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Irresistible Homemade Pumpkin Scones: Your Perfect Fall Treat

Step into the cozy flavors of autumn with these truly exceptional pumpkin scones. Crafted with pure pumpkin puree and a warm hint of aromatic pumpkin pie spice, these scones are a delightful balance of tender flakiness and rich, comforting flavor. They emerge from the oven with a perfectly crisp exterior and a beautifully moist interior, making them an ideal companion for your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or any moment you crave a touch of seasonal indulgence.

Beautifully baked pumpkin scones arranged on a dark plate, set against a dark, rustic surface, highlighting their golden-brown crust and inviting texture.

Why You’ll Adore These Flaky Pumpkin Scones

This easy pumpkin scones recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. Here’s why these delightful pastries are about to become your new fall favorite:

Effortlessly Delicious: Despite their bakery-quality appearance and taste, these pumpkin scones are surprisingly simple to whip up, even for novice bakers. The step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process.
Perfect Texture Harmony: Each bite delivers an exquisite contrast – a delicate, slightly crispy exterior gives way to a tender, moist, and wonderfully flaky interior. It’s the kind of texture that makes you want to close your eyes and savor every morsel.
A Symphony of Autumn Flavors: Bursting with the warm, inviting essence of fall, these scones are infused with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Every bite transports you to a crisp autumn day, filled with comfort and nostalgia.
Versatile Indulgence: Whether enjoyed plain, generously drizzled with a simple pumpkin spice glaze, or served alongside a dollop of whipped cream, these scones are incredibly versatile. They pair perfectly with your favorite hot beverage, enhancing any breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack.
Seasonal Celebration: Pumpkin is the quintessential flavor of the fall season, and these scones celebrate it in all its glory. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy weekends, or simply when you want to embrace the spirit of autumn in your kitchen.

If you’re a fan of all things pumpkin, be sure to explore some of our other delightful pumpkin creations like Baked Pumpkin Donuts, Pumpkin Spice Latte Biscotti, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Gingersnap Crust Pumpkin Pie, and Bakery Style Pumpkin Muffins.

All the necessary ingredients for making pumpkin scones laid out neatly on a dark surface, showcasing vibrant pumpkin puree, dry spices, and fresh eggs.

Find the complete list of ingredients, precise measurements, and detailed instructions in the dedicated recipe card below.

Unlocking the Secret to Perfect Pumpkin Scones: Key Ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient is crucial for baking the perfect batch of tender and flaky pumpkin scones. Here’s a closer look at what makes these scones so special:

Pure Pumpkin Puree: The Heart of the Scone

The pumpkin puree isn’t just for flavor; it also contributes significantly to the scone’s moist texture. It’s vital to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which will alter the flavor balance and moisture content of your scones, leading to unpredictable results. Pure pumpkin ensures that your pumpkin pie spice blend shines through beautifully.

Chilled Butter: The Secret to Flakiness

Cold, shredded butter is arguably the most important ingredient for achieving that coveted flaky scone texture. As the cold butter melts in the hot oven, it creates pockets of steam, which lift the dough and result in distinct layers. Shredding the butter ensures it’s evenly distributed and stays cold, providing maximum flakiness. The colder the butter, the flakier your scones will be.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: The Essence of Fall

This blend of warm spices is what truly defines the autumnal character of these scones. Typically comprising cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, pumpkin pie spice infuses each scone with a comforting aroma and flavor. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily create your own using individual spices.

Heavy Cream: For Richness and Tenderness

Heavy cream provides a rich fat content that contributes to the tenderness and moisture of the scones. Its creamy consistency helps bring the dough together without overworking it, ensuring a delicate crumb. Keeping the heavy cream cold, just like the butter, is another small but impactful step towards achieving optimal texture.

Crafting Your Own Pumpkin Scones: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of homemade pumpkin scones that are sure to impress:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry and Wet Mixtures

Begin by thoroughly whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk the pure pumpkin puree, large egg, cold heavy cream, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract until a smooth, uniform wet mixture is formed. This two-bowl method ensures proper distribution of ingredients and helps prevent overmixing later.

Dry ingredients in a dark bowl and wet ingredients, including pumpkin puree and eggs, in a glass mixing bowl, both ready on a dark surface.

Step 2: Incorporate the Cold Butter

Add the shredded frozen unsalted butter directly into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a fork to gently toss the butter, ensuring each shred is coated with flour. This coating helps prevent the butter from clumping together and ensures it distributes evenly throughout the dough, which is key for creating those desirable flaky layers. If you prefer, a pastry cutter can also be used for this step, but avoid overworking it.

