Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Introduction

There’s something magical about the arrival of fall, with its crisp air and vibrant colors, that makes me crave warm, comforting baked goods. Among my seasonal favorites are Pumpkin Scones, a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. These scones blend the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with warm spices, creating a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon tea break.

Growing up, I always looked forward to the first batch of pumpkin treats as the leaves started to turn. Over the years, I’ve perfected this Pumpkin Scones Recipe Easy to share with my family and friends. What I love most is how simple they are to whip up, even on a busy day, while still delivering that cozy, homemade feel we all crave during the fall season.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dipping your toes into Seasonal Baking, this recipe will become a go-to. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to create tender, flaky scones that rival any bakery’s offerings. Let’s dive into this delightful Easy Pumpkin Dessert that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fall.

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: American/British-Inspired
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 scones

What You’ll Need

To craft these delightful Pumpkin Scones, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The pumpkin puree not only adds moisture but also infuses the scones with that signature autumnal taste. Flour and baking powder work together to create a tender, flaky structure, while cold butter ensures those coveted layers. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the flavor profile, and a touch of sugar balances the savory notes. Finally, a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of coarse sugar adds a sweet finishing touch that makes these scones irresistible.

INGREDIENTS

• – 2 cups all-purpose flour
• – 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• – 1 tablespoon baking powder
• – 1/2 teaspoon salt
• – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• – 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• – 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• – 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• – 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• – 1 large egg
• – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• – 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• – 1 cup powdered sugar
• – 2-3 tablespoons milk
• – 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

PREPARATION

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
7. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops lightly with additional heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
10. If making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 320 per scone (without glaze)
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg

Why Use Cold Butter?

Using cold butter is a key step in achieving the flaky texture that defines great Scones Recipe Easy. When the cold butter melts during baking, it creates steam pockets that lift the dough, resulting in tender layers. Keep your butter in the fridge until the moment you’re ready to mix to ensure the best results.

Can I Substitute Pumpkin Puree?

While fresh or canned pumpkin puree works best for this Pumpkin Scones Recipe, you can experiment with other purees like butternut squash if you’re in a pinch. Just note that the flavor and moisture content might slightly vary, so adjust the liquid in the recipe if needed.

How to Get the Perfect Scone Texture

The secret to tender Pumpkin Scones lies in minimal handling of the dough. Overworking it can activate the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if the dough looks a bit rough—it will bake up beautifully.

Adding a Seasonal Twist

Elevate your Fall Desserts Easy by incorporating extras like chopped pecans, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries into the dough. These additions bring a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that complement the pumpkin base.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store your Easy Pumpkin Dessert scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to revive their crisp edges.

Pairing Ideas for Pumpkin Scones

These Pumpkin Scones shine when paired with a hot cup of chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte. For a decadent treat, serve them alongside a smear of cinnamon butter or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Make Pumpkin Scones Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for this Pumpkin Scones Recipe Easy up to a day in advance. Shape the scones, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Are Pumpkin Scones Gluten-Free?

This particular recipe isn’t gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can swap it for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to adapt this Scones Recipe Easy. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, so look for a blend designed for pastries.

Can I Freeze Pumpkin Scones?

Yes, freezing is a great option for these Fall Desserts Easy. Bake the scones, let them cool completely, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving. You can also freeze unbaked scones and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How Do I Make My Scones Sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the sugar in the dough to 1/2 cup or add the glaze as suggested in the Pumpkin Scones Recipe. Alternatively, sprinkle extra coarse sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crunch.

What’s the Difference Between Pumpkin Scones and Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars?

While both are delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes alternatives, scones are a flaky, biscuit-like pastry often enjoyed for breakfast or snacks, whereas Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a denser, creamier dessert with a graham cracker crust. Scones are quicker to make, while cheesecake bars require chilling time.