy texture with simple ingredients, perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.
β¨ The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with warm spices creates a flavorful treat you’ll want to enjoy any time of day.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heavy cream (typically 2-3 tablespoons for brushing)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
1-Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato and Ingredients Start by preheating the oven to 400ΒΊF and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook your sweet potato by baking it at 425Β°F for about an hour until soft, then mash it to get 1 cup. Measure out all your dry and wet ingredients to keep things organized, which helps for quick prep in just about 15 minutes.
2-Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. This step ensures even leavening and flavor, setting the stage for fluffy sweet potato scones.
3-Step 3: Cut in the Butter Next, cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs, which is key for that flaky texture. If you’re making a vegan version, use coconut oil as a substitute. This technique helps create the lift and layers in your sweet potato scones.
4-Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add this to the dry mixture and stir gently until a crumbly dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep the scones tender.
5-Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough Gently knead the dough on a floured surface, then shape it into a 7-inch round disk and cut into 8 wedges. Freeze the shaped scones for 30 minutes, as this step is essential for maintaining their shape and texture, leading to perfectly baked sweet potato scones.
6-Step 6: Bake the Scones Brush the tops with about 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. This results in sweet potato scones with a fluffy interior, and for smaller ones, reduce baking time if you cut the dough into 16 pieces.
7-Step 7: Add the Glaze and Serve Once cooled slightly, prepare the glaze by melting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons heavy cream, then stir in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the scones for a sweet finish. For meal prep, these can be stored or frozen as noted in other sections.
Notes
β Freezing shaped scones before baking helps keep their shape and texture.
π₯ Bake sweet potatoes at 425Β°F for about 1 hour until soft, then mash for best flavor.
πͺ For smaller scones, cut dough into 16 pieces and reduce baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freezing time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 377 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: sweet potato scones, fluffy scones, simple scone recipe, sweet potato breakfast