Shredded frozen butter being added to the dry ingredients in a glass mixing bowl, ensuring even coating for flaky scones.

The pumpkin scone wet batter carefully poured into a well made in the center of the dry ingredients in a glass bowl.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Create a small well in the center of the flour and butter mixture. Pour the entire wet pumpkin mixture into this well. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the ingredients just until the dough begins to come together. The goal here is to mix minimally; stop as soon as most of the dry flour is incorporated and no large pockets of flour remain. A slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine – overmixing will develop gluten, leading to tough scones.

Step 4: Gentle Folding for Flakiness

Lightly dust a clean, flat work surface with a small amount of flour. Carefully turn the shaggy dough out onto the floured surface. Gently bring the dough together and begin a light folding process. Fold the dough in half, then gently turn it 90 degrees and fold it in half again. Repeat this folding and turning motion about 2 to 3 times. This technique, similar to laminating, helps create distinct layers in your scones without the need for extensive kneading, which would make them tough. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.

Pumpkin scone dough gently shaped into a 1-inch thick circle on a lightly floured wooden board, ready for cutting.

Pumpkin scone dough neatly cut into eight equal triangular pieces on a wooden board, demonstrating the precise cuts.

Step 5: Shape, Cut, and Chill

After a few gentle folds, lightly pat the dough into a round disc, approximately 1 inch thick. Be careful not to compress it too much. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the round into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pizza. Arrange each scone wedge on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking. Crucially, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for 20 minutes. This chilling period firms up the butter, which is essential for achieving the flakiest texture.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

While the scones are chilling, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Once chilled, bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top and bottom. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them starting around the 15-minute mark. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely if you plan on adding the pumpkin spice glaze.

Unbaked pumpkin scones meticulously arranged on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, ready for the oven.

Freshly baked pumpkin scones, perfectly golden, arranged on a dark plate ready to be served, highlighting their inviting aroma and texture.

Step 7: The Optional Pumpkin Spice Glaze

For an extra touch of sweetness and spice, prepare the simple pumpkin glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, and 3-4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Add the heavy cream gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Once the scones have cooled completely, generously drizzle the glaze over the tops of each one. This ensures the glaze sets nicely and doesn’t melt off.

Expert Tips for Scone Success

Achieving perfectly tender and flaky scones every time is easy with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind for your best pumpkin scones yet:

Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Always opt for pure pumpkin puree from a can, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sweeteners and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your scones. If using homemade pumpkin puree, ensure it’s very thick and not watery; excess moisture can make the dough too sticky.
Keep Ingredients COLD: This is paramount for flaky scones. Use thoroughly chilled, even frozen, butter. Keep your heavy cream in the refrigerator until just before use. Freezing the shaped scones for 20 minutes before baking helps the butter remain firm, creating steam pockets for maximum lift and flakiness.
Proper Butter Incorporation: Shredding frozen butter is an excellent way to ensure small, even pieces throughout the dough. Alternatively, you can cut very cold butter into small cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
Do Not Overwork the Dough: Scone dough, much like biscuit dough, should be handled minimally. Overmixing or excessive kneading will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense scones instead of light and airy ones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Gentle Shaping: When forming the dough into a round, pat it down gently rather than pressing or rolling it firmly. Light handling preserves the fragile layers created by the cold butter.
Monitor Your Oven: Ovens can vary significantly. If your oven tends to run hot, begin checking your scones for doneness a few minutes earlier, around the 15-minute mark, to prevent overbaking. They should be golden on top and bottom.
DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice: No pumpkin pie spice on hand? No problem! You can easily create your own blend by combining 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves.
Measure Flour Correctly: For consistent results, always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping flour directly with the measuring cup can compact it, leading to too much flour and a dry dough.

Delicious Variations to Explore

While these pumpkin scones are perfect as is, they also serve as a fantastic base for creative additions. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

Sweet Toppings: Instead of a pumpkin glaze, brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream before baking and sprinkle them generously with coarse pearl sugar or turbinado sugar for a beautiful sparkle and extra crunch.
Nutty Additions: Stir in about ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dry ingredients for a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
Chocolatey Twist: For a decadent treat, fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a blend of both, into the dough along with the wet ingredients.
Dried Fruits: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots for a chewy texture and a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
Citrus Brightness: Grate in the zest of one orange or lemon when combining the wet ingredients to add a subtle, fragrant brightness that cuts through the richness.
Maple Glaze: Swap out the pumpkin spice glaze for a maple glaze. Simply combine powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk or heavy cream for a different, equally delicious fall flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pumpkin Scones

Can you make pumpkin scones ahead of time?

