Pumpkin scones are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With their warm spices and tender texture, they offer a comforting experience with every bite. Whether paired with morning coffee or served as an afternoon snack, pumpkin scones are a crowd-pleaser.
Making these scones from scratch is simpler than you might think. With just a handful of ingredients and a short time in the oven, you can enjoy a bakery-style treat at home. These scones are perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy day in.
Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin scones are not just delicious, but they also bring the flavors of autumn right into your kitchen. The combination of pumpkin puree and warming spices creates a unique flavor that is hard to resist. This recipe provides a great way to enjoy the seasonal ingredients that autumn has to offer.
Additionally, making these scones at home allows for customization and control over ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness or experiment with different spices to suit your taste. Baking at home can be a fun experience, especially when trying new recipes.
Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Scones
To create these delicious pumpkin scones, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Cooking spatula or wooden spoon
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Knife or pastry cutter for slicing
With these tools at your disposal, you will be well-equipped to make perfectly tender and flaky pumpkin scones.
What You Need to Make Pumpkin Scones
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon water
Having all these ingredients ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
How to Cook Pumpkin Scones Step by Step
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. As the oven heats up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticking.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Stir these ingredients together until they are well blended. Once combined, set this mixture aside.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be the dry mix that brings lots of flavor to your scones.
Take the frozen butter and grate it directly into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces scattered throughout.
Now, pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Remember, the dough will be quite sticky, which is completely normal.
Lightly sprinkle some flour onto a clean work surface. Turn the sticky dough out onto the floured surface, and dust the top of the dough with a bit more flour. Press the dough into a circle that is about 1-inch thick.
Next, fold one half of the dough towards the center. Then fold the other half over the top, creating layers in the dough. Press it back down into a 1-inch thick circle. Repeat this folding process two more times, making sure to add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
After the folds, form the dough into a flat circle once more. Cut the round in half and then flatten each half into two discs. Each disc should then be cut into six equal pieces. Place each cut scone on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for rising.
Now it’s time to bake. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the scones are slightly browned on top. While the scones are baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the scones are baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle about a teaspoon of the icing over each scone for a sweet finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Scones
Making pumpkin scones is easier than it sounds. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll have a wonderful batch of scones ready in no time. The texture is key, so focus on not overmixing the dough once you’ve added the wet ingredients.
Remember, the folding technique not only helps develop layers but also creates a light and fluffy texture. The spices will fill your kitchen with amazing scents as they bake—an additional perk of making these scones at home!
How to Serve Pumpkin Scones
Pumpkin scones can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Serve them warm right out of the oven, or allow them to cool and enjoy at room temperature.
You can also pair these scones with a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of butter for extra richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Scones
These delightful scones can be served alongside a variety of beverages. For a cozy fall experience, pair them with a hot cup of chai tea, spiced apple cider, or your favorite coffee.
Additionally, a light fruit salad or a yogurt parfait would complement the richness of the scones nicely. The contrasting flavors and textures can create a delightful breakfast spread.
How to Store Pumpkin Scones
Storing pumpkin scones properly will keep them fresh for a longer time. Once the scones have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them for a week or more, consider freezing them. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Scones
For the best pumpkin scones, stick to a few simple tips. First, use cold or frozen butter as it helps create flakiness in the scones. Avoid overworking the dough; mix only until combined to keep the texture light.
Also, you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you love ginger, add a bit more, or feel free to include some nutmeg for an extra aromatic flavor. Lastly, be generous with the flour while rolling out the dough to avoid sticking.
Variation
There are several ways to vary this pumpkin scone recipe to keep things interesting. You can add chocolate chips for a sweeter treat, or even nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Another alternative is to incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins. Each variation can give a unique twist to the original recipe, which is delightful!
Best Time to Make Pumpkin Scones
While pumpkin scones can be enjoyed year-round, they are especially perfect during the fall season. With the holidays approaching, they make an excellent addition to any gathering, be it Thanksgiving or a cozy Halloween get-together.
Additionally, a cool morning during autumn is the ideal setting to bake these scones, filling your home with wonderful aromas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pumpkin scones, a few common mistakes can affect the final results. One major mistake is using warm butter instead of cold or frozen. This can lead to denser scones rather than light and flaky ones.
Another error is overmixing the dough, which can make the scones tough. Finally, be careful not to skip the chilling step; allowing the dough to rest can improve the texture and flavor.
Nutritional Notes
Pumpkin scones can be a satisfying and comforting treat, but they can also be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pumpkin itself provides some nutritional value, being high in fiber and low in calories.
When prepared at home, you have control over added sugars and fats, allowing you to make a slightly healthier version if desired.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin can be used. Just ensure it is cooked and pureed smoothly, similar to canned pumpkin.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How can I make my scones sweeter?
You can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe or add chocolate chips to give your scones a sweeter flavor.
Conclusion
Pumpkin scones are a delightful and comforting treat, perfect for any fall occasion. With their soft texture and warm spices, they’re sure to be a hit among family and friends. Enjoying these scones fresh from the oven is a treat that you won’t want to miss. So gather your ingredients and start baking—autumn is calling!
