Pumpkin Scones are soft, tender, and full of cozy fall flavor. Made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and simple baking ingredients, these scones have a lightly crisp outside and a soft, buttery center. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and other pumpkin spices give them that familiar seasonal taste, while the pumpkin keeps them moist and delicious. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea on a cool morning.
These homemade pumpkin scones are easy to make and wonderful for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. You can enjoy them plain or finish them with a simple glaze for a little extra sweetness. They also make a lovely addition to a fall breakfast table or holiday gathering. With their warm spices and tender texture, these scones are the kind of baked treat you’ll want to make again all season long.
Table of Contents
Pumpkin Scones Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Scones
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This keeps the Pumpkin Scones from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until the spices are spread evenly throughout the flour so every scone has a warm pumpkin-spice flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. A few small pieces of butter are fine and will help make the scones tender.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, cream or milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the scones for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra sweet finish, drizzle the cooled scones with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – The recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps, so even beginner bakers can make these scones.
- Full of Pumpkin Flavor – Pumpkin puree gives the scones a delicious seasonal taste and a soft texture.
- Warm and Cozy Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves give every bite a wonderful pumpkin-spice flavor.
- Soft on the Inside – The pumpkin helps keep the center tender and moist while the edges become lightly golden.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Do Not Overmix – Stir the dough only until the ingredients come together. Too much mixing can make the scones tough.
- Use Canned Pumpkin – Canned pumpkin puree is a quick shortcut and gives you consistent results every time.
- Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Chill the Dough – If the dough feels sticky or warm, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before baking.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Scones
These pumpkin scones are one of my favorite fall treats to bake for my family. I love serving them warm for breakfast with a little butter and Smoothie, while my husband usually enjoys his with a hot cup of coffee. Their soft texture and warm pumpkin spice flavor make them a cozy homemade treat that everyone looks forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin puree ?
Yes. Canned pumpkin puree is an easy choice and works very well in this recipe. Make sure it is plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Can I use fresh pumpkin ?
Yes. Fresh pumpkin can be used if it is cooked and blended until smooth. If it contains a lot of water, drain it first.
Can I add chocolate chips ?
Absolutely. Add about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweeter treat.
What nuts work best in Pumpkin Scones ?
Pecans and walnuts are both excellent choices. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the dough.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Let the scones cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm gently before serving.
Freezer Storage
Wrap each scone tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.
Pumpkin Scones
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes18
minutes280
kcal35
minutesThese easy Pumpkin Scones are soft, lightly sweet, and filled with warm pumpkin-spice flavor. They are simple to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet ,Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This keeps the Pumpkin Scones from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients ,In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until the spices are spread evenly throughout the flour so every scone has a warm pumpkin-spice flavor.
- Step 3: Cut in the Butter ,Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. A few small pieces of butter are fine and will help make the scones tender.
- Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients ,In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, cream or milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
- Step 5: Shape and Cut the Dough ,Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Step 6: Bake and Serve ,Bake the scones for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra sweet finish, drizzle the cooled scones with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough.
- Let them cool slightly before glazing.
- Brush the tops with milk before baking for a golden finish.
- Chill the dough if it becomes too soft.
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