Absolutely! Scones are excellent for make-ahead baking. To prepare them in advance, follow the recipe up to the point of cutting the dough into wedges. Then, flash freeze the raw dough wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least one hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer container or a resealable freezer bag, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time (typically 20-25 minutes). Alternatively, you can thaw the frozen scones in the refrigerator overnight and bake them as directed in the recipe.
Overnight Version: Prepare the scone dough and cut it into wedges. Place them on a prepared baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove them from the fridge, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while your oven preheats, and then bake as instructed.

Can you freeze baked pumpkin scones?

Yes, you can freeze baked pumpkin scones, but it’s best to freeze them without the glaze. Once fully cooled, wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. You can gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh them before serving. Apply the glaze just before serving.

How should I store leftover pumpkin scones?

Scones are always at their freshest and best texture on the day they are baked. However, you can store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To enjoy them warm, briefly reheat them in a low 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep in mind that if your scones are glazed, the glaze will likely melt when reheated.

What makes scones flaky?

The flakiness in scones primarily comes from using very cold butter and incorporating it into the flour in small pieces. When the cold butter hits the hot oven, the moisture in the butter quickly turns into steam. This steam creates tiny pockets, forcing the layers of dough apart and resulting in that signature flaky texture. Minimal handling of the dough also helps prevent gluten development, keeping the scones tender.

Can I use a food processor to make scone dough?

While a food processor can quickly combine ingredients, it’s generally not recommended for scone dough. The high speed of the blades can overmix the dough and generate heat, which will melt the butter and develop too much gluten. This leads to tough, dense scones instead of flaky ones. Manual mixing with your hands or a pastry cutter is best to keep the butter cold and the dough tender.

Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin Scones

These delightful pumpkin scones are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Classic with Coffee or Tea: The most straightforward and satisfying way to enjoy them. The warm spices pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a fragrant black tea.
With Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream: For an extra luxurious touch, serve warm scones with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or traditional clotted cream.
Fruit Preserves: A spoonful of apple butter, fig jam, or a classic berry preserve can add a lovely fruity contrast.
Side of Yogurt: A simple bowl of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt provides a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the sweet and spiced scone.
Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange a platter of these beautiful scones as the star of your next fall brunch, alongside fresh fruit, cheeses, and other pastries.

More Cozy Breakfast Bread Recipes

Strawberry Scones

Blueberry Scones

Cheddar Chive Biscuits

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Pumpkin Scones Recipe

These tender, flaky pumpkin scones are made with pure pumpkin puree and a fragrant blend of pumpkin pie spice. They are perfectly spiced and make an excellent breakfast or snack, especially when served with your favorite coffee or tea!

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8 scones

Calories: 397 kcal

Author: Leigh Harris

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Ingredients

Scones

2 ¼ cups All-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp Baking powder
¼ tsp Baking soda
2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Unsalted butter, shredded and frozen
½ cup Pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large Egg
½ cup Heavy cream
⅓ cup Dark brown sugar (or light brown)
1 tsp Vanilla extract

Pumpkin Glaze

¾ cup Powdered sugar
1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
3-4 tbsp Heavy cream (or more for drizzle consistency)

Instructions

Shred and freeze the butter. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, egg, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Toss the shredded frozen butter into the dry flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
Create a well in the center of the flour and butter mixture. Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the well and stir gently until the dough just starts to come together and no large pockets of dry flour remain. Avoid overmixing.
Lightly flour a flat surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface, gently bring it together, and lightly fold it in half. Gently turn the dough 90 degrees and fold it again. Repeat this 2 to 3 times to create layers without overworking the dough.
Shape the dough into a 1-inch thick round disc. Using a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges. Place each wedge on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Freeze the scones for 20 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
Bake the chilled scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on both the top and bottom. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely if you plan to glaze them.
To make the pumpkin glaze, combine the powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and the desired drizzling consistency is achieved. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones just before serving.

Notes

If your oven tends to run hot, start checking the scones for doneness at 15 minutes to prevent overbaking.
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can easily substitute it with a homemade blend: combine 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ½ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp cloves.
Refer to the “Expert Tips,” “Delicious Variations,” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections above for more detailed information and creative ideas.

Nutrition

We hope you thoroughly enjoy baking and savoring these wonderful homemade pumpkin scones. They truly capture the essence of fall and are a delightful way to bring warmth and comfort into your home. Happy baking!