Introduction
Pumpkin scones are a cozy fall treat that combines the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, these scones have a tender, flaky texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Making them at home is easier than you might think, and the result is far more satisfying than anything you’ll find in stores. So, let’s dive into how to make perfectly spiced pumpkin scones that will bring a bit of fall into every bite!
1. Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Scones
Basic Ingredients
To make pumpkin scones, you’ll need a few pantry staples, along with pumpkin puree and spices. Here’s what you need:
- Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour (for a tender texture)
- Sugar: ¼ cup granulated sugar (adds a touch of sweetness)
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (helps the scones rise)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (enhances the flavor)
- Butter: ½ cup cold, unsalted butter (for a flaky texture)
Pumpkin and Spices
The pumpkin and spices are what give these scones their warm, autumnal flavor:
- Pumpkin Puree: ½ cup (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1½ teaspoons (or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- Additional Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (for extra warmth)
Wet Ingredients
For a perfectly moist and tender scone:
- Heavy Cream: ⅓ cup (or substitute with whole milk)
- Egg: 1 large (helps bind the dough and gives it structure)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (adds a subtle, sweet flavor)
Optional Glaze Ingredients
For a sweet glaze topping:
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
2. Preparing the Dough
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small bits of butter create steam pockets, making the scones flaky.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-mixing to prevent tough scones.
3. Shaping the Scones
Step 1: Form the Dough Disk
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle, about 1 inch thick. You may need to sprinkle a little flour on top to keep the dough from sticking to your hands.
Step 2: Cut the Scones
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal triangles, like slicing a pizza. Gently separate the scones and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Chill the Scones (Optional)
For even fluffier scones, place the baking sheet with the unbaked scones in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the butter stay solid, creating a flakier texture.
4. Baking the Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Baking at a high temperature helps the scones rise quickly, giving them a light and airy texture.
Step 2: Brush with Cream
Before baking, brush the tops of the scones with a bit of heavy cream. This step creates a golden-brown, slightly crisp top.
Step 3: Bake the Scones
Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
5. Making the Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 2: Drizzle the Glaze
Allow the scones to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. For a more decorative touch, use a spoon to create a zigzag pattern. If you prefer a less sweet option, simply dust with powdered sugar instead of glazing.
6. Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Scones
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to creating flaky layers. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can make the scones tough.
- Add Extra Spice: For a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, add a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries to the dough for a fun twist.
7. Storing and Reheating Scones
Storing Scones
Once cooled, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Scones
These pumpkin scones freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Reheating Scones
To enjoy scones warm, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. This will revive the texture and flavor without drying them out.
8. Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin scones are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of fall-inspired sides and drinks:
- Coffee or Latte: The rich taste of coffee complements the spiced flavors.
- Apple Butter or Honey: Spread a little apple butter or honey on each bite for added sweetness.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea blend perfectly with pumpkin.
- Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream: Add a dollop of cream for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Making perfectly spiced pumpkin scones at home is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall. With a few simple ingredients and a little care, you can create scones that are soft, flaky, and bursting with pumpkin spice. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, these scones are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which could alter the flavor and texture of your scones.
2. Can I make these scones vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with a vegan alternative, and use almond or coconut milk in place of heavy cream. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
3. What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, make your own with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
4. How do I make my scones fluffier?
For extra fluffy scones, chill the dough before baking. This keeps the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in a flakier texture.
5. Can I add other flavors to the scones?
Absolutely! Add chocolate chips, cranberries, or chopped nuts to give your scones extra texture and flavor.
6. Why do my scones turn out dry?
If your scones are dry, you may have overmixed the dough or used too much flour. Make sure to measure carefully and handle the dough gently.
7. Can I make mini pumpkin scones?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes. They’re perfect for bite-sized treats.
8. What’s the best way to glaze scones?
Allow scones to cool slightly, then drizzle or spread the glaze over the top. For an extra-thick glaze, let the first layer set, then add a second layer.
9. How do I store leftover glaze?
Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat and stir if it thickens too much.
10. Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it to help with texture.