The Best Pumpkin Scones Recipe: Cozy Fall Comfort in Every Bite

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers promises of warm, delectable pumpkin scones that melt in your mouth.

These better pumpkin scones elevate your breakfast from ordinary to extraordinary with their rich, spiced flavor.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft texture and seasonal warmth.

Bakery-style scones rarely compare to this homemade version bursting with pumpkin goodness.

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and a precise mixing technique that ensures tender, flaky results.

Fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the dough, creating an irresistible aroma.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these scones and impress everyone at the breakfast table.

Prepare to savor a slice of autumn magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Scones Like a Pro

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Work the Butter

Take super-cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture.

Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to break the butter into tiny, flaky pieces.

You want the texture to look like coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bring in the Moisture

• Egg
• Pure vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Pumpkin puree

Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Dust your countertop with flour.

Transfer the dough and knead it gently 5-6 times.

Add a sprinkle of flour if it feels too sticky.

Step 6: Shape Your Scones

Pat the dough into a circular disk about 1-inch thick.

Using a sharp knife, slice the disk into 8 equal triangular wedges.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the top of each scone with a little milk.

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 8: Add the Sweet Finish

Let the scones cool completely.

Whip up a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled scones.

Tips for Soft, Spiced Pumpkin Scones

• Use super cold butter and work quickly to create flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
• Fold ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough, which prevents tough, dense scones.
• Use a sharp knife to cut clean, even triangles for uniform baking and beautiful presentation.
• Add flour sparingly during folding to maintain moisture and prevent dry, crumbly scones.
• Allow scones to cool completely before glazing to ensure the perfect sweet, crisp topping.

Flavor Ideas for Pumpkin Scone Fans

• Gluten-Free Harvest Scones: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Pumpkin Sunrise Scones: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, replace egg with flax egg for dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Autumn Scones: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce total sugar content by half for diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Keto Pumpkin Cream Scones: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, add extra cream cheese for low-carb ketogenic adaptation.

Serving Pumpkin Scones with Toppings

• Cozy Autumn Brunch Companion: Serve these warm pumpkin scones alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea for a perfect weekend morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Dress up these scones with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant after-dinner indulgence.
• Festive Holiday Gift: Package these scones in cute parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine ribbon for a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills during thanksgiving or christmas celebrations.
• Coffee Shop Experience at Home: Create a café-style moment by serving these scones on a wooden board with a small pitcher of extra glaze and a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Scones

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn and preserve quality.
• Transfer frozen scones to refrigerator overnight. Allow slow, gentle thawing to keep original moisture and softness intact.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed scones at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in foil to prevent drying out and restore that fresh-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

• What makes these pumpkin scones different from traditional scones?

These scones use a combination of fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and incorporate real pumpkin puree for a rich, authentic flavor that elevates the classic scone recipe.

• Can I make these scones without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of additional pumpkin puree or use a commercial egg replacer to keep the scones moist and binding.

• How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a firm center. When lightly pressed, the scones should spring back and not feel doughy or wet in the middle.

Better Pumpkin Scones Why They’re a Morning Favorite

• Dive into a recipe that captures the warm, cozy essence of fall with its rich pumpkin flavor and aromatic spices, perfect for creating instant kitchen happiness.
• Learn professional pastry skills by practicing folding techniques and creating perfectly textured scones with a delightfully tender crumb that rivals café-quality treats.
• Personalize these scones by adjusting spice levels, adding nuts or chocolate chips, or experimenting with different glazes to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Enjoy a simple, engaging cooking experience that brings everyone together, allowing kids and adults to participate in mixing, shaping, and decorating these delicious pastries.

What You Need for Pumpkin Scone Perfection

• All-Purpose Flour: The main foundation that provides structure for the tender scones.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and signature autumn flavor to the pastry.

• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides richness to the texture.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Bring warm, classic fall spice notes to the scones.

• Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds rich, creamy flavor.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provide additional moisture and help create a tender crumb.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the scones.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Create a sweet, smooth drizzle to finish the scones.

Scone Baking Gear for Fluffy Pumpkin Treats

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect scone texture.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Critical for cutting cold butter into flour mixture.
• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for golden-brown scones.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for cutting dough into triangular scone shapes.
• Whisk: Great for mixing glaze and blending wet ingredients.
• Cooling rack: Allows scones to cool evenly without getting soggy.

Better Pumpkin Scones Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Starbucks-inspired better pumpkin scones bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Homemade scones offer a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (3 grams) pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 ounces (90 milliliters) whole milk
• 3 ounces (90 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) pumpkin puree

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) confectioners’ sugar
• 4–5 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring an even surface for optimal baking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, granulated and brown sugars, aromatic pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt, creating a uniform dry foundation.
3. Integrate cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips, working until the texture resembles coarse, flattened crumbs with minimal butter chunks.
4. Whisk together the egg, pure vanilla extract, whole milk, heavy cream, and smooth pumpkin puree in a separate vessel until completely homogeneous.
5. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, gently folding with a spatula until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain tender scones.
6. Transfer the delicate dough onto a lightly floured surface, kneading gently 4-5 times to bring the mixture together without developing excessive gluten.
7. Shape the dough into a compact 1-inch thick circular disk, then slice decisively into 8 elegant triangular portions using a sharp knife.
8. Delicately brush the scone surfaces with additional milk to promote a golden, glossy finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until edges turn a rich golden-brown and a toothpick emerges clean.
10. Allow scones to cool completely on a wire rack, then elegantly drizzle with a complementary spiced glaze for a finishing touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to ensure flaky, tender scones with perfect layered texture.
• Flour Folding Technique: Gently fold dough 5-6 times to create delicate layers without overworking, which prevents tough scones.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use alternative milk for dairy-free adaptation.
• Spice Flexibility: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice blend or adjust individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to personalize flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg