Pumpkin Scones

When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, it’s the perfect time to bake a batch of pumpkin scones. These warmly spiced treats are a quintessential fall dessert, blending the earthy richness of pumpkin with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whether you’re hosting a seasonal brunch or simply want to fill your home with the scent of autumn, this easy pumpkin scones recipe is a go-to favorite.

Not only are these fall scones bursting with flavor, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Inspired by classic British scones, this American twist adds a moist crumb, golden crust, and a sweet pumpkin spice glaze that’s impossible to resist. If you love pumpkin desserts, you’ll find this recipe incredibly satisfying and endlessly versatile. You’ll also want to explore other fall baking recipes like those found on Pinterest, where seasonal treats come alive with creative flair.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect ratio of pumpkin puree to flour, balanced with cold, unsalted butter that creates the iconic flaky texture of great scones. For more on how this ingredient works in baking, check out the role of flour in creating structure. We’ll also be incorporating flavorful elements like brown sugar, vanilla extract, and baking powder, all essential for proper lift and richness.

Looking for even more inspiration? Browse Pinterest for creative takes on homemade scones using fall ingredients like in this pumpkin spice baking ideas collection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these pumpkin spice scones offer an approachable, foolproof way to impress guests—or just treat yourself.

Shaped into rustic wedges and topped with two layers of glaze, these easy pumpkin scones are destined to become your go-to recipe all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for an easy pumpkin scones recipe that delivers both taste and texture, this one checks all the boxes. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, it produces bakery-quality results every time. Here’s why this recipe stands out among other fall treats:

Simple Ingredients: Everything needed for this recipe is likely already in your kitchen. From all-purpose flour to pumpkin puree, the components are straightforward and budget-friendly. Learn more about the key ingredient, pumpkin, and how it enhances baking at Pumpkin (vegetable).

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a signature pumpkin spice blend that’s warm, comforting, and aromatic. This flavor profile is what makes fall baking so memorable.
Perfect Texture: Cold unsalted butter ensures that the scones bake up with a golden, flaky exterior and a soft, tender center. When cut into the dough properly, the butter melts during baking to create layers of crumbly perfection.
Versatile Serving Options: These scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, or dessert. You can serve them warm with butter, cream cheese, or a generous drizzle of sweet glaze. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai, apple cider, or your favorite fall latte.

Customizable Add-Ins: Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, get creative with add-ins like chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries. Check out more variations and presentation ideas from this Pinterest board on pumpkin desserts.

This recipe is proof that you don’t need complex techniques or specialty tools to create bakery-style scones at home. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this method will guide you to consistent results every time. For even more ideas and visual inspiration, explore homemade scones inspiration and see how others are putting creative spins on this fall favorite.

Ingredients Breakdown

Creating the perfect pumpkin scones starts with understanding each ingredient’s purpose. This recipe balances structure, moisture, flavor, and sweetness to produce soft, flavorful scones with a golden crust and a warm, spiced aroma. Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need, with a few optional additions for creative flair.

Dry Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, all-purpose flour provides structure and bulk. It’s important to measure it accurately—too much can lead to dry scones. Learn more about flour’s function in baking on Wikipedia.

Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the scones rise, creating a light and fluffy texture. Without it, your scones will be dense. For more on this crucial ingredient, visit Baking powder.
Salt: Just half a teaspoon is enough to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the spices.
Ground Spices:
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): A classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin. Read more about it at Cinnamon spice.
- Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth.
- Cloves (¼ teaspoon): Provides a bold, sweet-spicy punch.
- Ginger (¼ teaspoon): Brings a slight heat that rounds out the other spices.

These spices together create that signature pumpkin spice flavor that’s synonymous with fall baking.

Wet Ingredients

Canned Pumpkin Puree (½ cup): Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. It adds moisture, color, and subtle sweetness. This is the heart of the recipe—learn more about its origin and versatility at Pumpkin.
Heavy Cream (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps bind the dough. You can substitute half-and-half in a pinch, but avoid low-fat milk for best results.
Brown Sugar (⅓ cup): Light brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses, enhancing the depth of flavor. See how it differs from white sugar at Brown sugar.

Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder and adds moisture. Use at room temperature for better incorporation.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor profile and ties all the spices together. For details on its uses in baking, visit Vanilla extract.

