Pumpkin Scones

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen, these Pumpkin Scones are just what you need! They’re soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a light vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. This recipe is a favorite in my home—not just because they taste amazing but also because they’re quick to whip up. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning solo or hosting a family gathering, these scones are perfect for any occasion.

The best part? You can enjoy these pumpkin scones fresh from the oven in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have these delightful scones ready before you know it!
• Perfect for Sharing: These scones make excellent snacks for family gatherings or cozy coffee dates with friends.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or toppings to create your own unique twist.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you need a treat.
• Deliciously Cozy: The warm flavors of pumpkin and spices will fill your home with the comforting scents of autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious pumpkin scones, you’ll only need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• 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 pumpkin scones recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Incorporate Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Fruity Twist: Add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity flavor boost.
• Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for an unexpected twist.

How to Make Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Combine 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 essential as it ensures that all the flavors blend well throughout the dough.

Step 2: Add Butter

Next, add the diced butter into the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or two forks (you can also use a food processor if you prefer), cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Look for pea-sized chunks of butter; this will help create those tender layers we all love in scones!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the pumpkin purée, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Gently stir with a spatula until there are no dry streaks left—be careful not to over-mix here; we want fluffy scones!

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn out your mixture onto a floured surface and fold it over itself a few times until it holds together well enough to form a ball. Pat it down into an 8-inch circle and slice into eight equal wedges using a sharp knife. It might be sticky—don’t worry about it too much!

Step 5: Chill Before Baking

Transfer those lovely wedges onto a parchment-covered baking sheet with space between each one. Pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 425°F. This step helps maintain their shape while baking.

Step 6: Bake Them Up!

Brush each scone lightly with buttermilk before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 13-15 minutes or until they turn golden on top and are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 7: Drizzle with Glaze

While your scones cool down, whisk together powdered sugar with buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thin, just add more powdered sugar! Once cooled slightly, drizzle this sweet glaze over your warm pumpkin scones. Serve them up warm and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Scones

Making the perfect pumpkin scones can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with very cold butter and buttermilk helps create tender, flaky scones. Cold fat in the dough will create steam as it bakes, resulting in a light texture.

• Don’t over-mix the dough: Mixing until just combined prevents the gluten from developing too much, keeping your scones soft and tender. Remember, a little stickiness is okay!

• Chill the formed scones: Freezing the cut scones before baking allows them to hold their shape better during baking. This step ensures they rise beautifully while maintaining their structure.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices like ginger or cardamom for an extra kick of flavor. Personalizing your spice blend can make your scones uniquely yours!

• Serve warm: For the best experience, enjoy your pumpkin scones warm out of the oven or reheated slightly. They are at their most delicious when fresh!

How to Serve Pumpkin Scones

Serving pumpkin scones is all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that highlights their delightful flavors and cozy textures. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these scones are sure to impress!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A sweet touch that complements the pumpkin flavor while adding richness.
• Sprinkle of pumpkin seeds: Adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal while enhancing the autumn theme.
• Dollop of whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, this airy topping pairs wonderfully with the spiced scone.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the scones and adds brightness to your plate.

• Spiced chai tea: This fragrant beverage enhances the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices in your scones, making for a comforting pairing.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and a drizzle of honey for added texture and flavor that complements your pumpkin treat beautifully.

• Creamy soup: Pairing with a warm bowl of butternut squash or tomato soup provides a delightful contrast between savory and sweet.

Enjoy crafting these delicious pumpkin scones and serving them up in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin scones are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy that cozy pumpkin flavor throughout the week! Here’s how you can store and manage your scones.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scones to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their life to about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each cooled scone individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For a quick microwave option, heat each scone on high for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries regarding pumpkin scones.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Scones are done?

The best way to check is by looking for a lightly golden top and testing with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re done!

Can I substitute ingredients in this Pumpkin Scones recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap buttermilk with any milk of your choice or use a dairy-free alternative. For the butter, coconut oil or margarine would work well too.

What makes these Pumpkin Scones different from regular scones?

These pumpkin scones are infused with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, giving them a unique autumn flavor that’s both cozy and delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful pumpkin scones! They’re not only simple but also bring warmth and comfort to any gathering or quiet morning at home. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations—I’d love to hear how they turn out!