Pumpkin Scones
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, these Pumpkin Scones are just what you need! They are wonderfully easy to whip up and perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet breakfast on busy mornings. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the warm spices and comforting pumpkin flavor, making them a favorite in my home. Plus, drizzling them with a light vanilla glaze takes these scones from delicious to absolutely irresistible!
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet evening with a cup of tea, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these pumpkin scones will surely brighten your day. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that I know you’re going to love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the soft texture and sweet pumpkin flavor; they disappear quickly!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite spices or toppings to make these scones uniquely yours.
- Perfectly Cozy: The warm spices create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with fall vibes.
- Make Ahead: These scones freeze beautifully, so you can always have a tasty treat on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These pumpkin scones use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to gather before starting:
For the Scones
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup very cold salted butter,* diced or grated
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk), plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons buttermilk (or milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ginger or cardamom
Variations
This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste! Here are some fun variations you might try:
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Dried Fruit Delight: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or nutmeg for unique flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
How to Make Pumpkin Scones
Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This step is important because it ensures that all the flavors blend beautifully into your scone dough.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the diced butter to your dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks (or even a food processor), cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles crumbles. You want small pea-sized chunks of butter throughout, as this helps create those lovely flaky layers we all adore in scones.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, gently fold in the pumpkin purée, buttermilk, and vanilla extract with a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix; we want just enough mixing until no dry streaks remain. This keeps your scones tender and soft.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn out your sticky dough onto a floured surface. Fold it over on itself gently until it holds together as one ball. Pat it down into an 8-inch circle and slice into 8 wedges using a large knife. Don’t worry if it’s sticky—just wipe off your knife between slices!
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Transfer those wedges onto a parchment-covered baking sheet with space in between each one. Pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes while your oven preheats to 425°F. Chilling helps them rise better when baked!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Before baking, brush each scone lightly with buttermilk. Then bake for about 13-15 minutes until they turn golden on top and are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While your scones cool slightly on a wire rack, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth (add more powdered sugar if needed). Once cooled enough, drizzle or brush that delicious glaze over each scone—then serve and enjoy every last bite!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Scones
These pumpkin scones are a delightful treat, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more perfect!
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Use cold ingredients: Starting with very cold butter and buttermilk helps create flaky layers in your scones. The cold temperature allows the butter to melt slowly while baking, leading to a deliciously tender texture.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Gently folding the dough ensures that your scones remain light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so remember to mix just until combined!
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Chill before baking: Freezing the shaped scones for about 15 minutes before baking helps them maintain their shape. This step also enhances their fluffiness, making for an even better bite.
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Experiment with spices: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can enhance the flavor profile of your pumpkin scones. These spices complement the pumpkin beautifully and add a cozy warmth that’s perfect for fall.
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Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your scones as they bake; ovens can vary. Look for a light golden color on top and ensure they are cooked through by testing with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
How to Serve Pumpkin Scones
These pumpkin scones are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, here are some lovely ways to present them.
Garnishes
- Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a sweet touch and enhances the flavor.
- Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts gives an extra crunch and pairs well with the soft texture of the scone.
- Fresh Herbs: A few sprigs of rosemary or sage can add a lovely visual contrast and elevate the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
- Warm Apple Cider: Serve alongside warm apple cider for a cozy autumn experience. The sweetness of the cider complements the spices in the scone beautifully.
- Yogurt Parfait: Pairing with a yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh fruit offers a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the scone.
- Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pears and pomegranates adds freshness and brightness to your meal.
- Herbal Tea: Complement your scone with a cup of herbal tea, such as chai or peppermint, which pairs perfectly with warm baked goods.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your pumpkin scones will surely be a hit! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends during those crisp autumn days.
Make Ahead and Storage
These delightful pumpkin scones are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them fresh throughout the week or save them for a special occasion.
Storing Leftovers
- Place cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
- Allow the baked scones to cool completely.
- Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the scones on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to retain moisture.
- Heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making pumpkin scones.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée in my pumpkin scones?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook it down and purée it until smooth before using it in your recipe.
How do I make my pumpkin scones more flavorful?
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like ginger or cardamom. You can also enhance the sweetness by adding a bit more brown sugar or using flavored extracts in the glaze.
What is the best way to enjoy pumpkin scones?
Pumpkin scones are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a warm beverage like coffee or tea makes for a cozy experience!
How can I ensure my pumpkin scones are fluffy?
To achieve fluffy pumpkin scones, be careful not to over-mix the dough. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated, and chill your dough before baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating these scrumptious pumpkin scones! They embody all the warmth and coziness of autumn. Enjoy making them for yourself, friends, or family – I know they’ll be a hit! Happy baking!
Pumpkin Scones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the essence of autumn with these delightful Pumpkin Scones! Perfect for cozy gatherings or a quick breakfast, these scones are infused with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Each bite is enhanced by a sweet vanilla glaze, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet moment with tea, these scones will surely brighten your day. Easy to make and surprisingly versatile, they can be customized with your favorite nuts or spices. Plus, they freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this seasonal delight anytime. Let’s dive into this simple recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup cold salted butter, diced
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons buttermilk (or milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ginger or cardamom
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently fold in pumpkin purée, buttermilk, and vanilla until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface; gently shape into an 8-inch circle and cut into wedges.
- Freeze for about 15 minutes before baking.
- Brush tops with buttermilk and bake for 13-15 minutes until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