Butter

Cold Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons): The most critical component for a flaky texture. Cold butter melts in the oven, creating steam that helps the dough rise and results in tender layers. You can cut it into small cubes or grate it directly from the freezer for even distribution. Learn more about butter’s baking properties at Butter.

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped Pecans: Add crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spices.
Mini Chocolate Chips: A sweet addition that pairs well with pumpkin and spice.
Dried Cranberries: Offer a tart contrast to the rich, sweet dough.

For more creative ways to elevate your scones, browse this Pinterest collection of pumpkin spice baking ideas, where bakers experiment with all kinds of seasonal twists.

This combination of ingredients ensures your pumpkin scones are rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.

How to Make Pumpkin Scones – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making pumpkin scones from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow the method carefully. From combining dry ingredients to perfecting the glaze, each step plays a role in building structure and flavor. Follow these directions for flawless results every time.

Prepare the Dough

Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent overbrowning.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
Cut in the Butter: Add 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving that flaky scone texture.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—overmixing will lead to tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Shape the Scones

Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 3–4 times, just enough to bring it together.
Shape into a Disk: Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick round, roughly 8 inches in diameter.

Cut into Wedges: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges. For even baking, ensure the wedges are similar in size.
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the wedges on the lined sheet, leaving space between each for expansion.

Baking Instructions

Bake: Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting off.

For additional presentation tips and visual step-by-step inspiration, explore homemade scones inspiration on Pinterest.

Glazing the Scones – Two Ways

A good glaze elevates the flavor and appearance of your pumpkin spice scones. This recipe includes a classic glaze and a spiced version layered on top, giving your scones a professional, fall-themed finish.

Classic Sugar Glaze

Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Method: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.

Drizzle: Once the scones are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over each scone using a spoon or piping bag. Let set for 10 minutes before applying the second glaze.

Spiced Pumpkin Glaze

Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of ginger
- Pinch of cloves
Method: Whisk until smooth and slightly thicker than the first glaze.

Drizzle Over First Glaze: After the base glaze sets, drizzle the spiced glaze in a zigzag pattern on top for contrast and a festive finish.

For more seasonal glaze ideas, check out pumpkin spice baking ideas and add your own twist.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Scones

Use Cold Butter: Always start with chilled butter to create steam and flakiness during baking.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough only until combined; overmixing will make the scones tough.
Chill the Dough: For extra flakiness, chill the shaped wedges for 15 minutes before baking.

Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and promotes even browning without burning.

Understanding the science behind ingredients like baking powder and flour can significantly improve your results.

Pumpkin Scone Variations

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Pumpkin Pecan Scones: Add ½ cup chopped pecans for crunch and nutty flavor.

Cream Cheese Filled: Add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese in the center before baking.
Maple Glazed Scones: Swap the sugar glaze for a glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is GF-certified.

Browse pumpkin desserts on Pinterest for even more seasonal creativity.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Scones

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days; allow to come to room temp before serving or reheat slightly.
Freezing (Baked): Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze cut wedges on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to baking time.
Reheating: Warm scones in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

For more fall baking recipes with freezer-friendly options, check out Pinterest boards.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Drinks: Serve warm with coffee, chai, or apple cider.
Brunch Spread: Add to a fall-themed brunch with muffins, fruit, and eggs.
Holiday Treat: Great for Thanksgiving morning or Halloween parties.
Spread Options: Serve with butter, maple butter, or pumpkin cream cheese.
Dessert Alternative: Use in place of pie for an easier fall dessert.

Check out pumpkin spice baking ideas for plating and pairing inspiration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Warm Butter: Results in dense, greasy scones with no flakiness.
Overworking Dough: Makes the final product tough and dry.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Skipping Cooling Time: Applying glaze too early will cause it to melt off.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-drained and pureed until smooth. Canned pumpkin is typically more consistent in moisture and texture.

Why are my scones dry or tough?

Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can make scones dry. Measure carefully and mix just until combined.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be made, shaped, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it.

What is the secret to moist scones?

Use full-fat dairy like heavy cream and avoid overbaking. Also, don’t skimp on pumpkin—it helps retain moisture.

Can I freeze pumpkin scones?

Yes, both baked and unbaked scones freeze well. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving for best texture.

Pumpkin Scones Recipe Easy Pumpkin Spice Scones for Fall