Irresistible Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Irresistible Autumn Pumpkin Scones Recipe That Wows Everyone

Crafting a delectable pumpkin scones recipe brings pure autumn magic right into your kitchen.

Warm spices dance through delicate pastry, creating a sensory experience that whispers comfort.

Soft, buttery layers melt on your tongue with each tender bite.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Morning coffee or afternoon tea finds its perfect companion in these golden-edged delights.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Let’s bake a batch that celebrates cozy moments and sweet memories.

What’s So Good About Pumpkin Scones

  • Indulge in a warm, cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn with every delectable bite, bringing the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices right to your kitchen.
  • Perfect for baking beginners and seasoned home cooks alike, this recipe requires minimal culinary skills and basic kitchen tools, making it a stress-free baking experience.
  • Versatile enough for family breakfasts, afternoon tea, or potluck gatherings, these scones are sure to impress friends and loved ones with their irresistible taste and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients for Tender Pumpkin Scones

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the scones.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the pumpkin flavor.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor and add depth to the scones.
  • Salt: Helps to balance and enhance the overall flavor of the scones.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and a rich, seasonal pumpkin flavor to the scones.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the scones' structure.
Fat and Glaze Ingredients:
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds richness to the scones.
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla: Combine to make a sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch to the scones.

Baking Instructions for Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Dry Powder Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they look perfectly combined.

Step 3: Work the Butter Magic

Drop cold butter into the flour mixture.

Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to break down the butter until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly sand.

Step 4: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Heavy cream
  • Egg

Mix until everything looks smooth and integrated.

Step 5: Marry the Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Stop mixing the moment everything looks incorporated – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Shape Your Delights

Dust a clean countertop with flour.

Softly pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.

Slice into wedges like a pizza or use a round cutter for classic scone shapes.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer scones onto the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Finish with Sweet Drizzle

Let scones cool completely on a wire rack.

Optional: Whip up a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Drizzle over the cooled scones for extra deliciousness.

Tips for Soft and Flavorful Scones

  • Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to ensure flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
  • Stir ingredients just until combined to avoid tough, dense scones that lack the classic light and crumbly consistency.
  • Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to create clean, even scone edges that promote uniform baking and beautiful presentation.
  • Enhance pumpkin taste by adding a pinch of ground ginger or replacing some white sugar with brown sugar for richer, more complex notes.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use cold vegan butter to create delicious plant-based scones without compromising texture.

Reheat and Store Pumpkin Scones the Right Way

  • Store scones in an airtight container lined with paper towel for up to 3 days. Place in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm scones for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to prevent drying out. Add a small damp paper towel to retain moisture during reheating.
  • Preheat oven to 300F. Place scones on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp edges return.

Great Pairings with Pumpkin Scones

  • Savor Warm Spiced Chai: Steep a rich, aromatic chai tea with its warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger that beautifully complement the pumpkin scones' seasonal flavor profile.
  • Pair with Maple Cream Cheese: Whip soft cream cheese with pure maple syrup to create a luxurious, velvety spread that enhances the scones' subtle sweetness and adds creamy texture.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: Brew a smooth caramel macchiato featuring espresso and steamed milk, which provides a decadent counterpoint to the scones' earthy pumpkin notes and spicy undertones.
  • Enjoy with Cinnamon Butter: Blend softened butter with ground cinnamon and a touch of honey to create a silky, fragrant spread that elevates the scones' warmth and brings out their delicate spice nuances.

Pumpkin Scone Variations to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Scones: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Scones: Substitute butter with coconut oil, heavy cream with coconut milk, and egg with flax egg or applesauce to create a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Scones: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, reducing overall sugar content for diabetic or health-conscious individuals.
  • Dairy-Free Pumpkin Scones: Replace butter with plant-based margarine, heavy cream with almond or oat milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant or dairy-free diets.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned or fresh pumpkin puree?

Either works great! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, while fresh pumpkin requires cooking and pureeing. Just ensure your puree is smooth and not watery.

  • How do I know if I've mixed the dough correctly?

The dough should look shaggy and just barely combined. Overmixing can make scones tough and dense. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.

  • What if I don't have a pastry cutter?

No problem! Use two knives to cut the butter into the flour or use your cold fingertips. The key is keeping the butter cold and creating small, pea-sized butter pieces.

  • Can I freeze the scone dough before baking?

Yes! Prepare the dough, cut into shapes, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Irresistible Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Scones Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm autumn memories shine through these classic Pumpkin Scones, blending sweet spices with buttery, tender crumb. Bakers seeking comfort will adore these delightful pastries that perfectly complement morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 large egg

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons (3045 milliliters) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by setting the oven to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal scone baking.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Transform the butter into fine, crumbly texture by cutting it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the consistency resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Craft a wet ingredient blend by whisking pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and egg until smooth and fully integrated.
  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent tough scones, stopping when just combined.
  6. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, carefully shaping into a 1-inch thick circular form, then slice into wedges or use a round cutter for uniform pieces.
  7. Arrange the scone pieces on the prepared baking sheet, then bake for 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the surface develops a delicate crisp.
  8. Allow scones to cool completely on a wire rack, then optionally drizzle with a glaze made by blending powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for added sweetness.

Notes

  • Chill your butter thoroughly before starting to ensure flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree for more vibrant flavor, but canned works perfectly if homemade isn’t available.
  • Keep mixing minimal to prevent tough scones – stop stirring the moment ingredients are just combined.
  • Experiment with alternative flour options like gluten-free blends or whole wheat for different dietary needs without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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