Pumpkin Scones

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm your home this fall, these Pumpkin Scones are the perfect choice. With their soft, tender crumb and delightful spices, they capture all the comforting flavors of the season. I love serving them with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or enjoying them plain with a hot cup of coffee. They are perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, or even just as an afternoon pick-me-up when you need a little something special.

These Pumpkin Scones are easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you whip them up for breakfast or share them at your next get-together, they will bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have warm scones ready in no time.
• Deliciously Spiced: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives these scones a comforting flavor that screams fall.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves these scones! They’re great for kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh scones whenever you want.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these delicious Pumpkin Scones, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Scone Base

• 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 into small pieces)
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 4 Tablespoons milk
• 1 large egg

Optional Add-Ins

• 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 Additional Toppings

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to customize your Pumpkin Scones:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans give these scones an extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a sweet chewiness to each bite.
• Change up the spices: Feel free to play with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your scones will bake evenly and become delightfully golden brown.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This step is important because it combines all those lovely spices that will flavor your scones beautifully.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Next, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs (no larger than pea-sized pieces). This creates flakiness in your scones that makes them light and tender.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, and egg. This mixture brings moisture to your dough and binds everything together.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Slowly fold the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. If you’re using chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in gently. The dough should start forming into a soft ball; if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in some more flour as needed.

Step 6: Knead Lightly

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently about 5 or 6 times until smooth—don’t overdo it! Flatten it into a round circle about half an inch thick for even baking.

Step 7: Cut into Scones

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 triangle-shaped scones. This will give you perfectly shaped pieces that are easy to serve.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Place your scone triangles on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!

And there you have it—warm Pumpkin Scones ready for enjoying! Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring one alone with tea, they’re sure to become a favorite in no time.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Scones

Making pumpkin scones is a delightful experience, but a few tips can elevate your baking game to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create tender scones. When cutting in the butter, it should remain pea-sized to ensure a flaky texture.

• Don’t overmix: Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together will keep your scones light and airy. Overmixing can lead to dense scones, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before cutting into triangles can help maintain their shape during baking and enhance the flavors.

• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your scones as they bake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they are done.

• Experiment with spices: While the recipe includes traditional fall spices, feel free to adjust or add others like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist that suits your taste!

How to Serve Pumpkin Scones

Once your pumpkin scones are baked and cooled, it’s time to present them in a way that highlights their deliciousness. Here are some fun ideas!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal without overwhelming the flavor.

• Chopped nuts: Lightly toasted pecans or walnuts can provide a nice crunch and complement the soft texture of the scone.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The spiced warmth of apple cider pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavors in the scones, making it a cozy beverage choice.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the scones.

• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a healthy side dish that balances sweetness with tartness, perfect alongside your pumpkin treat.

With these tips on serving and garnishing, your pumpkin scones will not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any table! Enjoy this delightful fall treat with loved ones or savor them during a quiet moment with your favorite drink. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Scones are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious treat or breakfast option ready whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the scones to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the scones on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Scones that might help you as you bake!

Can I make Pumpkin Scones without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! The chocolate chips are optional; feel free to leave them out for a more classic pumpkin flavor.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Scones turn out fluffy?

To keep your Pumpkin Scones light and fluffy, avoid overworking the dough when mixing. Just combine until everything is moistened.

What makes these Pumpkin Scones special?

These Pumpkin Scones are special because they offer the warm, comforting flavors of fall in every bite! With the added cream cheese frosting, they’re both delightful and indulgent.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! If you have access to fresh pumpkin, simply cook and puree it before measuring. Just ensure it’s smooth and not too watery.

How should I serve my Pumpkin Scones?

Serve your scones warm with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting, or enjoy them plain with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re versatile enough to suit any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen this fall! These Pumpkin Scones are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy creating these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to try experimenting with different spices or toppings. Happy baking!