Pumpkin Scones

This pumpkin scones recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the cozy flavors of autumn. With a perfect balance of spices and the richness of pumpkin purée, these scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The addition of a light vanilla glaze elevates them, making them suitable for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting aroma while they bake and savor each bite for a true taste of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: Bursting with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, these scones will become a seasonal favorite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain, with a drizzle of glaze, or alongside your favorite beverages like tea or coffee.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: The combination of pumpkin purée and buttermilk keeps these scones moist and tender.
• Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to make them your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your pumpkin scones, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or forks
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl makes it easy to combine dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients.
• Pastry cutter or forks: These tools help cut butter into the flour mixture precisely, ensuring the right crumbly texture.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of the scones.

Ingredients

This pumpkin scones recipe features simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Scones:

• 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

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Spices:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ginger or cardamom

How to Make Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 2: Cut in Butter

Add the diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Aim for pea-sized chunks.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Stir in the pumpkin purée, buttermilk, and vanilla extract gently with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn out the mixture onto a floured surface. Fold it over on itself until it holds together. Pat into an 8-inch circle. Slice into 8 wedges.

Step 5: Freeze Before Baking

Transfer wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them. Freeze for about 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 425°F.

Step 6: Bake Scones

Brush tops with buttermilk before placing in the oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes until lightly golden on top. Allow cooling on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

Whisk together glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness with more powdered sugar if needed. Drizzle over cooled scones before serving.

Now you can enjoy these delightful pumpkin scones! Perfect for any gathering or simply as an indulgence during your cozy fall days!

How to Serve Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin scones are not just a delicious treat; they can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your pumpkin scone experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your scones with a warm cup of herbal or chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

Spreadable Toppings

• Add a dollop of cream cheese or flavored butter on top to give your scones an extra creamy texture.

Fresh Fruits

• Serve alongside fresh slices of apple or pear for a refreshing contrast to the rich pumpkin flavor.

Nuts and Seeds

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and nutrition.

Seasonal Jam

• A spoonful of homemade or store-bought jam, like cranberry or fig, can complement the sweetness of the scones beautifully.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Scones

Making perfect pumpkin scones requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure yours turn out fluffy and flavorful every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and buttermilk cold helps create flaky layers in the scones.
• Avoid overmixing: Gently combine the ingredients until no dry spots remain to keep the texture light and airy.
• Chill before baking: Freezing the shaped dough for 15 minutes before baking helps retain their shape during cooking.
• Brush with buttermilk: This step adds moisture and gives your scones a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add extra spices like ginger or cardamom for more depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin scones pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks. Here are some excellent companions.

1. Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot cocoa adds a sweet balance to the savory notes of the scone.
2. Fruit Salad: A light and vibrant fruit salad brings freshness and pairs well with the spices in the scone.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a nutritious addition that complements pumpkin flavors.
4. Savory Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash or tomato soup serves as a comforting side dish that matches well with pumpkin.
5. Cheese Platter: Offer soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers to create an elegant snack spread.
6. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup drizzled over each scone enhances sweetness and ties into autumn flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin scones can be delightful, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using warm butter instead of cold can lead to dense scones. Always use very cold butter for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much will develop gluten, making the scones tough. Stir gently until just combined.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out the scones. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the scone wedges before baking can cause them to spread too much. Chill for at least 15 minutes to maintain shape.
• Neglecting the glaze: A simple glaze brings extra flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step; drizzle it generously over cooled scones.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in a cool place to maintain freshness.

Freezing Pumpkin Scones

• Freeze unglazed scones in a single layer for up to 2 months.
• Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Pumpkin Scones

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one scone at a time on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding pumpkin scones that might help you out.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can roast and purée fresh pumpkin as a substitute. Ensure it’s well-drained before using.

How do I make pumpkin scones vegan?

Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can create your own mix using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in equal parts.

How should I store leftover pumpkin scones?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin scones are perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy morning breakfast. Their delightful flavors and easy preparation make them a versatile treat. Feel free to customize with spices or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips!