As the crisp autumn air arrives and leaves begin to change their hues, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. This easy-to-follow Pumpkin Scone Recipe is your perfect companion for a cozy fall morning, transforming your kitchen into a haven of seasonal delights. Each scone is a tender, flaky masterpiece, bursting with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin, delicately spiced with pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon, and crowned with a luscious, homemade maple glaze. It’s more than just a breakfast pastry; it’s a taste of autumn in every single bite.
If you find yourself with extra pumpkin puree after creating these delightful scones, don’t let it go to waste! Explore more delicious ways to celebrate pumpkin season with our other beloved recipes. Try our rich Pumpkin Bread, fluffy Pumpkin Waffles, comforting Pumpkin Pancakes, or sweet Pumpkin Spice Syrup to truly embrace the flavors of fall.
Embrace Autumn with Our Irresistible Pumpkin Scone Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly easy pumpkin scones, generously drizzled with a simple yet exquisite homemade maple glaze. Forget the long waits often associated with baking; this recipe respects your time, allowing you to whip up a batch of these delectable treats in approximately 30 minutes flat. That’s right, no lengthy chilling required! This means you can satisfy your scone cravings spontaneously, bringing warmth and comfort to any crisp fall day without the fuss.
What sets these pumpkin scones apart is their exceptionally tender texture, achieved through the thoughtful combination of pumpkin puree and rich heavy cream. These ingredients work in harmony to create a moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The sweet, buttery notes of the homemade maple glaze are the perfect counterpoint to the earthy, savory pumpkin flavor and the comforting warmth of the baking spices. It’s a symphony of seasonal tastes that truly defines the essence of autumn baking. Serve these delightful scones alongside your favorite jam, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or our heavenly whipped cinnamon honey butter for an utterly perfect and unforgettable sweet breakfast experience.
Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Pumpkin Scone Recipe
- **Effortlessly Fast:** Go from mixing bowl to warm scones in just 30 minutes, skipping the typical chilling time.
- **Incredible Texture:** Thanks to heavy cream and pumpkin puree, these scones are exceptionally soft and tender, never dry or crumbly.
- **Authentic Fall Flavors:** A harmonious blend of real pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice captures the true taste of autumn.
- **Luscious Maple Glaze:** The homemade maple glaze adds a touch of pure sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin.
- **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Ideal for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon treat, or a delightful addition to any fall gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Scones
Crafting the perfect pumpkin scone starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at the key components that give these scones their signature flavor and tender texture:
- Cold Butter: This is perhaps the most crucial ingredient for achieving tender, flaky scones. When butter is kept very cold before mixing, it doesn’t immediately melt into the dough. Instead, as the scones bake, the tiny pockets of butter melt, releasing steam that creates air pockets, resulting in a light, airy, and flaky texture. If your butter warms up too much, it will fully incorporate into the dough, leading to a denser, more cake-like scone. Grating frozen butter or cutting it into very small pieces can help keep it cold.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, baking powder is vital for helping the scones rise beautifully in the oven. It reacts with moisture and heat to produce carbon dioxide gas, which gives the scones their lovely lift and makes them soft and airy.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in the scone dough itself to add a subtle sweetness that balances the pumpkin and spices. A sprinkle of granulated sugar on top before baking also contributes to a delightful crispy crust. For the decadent maple glaze, powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) is essential for creating a smooth, lump-free, and glossy finish.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is a game-changer for scone texture. The high-fat content of heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) adds unparalleled richness and moisture to the dough, ensuring your scones are incredibly tender and moist, far from dry or crumbly. It’s key to that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use 100% pure canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices, which will alter the flavor balance of this recipe. Canned pumpkin puree has a consistent moisture content and intense pumpkin flavor that’s perfect for baking. If using homemade pumpkin puree, be aware it might have higher water content, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly.
- Warm Spices: We use a classic combination of ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to infuse our scones with that iconic autumnal aroma and taste. Pumpkin pie spice typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, offering a complex and fragrant profile. Feel free to adjust the amounts or even add a pinch of allspice or cardamom if you desire a different twist on the traditional fall flavors.
- Milk (for brushing): A light brush of milk over the tops of the scones just before they go into the oven serves two purposes: it acts as an adhesive for the sprinkled sugar, ensuring it stays in place, and it helps create a beautifully golden-brown, slightly glossy finish on the crust. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
- Pure Maple Syrup: For the best and most authentic maple flavor in your glaze, always opt for pure maple syrup. Pancake syrup is often loaded with corn syrup and artificial flavorings that simply don’t compare to the rich, nuanced taste of real maple. This ingredient is central to the irresistible glaze.
- Maple Extract (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, a small amount of maple extract in the glaze will significantly boost and intensify the maple flavor, taking your scones from delicious to absolutely extraordinary. It adds an extra layer of depth that truly makes the glaze sing.
Simple Steps to Homemade Pumpkin Scones
Making these delightful pumpkin scones is much easier than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful results:
- Prepare the Pumpkin Scone Dough. Begin by combining the flour and cold butter in a food processor. Pulse the mixture about 10 times, or until the butter is broken down into pea-sized pieces and the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. This ensures those crucial pockets of butter remain for flakiness. Next, add the baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt to the processor and pulse briefly to combine evenly. Transfer this dry mixture to a large mixing bowl. Now, gently incorporate the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Mix everything together using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just moistened. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough at this stage; a few dry spots are fine and will lead to a more tender scone.
