Why Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones Are Perfect Fall Treats

Discover the cozy flavors of Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones, a perfect fall treat that brings warmth and comfort to crisp autumn mornings. These scones are softly moist with just the right amount of spice, blending the sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic cinnamon to create a delightful pastry that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or paired with your favorite hot beverage, Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones are a seasonal indulgence that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Fall Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and pumpkin captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
  • Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to pumpkin puree, these scones stay soft and flaky without drying out.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy and approachable for any home baker.
  • Versatile Snack: Enjoy them for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a cozy dessert any time of day.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the warmth by adding more or less cinnamon and spice to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create its signature flavor, perfect texture, and inviting color. Each element plays a unique role, from the pumpkin puree adding moisture and richness to the cinnamon lending warm spice notes.

  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure and crumb in the scones.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides the classic warm spice flavor for fall.
  • Nutmeg and Ground Ginger: Optional spices that add a complementary depth and warmth.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed to create flaky layers.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and slight crunch on top.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Moistens the dough and imparts a rich pumpkin flavor.
  • Heavy Cream or Buttermilk: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Boosts overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
  • Optional Glaze Ingredients: Powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of cinnamon for a sweet finishing touch.

Variations for Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones

Feel free to get creative with Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones by customizing the recipe according to your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand while keeping things simple and delicious.

  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk in place of cream or buttermilk.
  • Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a more complex spice profile.
  • Drizzle Options: Try a maple syrup glaze or honey drizzle instead of classic sugar glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents throughout the flour.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter visible. This step is crucial for achieving flaky layers in your scones.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined, creating the moist base for the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold with a spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones light and tender.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8-10 triangular wedges just like a pizza and place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the scones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Add a Sweet Glaze

While the scones cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle this glaze over the warm scones for an irresistible finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones

  • Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter creates the flaky texture scones are known for, so chill it before mixing.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined ensures your scones remain tender and light.
  • Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and spices.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense scones.
  • Let Scones Cool Slightly: This helps the glaze set better and the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on top of the glaze right after drizzling for added texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these scones alongside a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or pumpkin spice latte to complement the autumnal spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of pumpkin butter or cream cheese spread for a charming fall-inspired spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness without refrigeration.

Freezing

Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly to refresh their soft texture and melt the glaze slightly.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time without compromising flavor or texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream or buttermilk?

You can substitute with whole milk or a mixture of milk and yogurt for similar moisture and richness.

How spicy are Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones?

They have a gentle warmth from cinnamon and optional spices, but you can easily adjust the amounts to make them milder or more robust.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Absolutely, replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend will yield tasty, allergy-friendly scones.

What is the best way to enjoy these scones?

Enjoy them fresh and warm with a drizzle of glaze or a pat of butter, paired with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy autumn moment.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones are truly a delightful way to embrace fall’s flavors and comfort. Easy to make, absolutely delicious, and endlessly customizable, these scones will quickly become a favorite go-to treat for crisp mornings or cozy afternoons. Give the recipe a try, and savor the simple joy of baking with the season’s best ingredients.

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Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones

Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 scones 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Description

Enjoy the cozy and comforting flavors of Cinnamon Pumpkin Scones, a perfect fall treat featuring moist, tender scones infused with warm cinnamon and pumpkin puree. These lightly spiced pastries are easy to make with simple pantry staples and are ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert paired with your favorite hot beverage.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (use coconut oil for vegan option)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • ½ cup heavy cream or buttermilk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Cut in the Butter: Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter visible, creating flaky layers.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold with a spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
  5. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8-10 wedges like a pizza and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Add a Sweet Glaze: While the scones cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon together. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Keep the butter cold to ensure flaky layers.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep scones tender.
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense scones.
  • Let scones cool slightly before glazing to help the glaze set better.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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