Description of this recipe
These Spiced Baked Pumpkin Scones are a delightful treat, perfect for a crisp autumn morning or a cozy afternoon tea. Infused with the warm, comforting spices of fall and the rich, moist texture of pumpkin, these scones offer a unique twist on a classic baked good. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these pumpkin scones for several reasons:
- Flavor Profile: The combination of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates an irresistible aroma and taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Texture: These scones strike the perfect balance between a tender, moist interior and a slightly crisp, golden-brown exterior.
- Versatility: Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a dessert, these scones are suitable for any occasion. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
- Ease of Making: Despite their sophisticated flavor, these scones are relatively simple to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add extra ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for a personal touch.
- The Glaze: The powdered sugar glaze adds a layer of sweetness and decadence that complements the spiced pumpkin flavor perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed to create a consistent flavor throughout the scones.
Step 3: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to create a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs. This process is crucial for achieving a flaky, tender scone. If the butter melts, the scones will become dense and tough.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This wet mixture will provide moisture and bind the dry ingredients together. Make sure the pumpkin puree is smooth to avoid lumps in the final dough.
Step 5: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough starts to come together.
Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together, being careful not to overwork it. Shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. A light touch is key here. Over-kneading will result in a dense, less tender scone.
Step 7: Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. These wedges will become your individual scones. Ensure the cuts are clean and even for uniform baking.
Step 8: Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them so they do not touch. Proper spacing allows for even heat distribution and prevents the scones from sticking together as they expand during baking.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the scones to prevent burning. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Step 10: While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon (optional) until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the scones but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Step 11: Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the top of the warm scones. The warmth of the scones will help the glaze set beautifully.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or spiced cider.
- Offer alongside a brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
- Package individually as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Cut in half and use as a base for a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese.
Tips:
- Use cold butter for the best texture. Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten and results in tough scones.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter. Brown the butter before adding it to the dry ingredients for a nutty, caramelized flavor.
- Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
- Freeze unbaked scones for a quick and easy treat. Freeze the cut scones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15-20 minutes
Total Time:
35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Calories:
Approximately 250-300 per scone
Protein:
Approximately 4-5 grams per scone
Sodium:
Approximately 200-250 mg per scone
Conclusion
These Spiced Baked Pumpkin Scones are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. The warmth of the spices, the moistness of the pumpkin, and the sweetness of the glaze combine to create a treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are baking for yourself, your family, or your friends, these scones are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors of fall in every bite.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for its versatility, you can experiment with other types of flour. Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and more fiber, but it may result in a slightly denser scone. Gluten-free flour blends can also be used, but be sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking and includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help with the structure.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the cup with milk until it reaches 1/3 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly before using it in the recipe.
Q3: Can I make these scones ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the refrigerator, cut it into wedges, and bake as directed. You can also bake the scones ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q4: How do I prevent the scones from becoming dry?
A: To prevent the scones from becoming dry, be careful not to overbake them. Bake until they are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop the gluten and result in tough, dry scones. Also, be sure to use cold butter and measure your ingredients accurately.
Q5: Can I add other spices or ingredients to these scones?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize these scones to your liking. You can add other spices such as cardamom, allspice, or star anise for a different flavor profile. Other ingredients like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or orange zest can also be added to enhance the taste and texture of the scones. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pumpkin scone recipe.
