Pumpkin Scones

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy during the crisp fall months, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Scones are simply irresistible, combining warm spices with the comforting flavor of pumpkin. They’re perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, or even a quiet afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea. Trust me, once you bake these scones, they’ll become a beloved recipe in your home!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking is just the cherry on top! So grab your apron and let’s get started on these fluffy, flavorful Pumpkin Scones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have warm scones ready in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon tea party, these scones fit the bill!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Everyone loves the sweet and spicy combination of pumpkin and warm spices—perfect for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These scones freeze well, so you can enjoy them any time with minimal effort.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that you’re excited about making these Pumpkin Scones, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that create a deliciously satisfying treat.

For the Scones

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 cup cold butter (cut)
• 1 cup pure pumpkin
• 4 Tablespoons milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon maple flavoring
• dash salt

For the Pumpkin Spice Drizzle

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons milk
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 Tablespoon milk
• 1 Tablespoon pure pumpkin puree
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Variations

The beauty of this Pumpkin Scone recipe is its flexibility! Whether you want to switch up flavors or add special ingredients, here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Swap the Chocolate: Prefer dried fruits? Try adding cranberries or raisins instead of chocolate chips.
• Change the Spice: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg!

How to Make Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, your scones will bake perfectly golden as soon as they are ready!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisk them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Cutting in cold butter is essential; it creates those lovely flaky layers in the scones!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pure pumpkin puree, milk, and egg until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to our dough.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now comes the fun part! Slowly fold the pumpkin mixture into your dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If you’re using chocolate chips (which I highly recommend!), gently fold them into the dough at this stage.

Step 5: Knead and Shape

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it just enough to bring it together—about 5 or 6 times should do it. Flatten it into a round circle about half an inch thick.

Step 6: Cut into Scones

Using a pizza cutter (or knife), cut your circle into eight triangle-shaped scones. This makes them easy to pull apart once they’re baked!

Step 7: Bake Your Scones

Place your scone triangles on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell will be amazing; enjoy every moment!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Scones

Making pumpkin scones is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor!

• Use cold butter – Chilling the butter before cutting it into the flour helps create flaky layers in your scones, resulting in a light and tender treat.
• Don’t overmix – Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together ensures that your scones remain light and airy. Overmixing can lead to dense scones.
• Chill the dough – If time permits, chilling the dough for about 15-30 minutes before baking helps to enhance the flavors and improve the overall texture.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A pinch of additional nutmeg or even a dash of allspice can add a unique twist to your pumpkin scones!
• Check for doneness – Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your scones; they should be lightly golden on top and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.

How to Serve Pumpkin Scones

These pumpkin scones are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Sprinkling of cinnamon sugar – A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top just before baking adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
• Drizzle of cream cheese frosting – Enhance the flavor profile by drizzling some cream cheese frosting on top or serving it on the side for dipping.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea – The warm spices in chai tea complement the flavors of pumpkin perfectly, making it a cozy pairing for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• Fruit salad – A fresh fruit salad brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scones. Consider using seasonal fruits like apples or pears.
• Yogurt parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a simple yet delightful side that adds creaminess and crunch alongside your pumpkin scones.
• Maple syrup drizzle – Serve with a small bowl of maple syrup for drizzling over each bite. This adds sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade pumpkin scones! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Scones are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat any time of day. They can be made ahead and stored for convenience, making your mornings or snack times that much sweeter!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scones to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Ensure the scones are fully cooled before freezing.
• Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the scones from the freezer and unwrap them.
• Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Pumpkin Scones.

Can I make Pumpkin Scones vegan?

Absolutely! You can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg. This will keep your scones just as tasty while catering to a vegan diet.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Scones?

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze!

What makes these Pumpkin Scones special?

These Pumpkin Scones are infused with warm spices and enriched with pure pumpkin, making them incredibly moist and flavorful. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Can I add other ingredients to my Pumpkin Scones?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor. Chocolate chips are also a delightful addition!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Pumpkin Scones as much as I do! They embody all the cozy flavors of fall and make any occasion special—be it a leisurely breakfast or an afternoon snack with friends. Remember, the kitchen is where memories are made, so have fun experimenting with this recipe. Happy baking!