Bakery-Style Pumpkin Scones Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with autumn warmth, this Bakery-Style Pumpkin Scones Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, flaky, and bursting with fragrant spices, these scones combine the rich creaminess of pumpkin puree with just the right amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe brings that beloved bakery charm straight into your home with simplicity and a touch of homemade love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bakery-Style Pumpkin Scones Recipe relies on simple, classic pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s the chilled butter lending that flaky texture, or the pumpkin puree adding moistness and vibrant color to the dough.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the scones, providing structure while keeping them tender.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness without overpowering the spices.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise and achieve that perfect fluffy crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that quintessential warm-spice note associated with pumpkin treats.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of nuttiness to the spice blend.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a subtle, aromatic kick without being overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: A zingy element that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Key for that flaky, tender texture in every bite.
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the scones their moistness and rich flavor.
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• 1 large egg: Provides structure and moisture for a perfect dough consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a fragrant sweetness.
• For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; these ingredients create a spiced glaze that adds a luscious finishing touch.

How to Make Bakery-Style Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your scones bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for a flawless batch.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined. This spice-infused flour mixture gives the scones their signature warm and aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is crucial for creating those irresistible flaky layers in your scones.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This luscious mixture adds moisture and a flavorful punch to the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir carefully until a dough forms, making sure not to overmix – you want the scones tender, not tough.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just enough to bring it together. Then, shape it into a disc about 1 inch thick. This disc shape makes it easy to cut your scones into wedges.

Step 7: Cut and Arrange

Slice the dough disc into 8 even wedges and transfer them to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This allows them room to puff up and bake into perfectly golden scones.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake the scones for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once out of the oven, set them on a wire rack to cool slightly so they’re ready for glazing.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, starting with 1 tablespoon of milk and adding more as needed to reach a smooth glaze consistency, along with cinnamon and nutmeg. This sweet, spiced glaze is the crowning glory of your Bakery-Style Pumpkin Scones Recipe.

Step 10: Glaze and Set

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled scones and let it set for a few minutes before serving. This final touch adds a glossy sweetness that perfectly balances the spice.

How to Serve Bakery-Style Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar makes an excellent garnish for these scones. They add a satisfying crunch and enhance the fall flavors even further.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin Scones with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or rich hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting experience. A side of fresh fruit or a smear of butter and honey also complements the scones beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of whipped cream, cream cheese spread, and pumpkin butter. You can also serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra-special twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, placing a slice of bread in the container helps retain moisture.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, so you always have a seasonal treat on hand.

Reheating

To reheat, pop frozen or refrigerated scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This method crisps up the exterior while warming the inside perfectly, just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can be used if cooked and pureed until smooth. Just be sure to cook it down enough to match the moisture content of canned pumpkin for the best texture in your scones.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

While the mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger create the classic pumpkin spice flavor, you can experiment by using just cinnamon and nutmeg. The scones will still be delicious, just a bit simpler in flavor.

Can these scones be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk in the glaze. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Is it okay to overmix the dough?

Try to mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the scones tougher rather than flaky and tender.

How thick should I roll the dough before cutting?

Shaping the dough into a 1-inch thick disc is ideal. This thickness bakes evenly and yields scones with a nice balance between light crumb and satisfying bite.

Final Thoughts

This Bakery-Style Pumpkin Scones Recipe is a wonderful way to bring the essence of autumn into your kitchen any day of the year. Its blend of warm spices, moist pumpkin, and flaky texture truly feels like a cozy hug in food form. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy favorite to share over coffee or tea with loved ones.

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