These pumpkin scones are warm, soft, and full of cozy pumpkin spice flavor. Topped with sweet maple icing, they’re perfect for breakfast or a treat anytime!
Making these scones is a breeze! I love how they brighten up my mornings and fill the kitchen with a yummy smell that says, “Fall is here!” 🍂 Just add your favorite tea or coffee, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or use a gluten-free blend if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not the spiced pie filling. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, homemade puree works too. Roast a pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be used in an equal amount, but it may add a slight coconut flavor to your scones.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a delightful sweetness to the icing. If maple isn’t on hand, try honey or agave syrup for a different twist.
How Do You Cut Butter Into Flour Properly?
Cutting butter into flour is essential for achieving flaky scones. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with cold butter; this keeps the fat solid while baking, ensuring a nice rise.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to break the butter into small pieces, about the size of peas.
- Work quickly to avoid warming the butter too much, which can make the scones dense instead of light.
What’s the Best Way to Shape Scones?
Shaping your scones correctly helps them bake evenly:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat it out into a circle that’s about 8 inches wide and 1 inch thick. A uniform thickness helps them bake evenly.
- When cutting into wedges, use a sharp knife to maintain a clean edge, which encourages rising.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be set for delicious pumpkin scones with maple icing! Enjoy your baking! 🧡
Pumpkin Scones with Maple Icing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 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 nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
For the Maple Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk (or as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe should take you about 15 minutes to prep, plus an additional 18-22 minutes to bake. Let the scones cool for about 10 minutes before icing them, making the total time around 45 minutes to enjoy these warm, cozy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your scones don’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This combination will give your scones that wonderful pumpkin spice flavor.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Next, take your cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or just your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture. You want it to look like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This step is key for that flaky texture!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup heavy cream until all the ingredients are smooth and well blended.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the pumpkin mixture into your dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could result in tough scones.
6. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it all comes together. Pat it into a circle that is about 8 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick.
7. Cut and Prepare for Baking:
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges and transfer them to the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with some extra heavy cream for a nice golden finish while baking.
8. Bake the Scones:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Make the Maple Icing:
While the scones are baking, prepare the maple icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency; add more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
10. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, let the scones cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. Finally, drizzle that yummy maple icing over the warm scones. Don’t be shy!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your pumpkin scones warm and enjoy them with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful breakfast treat! Enjoy your creations!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s cooked and blended until smooth. Roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it in a blender or food processor for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Scones Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the cold unsalted butter with coconut oil or your favorite dairy-free butter. Use almond or oat milk in place of heavy cream, and make sure your maple icing ingredients are also dairy-free.
What Other Add-ins Can I Include?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for an extra touch of flavor and texture. Just fold them into the dough before shaping the scones for best results.
