Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones Recipe

There is nothing quite like a batch of Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones fresh from the oven, filling your kitchen with warm, cozy aromas that instantly make you feel at home. These scones are the ultimate autumn treat, perfectly balancing tender crumb with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spicy cinnamon. Whether you’re enjoying them as a morning pick-me-up or a delightful afternoon snack, these scones bring a little slice of fall magic to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet so essential to achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and color in your Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones. Each one plays a vital role from the tender pumpkin puree to the warming spices that give the scones their signature taste.

• Plain flour: The base for a light, tender crumb that holds everything together.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to complement the spices.
• Baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• Pumpkin pie spice blend: The aromatic combination that brings those classic autumn notes.
• Frozen butter: Key for creating a flaky, tender texture when grated into the dry ingredients.
• Pumpkin puree: Moistens the dough and delivers that rich pumpkin flavor and color.
• Half and half: Adds richness to keep the scones soft and moist.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a beautiful golden color.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the sweet, smooth glaze that finishes the scones perfectly.
• Milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the glaze with a warm spice.
• Additional pumpkin pie spice: A hint in the glaze to tie all the flavors together.

How to Make Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for your scones to bake up beautifully crisp and golden. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a scone pan so nothing sticks — this step saves you from frustration and keeps your scones intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl or your stand mixer’s bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice blend. This step is crucial to evenly disperse the leavening and spices so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Cut in Frozen Butter

Grate the frozen butter directly into the dry mixture using a cheese grater. Using your hands, gently combine it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures the butter remains cold, which is essential for flaky scones with tender layers.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Whisk together pumpkin puree, half and half, and egg in a separate bowl. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky and moist — and remember, overmixing can make your scones tough, so stop as soon as everything comes together.

Step 5: Shape, Cut, and Bake Scones

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick round. Slice into 6 or 8 triangular wedges, depending on your size preference. Arrange them evenly spaced on the baking sheet or pan, then bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges turn a pretty light brown. Let them cool before adding the glaze.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Glaze

While the scones cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Adjust the milk gradually to reach your preferred glaze thickness — a bit thicker for drizzling or thinner if you want a delicate sheen.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the cooled scones generously with your cinnamon-spiked glaze. Allow the glaze to harden slightly before serving so it adds a delightful sweet crust and little pockets of cinnamon goodness with every bite. Now your Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle your scones with a tiny extra dusting of cinnamon sugar or finely chopped toasted pecans. Both add an appealing sparkle and a slight crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft scone.

Side Dishes

Serve your scones alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or even hot apple cider for a cozy complement. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of honey butter on the side enhances the flavor in the most comforting way.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, arrange scones on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh autumn foliage or pumpkin slices. You can also serve mini scones on tiered cake stands at brunch to create an inviting and charming display that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them tender without drying out, so you can enjoy that fresh-baked feeling even the next day.

Freezing

Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature or warm them straight from frozen.

Reheating

To bring your scones back to life, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives their flakiness and crisp edges, making them taste almost freshly baked. Avoid using a microwave as it may make the scones soggy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and provides the same moist texture and rich flavor for your scones.

Can I substitute the half and half with milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk instead, though half and half adds a bit more richness and tenderness to the scones.

Is it necessary to use frozen butter grated into the flour?

Using frozen butter helps create flaky layers by staying solid during mixing. If you don’t have frozen butter, very cold butter works too, but the texture might be less flaky.

Can I make these scones vegan?

With some substitutions like plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a flax egg, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan, though the texture may be slightly different.

How spicy are the scones with the pumpkin pie spice?

The pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, gentle spice that complements the pumpkin without overwhelming it—perfect if you enjoy aromatic fall flavors without too much heat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving these Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones a try, especially when the air turns crisp and you’re craving a little homemade comfort. Their tender crumb, wonderful spice balance, and that irresistible glaze make them a real crowd-pleaser. Whip up a batch, curl up with a warm drink, and savor the joyful flavors of pumpkin in every bite.

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