Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with these delightful pumpkin spice scones. Perfectly spiced and tender, these scones are a wonderful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, perhaps with a dollop of cream or a drizzle of glaze, for a truly indulgent experience.
When preparing to make these pumpkin spice scones, you might find that pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice are not always staples in every household. Pumpkin puree is typically found in the baking aisle, often near canned fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin pie spice, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, can usually be found in the spice section. If unavailable, you can create your own mix using these individual spices.
Ingredients For Pumpkin Spice Scones Recipe
Flour: The base of the scone, providing structure and texture.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the scones rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that gives the scones their signature autumn flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky texture.
Pumpkin puree: Provides moisture and a subtle pumpkin flavor.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Technique Tip for Baking Scones
When making these pumpkin spice scones, ensure that your butter is very cold. This is crucial for achieving a flaky texture. You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cutting it into small cubes. When you incorporate the butter into the flour mixture, use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work quickly, preventing the butter from melting. The goal is to have small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough, which will create steam pockets as they bake, resulting in a light and flaky scone.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the scones denser.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor, making it a good alternative.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.
pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Combine ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ginger to mimic pumpkin pie spice.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used in the same amount and provides a subtle coconut flavor, though it may alter the texture slightly.
pumpkin puree - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree has a similar texture and sweetness, making it a suitable alternative.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a similar richness and creaminess, though it adds a slight coconut flavor.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit to thicken as a vegan egg replacement.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile, though it is more potent, so use half the amount.
Alternative Recipes Similar to These Scones
How to Store or Freeze Your Scones
Allow the freshly baked scones to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent any condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the scones soggy.
Once cooled, place the scones in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate each layer with a piece of parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, which will extend their freshness for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their flavor and texture while preventing freezer burn.
Place the wrapped scones in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
Freeze the scones for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
For an extra touch of freshness, brush the thawed scones with a bit of melted butter before reheating. This will enhance their flavor and give them a delightful, freshly-baked aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pumpkin spice scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside.
For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place a pumpkin spice scone on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check for warmth and repeat if necessary, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the scone tough.
If you have a toaster oven, it's a great option for reheating. Set it to 325°F (160°C) and place the scones directly on the rack or on a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don't get too crispy.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the pumpkin spice scones in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and slightly toasted.
If you prefer a softer texture, try steaming. Place the scones in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the scones soft.
Essential Tools for Baking Scones
Oven: Used to bake the scones at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).
Baking sheet: A flat surface to place the scone wedges on for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent the scones from sticking.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
Whisk: Used to mix the dry ingredients together and to whisk the wet ingredients until smooth.
Pastry cutter: A tool to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients, creating a crumbly texture.
Measuring cups: To accurately measure the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and heavy cream.
Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
Knife: To cut the dough into 8 wedges after shaping it into a circle.
Wire rack: A cooling rack to allow the scones to cool evenly after baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Scones
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and cut butter into cubes the night before. Store in the fridge to keep it cold.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine flour, brown sugar, and butter by pulsing in a food processor instead of using a pastry cutter.
Pre-mix wet ingredients: Whisk pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract in advance and refrigerate.
Shape and freeze: Form the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Pumpkin Spice Scones
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Paella Recipe1 Hours
- Mango Chicken Skewers Recipe25 Minutes
- Quinoa Black Bean Tacos Recipe35 Minutes
- Pinto Bean Tacos Recipe25 Minutes
- Chipotle Black Bean Tacos Recipe25 Minutes
- Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe45 Minutes
- Cauliflower Tacos Recipe40 Minutes
- Blackened Fish Tacos Recipe25 Minutes
Leave a Reply