Pumpkin Scones

This Pumpkin Scones recipe is perfect for celebrating the cozy flavors of autumn! With its delightful blend of spices and a light vanilla glaze, these scones are an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them at a gathering, these scones will impress everyone with their warm pumpkin goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spices creates a warm, comforting taste that defines fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these scones on their own or pair them with your favorite spreads like butter or cream cheese.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual brunch, these scones fit right in.
• Light Vanilla Glaze: The sweet glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating delicious Pumpkin Scones!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter (or forks)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Pastry cutter: This tool helps achieve the perfect crumbly texture by cutting butter into dry ingredients efficiently.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of your scones.

Ingredients

This pumpkin scones recipe is quick and easy to make, drizzled with a light vanilla glaze, and full of the best cozy pumpkin flavors.

For the Scone Dough

• 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

How to Make Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt until evenly combined.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter evenly into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and resembles pea-sized chunks.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in the pumpkin purée, milk and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to gently stir the mixture until there are no dry streaks. Be careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Turn the mixture out onto a flour-dusted surface. Fold the dough over itself several times until it holds together. Pat down into an 8-inch circle. Slice into 8 equal wedges with a large knife.

Step 5: Chill Before Baking

Transfer wedges to a parchment-covered baking sheet with at least 2 inches between each. Freeze for about 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 425°F.

Step 6: Bake Your Scones

Brush each scone’s top lightly with buttermilk. Bake for 13–15 minutes or until lightly golden on top. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 7: Drizzle with Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together glaze ingredients until well combined. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar if needed. Once cooled slightly, brush or drizzle the glaze over each scone. Serve fresh and enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin scones are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, here are some tasty serving suggestions to elevate your pumpkin scone experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the flavor and adds a creamy texture to the scones.

Accompanied by Maple Syrup

• Drizzling maple syrup over warm pumpkin scones brings out their sweetness while adding a rich flavor.

Paired with Spiced Tea

• A warm cup of spiced tea complements the cozy spice flavors in pumpkin scones, making for a comforting pairing.

Alongside Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced scone.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar on top creates an elegant touch and extra sweetness.

With a Side of Yogurt

• Plain or flavored yogurt provides a creamy balance and adds protein, making it a satisfying snack option.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Scones

Achieving perfectly fluffy pumpkin scones is easy with these simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your scones come out delicious every time.

• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create flakiness; make sure it’s very cold before mixing it into the dry ingredients.
• Don’t over-mix: Mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough scones instead of tender ones.
• Chill before baking: Freezing the shaped dough for about 15 minutes helps maintain their shape while baking.
• Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An accurate temperature is crucial for even baking.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add more spices like ginger or cardamom according to your taste preferences for added depth.
• Brush with buttermilk: Brushing the tops with buttermilk before baking gives them a beautiful golden color.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Scones

Pairing your pumpkin scones with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the scones.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast that enhances flavors.
3. Nut Butter Spread: Almond or peanut butter spread offers healthy fats and additional protein for a filling snack.
4. Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup complements the spices in pumpkin scones beautifully, especially on chilly days.
5. Oatmeal: A small serving of oatmeal topped with fruit makes for a hearty breakfast alongside your scones.
6. Herbed Cream Cheese: Spread herbed cream cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with sweet notes.
7. Chai Latte: A cup of chai latte brings warmth and spice, making it an ideal drink alongside pumpkin scones.
8. Green Salad: A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the richness of the scones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin scones can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold technique failure: Not properly cutting the butter into the flour can lead to dense scones. Use a pastry cutter or forks to create pea-sized chunks.
• Bold over-mixing dough: Mixing too much after adding wet ingredients can result in tough scones. Stir just until no dry streaks remain for a tender texture.
• Bold incorrect baking temperature: Baking at too low a temperature can yield flat scones. Ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F for the best rise.
• Bold ignoring chilling time: Skipping the chilling step before baking can affect the texture. Allowing the dough to rest in the freezer helps it maintain its shape.
• Bold glaze mishaps: Adding too much liquid to your glaze can make it runny. Adjust with more powdered sugar if needed for a perfect drizzle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin scones in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Scones

• Place cooled scones in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Scones

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual scones on high for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat them.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding pumpkin scones.

How do I make my Pumpkin Scones fluffier?

To achieve fluffier pumpkin scones, make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid over-mixing when combining wet and dry ingredients.

Can I substitute other spices in Pumpkin Scones?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or nutmeg in place of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.

What are the best toppings for Pumpkin Scones?

Drizzling with vanilla glaze is popular, but you can also top them with cream cheese frosting or serve them alongside jam.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Scones are done?

Look for a lightly golden top and test by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when fully baked.

Can I use whole wheat flour for Pumpkin Scones?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly. You might want to mix it with all-purpose flour for better results.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin scones are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with cozy autumn flavors. Enjoy them as part of breakfast or as an afternoon treat! Feel free to customize by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even cranberries for extra flavor!