- Shape and Cut the Scones. Lightly spray a 9-10 inch round cake pan with nonstick spray, or preferably, line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Gently press the scone dough evenly into the bottom of the cake pan to form a neat, flat circle. Carefully invert the dough circle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 8 equal triangles, like cutting a pizza. Slightly separate the triangles on the baking sheet to allow for even baking. Before baking, brush the tops of each scone with a little milk and generously sprinkle with granulated sugar for a beautiful golden crust and extra sweetness.
- Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking sheet in your preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time as ovens can vary.
- Whisk Up the Maple Glaze. While the scones are baking, prepare the irresistible maple glaze. In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter. Stir in the pure maple syrup, then transfer this mixture to a medium bowl. Add the powdered sugar and one tablespoon of milk. Whisk thoroughly until the glaze is smooth and free of any lumps. If you desire a thinner consistency, add up to one additional tablespoon of milk, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until your desired consistency is reached. Remember, if using maple extract, add it here for an extra flavor kick.
- Glaze and Serve Warm. Once the scones are out of the oven, immediately drizzle them generously with the warm maple glaze. The glaze will set beautifully as they cool. Allow the scones to cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further, or serve them slightly warm for the ultimate treat. Enjoy your homemade taste of autumn!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Scones
Absolutely! Freezing scones is an excellent way to prepare ahead or preserve leftovers. For the best results, we recommend freezing unbaked scones. Once you’ve cut the dough into triangles, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen scones to an airtight container or freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen scones directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight before baking as directed in the recipe. Baking from frozen might require a few extra minutes in the oven.
The most common culprit for dense scones is overmixing the dough. Scone dough should be handled as little as possible. When you overmix, you develop the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tougher, more dense texture. Additionally, overmixing causes the cold butter to melt and incorporate too thoroughly into the dough, preventing those crucial steam pockets from forming during baking. You only want to mix the dough until the dry ingredients are just wet, and it’s perfectly normal – and even desirable – to still see small clumps of butter throughout the dough. The less you work the dough, the more tender your scones will be.
While this specific recipe is designed for immediate baking and does not strictly require chilling, chilling scone dough can often improve the texture. If you have the luxury of time, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes (or even longer) in the refrigerator allows the butter to firm up again and gives the flour more time to fully hydrate, leading to an even more tender and flaky scone. However, if you’re short on time, rest assured that these pumpkin scones are still wonderfully soft and delicious when baked immediately, thanks to the heavy cream and specific mixing technique. This recipe prioritizes convenience without sacrificing quality!
Beyond the maple glaze, pumpkin scones are delightful with a variety of accompaniments. Try them with homemade apple butter, a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream, a side of fresh fruit, or a smear of cream cheese. They also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall breakfast spread.
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be mindful of its consistency. Homemade pumpkin puree tends to have a higher water content than canned versions. To avoid overly wet dough, you might need to blot your homemade puree with paper towels to remove excess moisture or slightly increase the flour in the recipe if the dough feels too sticky. Ensure it’s completely smooth before using.
Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions for Pumpkin Scones
To ensure your pumpkin scones remain fresh and delicious, or to plan your baking in advance, here are our best storage and make-ahead tips:
- Room Temperature: Baked and glazed scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For optimal freshness and flavor, we recommend enjoying them within the first day.
- Refrigerator: To extend their freshness, store baked and glazed scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, gently warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore their tenderness.
- Freezer (Unbaked): The best way to freeze scones is after they have been cut, but before they have been baked. Place the cut scone triangles on a flat baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until they are completely solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the individual scones into freezer-safe bags or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, transfer the frozen scones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to thaw before baking as per the recipe instructions. You can also bake them directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezer (Baked): Baked scones can also be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving.
Pumpkin Scone Recipe
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Ingredients
Pumpkin Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons butter, cold
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Sugar Topping for Scones
- 2 tablespoons milk, for brushing
- 1 tablespoon sugar, for sprinkling
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Maple Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220°C).
How to Make a Pumpkin Scone
- In a food processor, add the flour and cold butter. Pulse about 10 times, or until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal with pea-sized butter pieces. Add baking powder, sugar, and salt and pulse briefly to combine.
- Transfer the butter and flour mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Mix using a spatula or wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Be careful not to overmix!
- Line a 9-10″ round cake pan with parchment paper (preferred for easy removal) or spray with nonstick spray. Gently and evenly pat the scone dough into the bottom of the cake pan to create a circle shape.
- Invert the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to slice the circle into 8 even triangles. Separate the scones slightly on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Maple Glaze
- Meanwhile, prepare your maple glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the maple syrup. Stir, then transfer to a medium bowl. Add the powdered sugar, maple extract (if using), and 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix well, ensuring there are no lumps of sugar. Add up to 1 tablespoon more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the scones from the oven and immediately drizzle generously with the maple glaze. Allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, homemade pumpkin scones!
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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More Delightful Biscuit and Scone Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed baking these pumpkin scones, you’ll love exploring our other delicious biscuit and scone recipes. From fruity to savory, there’s something for every palate:
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- Sundried Tomato Parmesan Biscuits: A gourmet twist on a classic, full of robust flavors.
- Discover more delightful breakfast ideas with our collection of Breakfast Recipes.
- Find inspiration for your seasonal baking with more of our favorite Fall Recipes.
These soft and tender Pumpkin Scones, bursting with authentic pumpkin flavor and crowned with our signature homemade maple syrup glaze, are truly the quintessential fall breakfast treat. Their ease of preparation and comforting taste make them an instant favorite. Bake a batch today and savor the sweet, spicy essence of autumn!