Pumpkin Scones

When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a warm batch of Pumpkin Scones. These buttery, flaky delights are infused with the cozy flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making them the perfect complement to your favorite fall beverages. Finished with a cinnamon glaze, these scones strike the ideal balance between sweet and spicy.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet morning, or looking for a delicious snack to share, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your autumn baking repertoire. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Scones are:

  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re perfect for bakers of any skill level.
  • Full of Flavor: The blend of spices and pumpkin puree creates a warm, seasonal flavor profile.
  • Perfectly Textured: Tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior, they’re everything a scone should be.
  • Versatile: Enjoy them plain, with butter, or topped with the sweet cinnamon glaze.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) to make these scones dairy-free.

Do I have to use the glaze?

No, the scones are delicious on their own. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter topping.

  • Beverages: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.
  • Spreads: Pair with honey butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Scones:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls (2): One for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
  • Pastry cutter or fork: To cut the butter into the dry ingredients.
  • Whisk: For mixing the glaze and combining wet ingredients.
  • Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Knife or bench scraper: For cutting the dough into wedges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients:

  1. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Forming the Scones:

  1. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
  2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round disk about 1 inch thick.
  3. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the disk into 8 equal wedges.

Baking:

  1. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Adding the Glaze:

  1. While the scones cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones using a spoon or piping bag.

Tips for Success

Ingredient Tips:

  • Butter: Make sure it’s cold! Cold butter creates steam during baking, which leads to flakier scones.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

Dough Tips:

  • Handle with Care: Overworking the dough can make the scones tough. Mix just until everything comes together.
  • Shape Consistently: For evenly baked scones, ensure your dough disk is evenly thick and your wedges are roughly the same size.

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