Pumpkin Scones

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, look no further than these Pumpkin Scones! This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so simple to whip up and brings a warm, cozy feeling to any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these scones are sure to impress everyone at the table with their comforting pumpkin flavors and light vanilla glaze.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they also fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of fall spices. Plus, you can easily make them ahead of time for a special breakfast or snack. Trust me, once you try these Pumpkin Scones, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These scones come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet pumpkin flavor and soft texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed!
• Cozy Flavors: The combination of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice creates that perfect autumn vibe.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them plain or with the optional glaze—either way, they’re scrumptious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Pumpkin Scones is easy with wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. 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

One of the best things about this Pumpkin Scones recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough.
• Spice It Up: If you love a bit more heat, add some finely grated fresh ginger along with the dry spices.
• Change Up the Glaze: Instead of vanilla glaze, try a maple glaze for a delicious twist!
• Dried Fruit Delight: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step is essential as it ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your scones.

Step 2: Cut in Butter

Next, add the cold diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique creates those lovely flaky layers we all adore in scones!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix in the pumpkin purée, buttermilk (or milk), and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to gently stir until just combined. Remember not to over-mix—this keeps your scones tender!

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and fold it over itself a few times until it holds together. Pat it down into an approximate 8-inch circle and slice into wedges. Spacing is key here; give each scone room on your baking sheet.

Step 5: Chill Before Baking

Transfer your scone wedges onto a parchment-covered baking sheet with space in between each piece. Pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F. Chilling helps keep your scones from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Before baking, brush each scone with a bit of buttermilk for that golden finish. Bake them for about 13-15 minutes until lightly golden on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 7: Drizzle with Glaze

Once cooled slightly on a wire rack, whisk together your glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle generously over each scone and enjoy! These Pumpkin Scones are perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Scones

Making pumpkin scones can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and buttermilk cold helps create a flaky texture in the scones. When butter melts during baking, it creates steam that lifts the dough, resulting in light and airy scones.

• Don’t over-mix: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing just until combined is key. Over-mixing can lead to dense scones that lack that lovely fluffy quality we all crave.

• Chill before baking: Allowing the cut scone wedges to chill in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking enhances their shape. This step helps them maintain their structure while rising in the oven.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a pinch of ginger or nutmeg can give your scones an extra layer of warmth and comfort.

• Brush with buttermilk: A light brush of buttermilk on top before baking not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that golden-brown finish, making your pumpkin scones visually appealing.

How to Serve Pumpkin Scones

Serving pumpkin scones is all about creating a cozy atmosphere where everyone can enjoy this delightful treat. Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft scone.
• Cinnamon sugar: A dusting of cinnamon sugar on top gives an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the autumn flavor profile.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream can make your scones feel indulgent and inviting, perfect for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic autumn beverage pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors and offers a delightful warmth to complement your scones.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears brightens up your plate, adding refreshing juiciness alongside the rich scone.
• Herbal tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, such as chai or cinnamon spice, harmonizes beautifully with the flavors in the pumpkin scones and creates a comforting experience.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a satisfying side dish that balances the sweetness of the scones while adding a creamy element.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your delicious pumpkin scones! Enjoy sharing this warm treat during cozy gatherings or quiet mornings at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pumpkin scones recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can enjoy these delightful treats fresh or store them for later, making them a great option for busy mornings or cozy afternoons.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing

• Place fully cooled scones in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for future reference.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place scones on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual scones for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin scones!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée in my Pumpkin Scones?

Yes! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook it down and puree it until it’s smooth. This will help maintain the texture of your pumpkin scones.

How do I get my Pumpkin Scones to rise well?

To ensure your pumpkin scones rise nicely, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Also, handle the dough gently and avoid over-mixing to keep them light and fluffy!

What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk for my Pumpkin Scones?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Are these Pumpkin Scones suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! These pumpkin scones are a delightful breakfast treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. They’re also great as an afternoon snack!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious pumpkin scones as much as I do! They’re not just easy to prepare; they also fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that are perfect for fall. Whether you share them with friends or savor every bite yourself, these scones will surely bring joy to your day. Happy baking!