Don’t wait for fall to enjoy pumpkin flavor. Our pumpkin scones are the perfect pick-me-up with a cup of tea any time of the year.
Commonly associated with the British, scones are a treat often savored during an afternoon tea. These baked goodies boast a texture that strikes a balance between crumbly and soft, resembling a cross between a biscuit and a cake. When you take a bite of a baked scone, you’ll experience a crispness on the outside while the interior remains tender and moist. The flavor is subtly sweet, often enhanced with a touch of buttery richness that makes them simply irresistible. As scones have evolved, they feature all kinds of new flavors, including blueberry lemon scones, scones with raisins or currants, and, in this recipe, pumpkin scones.
The roots of scones can be traced back to Scotland, where they were originally crafted with oats and cooked on griddles. As time passed, they transformed into the baked variations we enjoy today. Scones became a part of culture in the 19th century thanks to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who introduced them as part of her cherished afternoon tea ritual. This charming tradition swiftly spread across England, cementing the scone’s historical position.
Whether topped with clotted cream and orange marmalade or relished plain and simple, scones bring a piece of heritage to any gathering. Their warm and comforting taste makes them an adored treat ideal for sharing with loved ones over a steaming pot of tea.
The Secret to Perfect Scones?
When you’re making pastries, including scones, cold butter makes all the difference. The thing that separates scones, pie crust, and a simple buttermilk biscuit from a dinner roll is the flakiness. And to achieve a flaky texture, extra cold butter is the secret weapon. By grating or chopping butter into your ingredients, it stays solid for longer, which means it melts more slowly in the oven. This gradual melting process creates steam pockets that puff up and separate the dough into layers, giving you that flakiness. Not to mention, butter adds better flavor than other options, such as solidified vegetable oil. Ensure that the cold butter blends evenly into the flour so every bite of your scone turns out to be consistently delicious.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Storing leftover scones is really simple. If you’re storing them on the kitchen counter, place them in a container or wrap them tightly in plastic; they’ll stay delicious for about two days. For preservation, freezing works well too. Ensure the scones are completely cooled down, then individually wrap them in plastic. Store them in a freezer bag or container. When you want to enjoy them, let the scones thaw at room temperature or quickly warm them up in the oven—350° Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes does the trick.
My Scones aren’t Flaky
If your scones aren’t coming out flaky, don’t fret. You’re not alone! There are a few reasons for this. First, ensure that you’re using frozen butter. When incorporating it into the flour, aim for pieces the size of peas. This forms pockets of butter that melt while baking, resulting in flaky scones. Additionally, be cautious not to overwork the dough. Gentle handling until everything is combined is all the scones need. Another suggestion is to keep your dough chilled. If it warms up too much, place it in the refrigerator for a while before baking. Lastly, verify your oven temperature. A hot oven (400°F) helps the scones rise rapidly, solidifying the layers and achieving that flakiness. Give these adjustments a try and you should enjoy some flaky scones.
Serving Suggestions
Scones are often associated with sweet items, such as jam; however, if you’re feeling savory, pair your scones with some butter and sharp cheddar cheese or a slice of ham. To add a breakfast twist, enjoy scones alongside steak and eggs or air fryer bacon. Planning a tea party? Scones make for a centerpiece when served with sweet and tangy homemade lemon curd. Consider sauces you enjoy with other items, such as Baked Bree’s best chocolate sauce ever or this homemade caramel sauce recipe. Have fun trying different ways to serve your scones, and enjoy making them often!
Pumpkin Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter frozen
- 1/3 cup heavy cream plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Grate the frozen butter and add to the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup heavy cream, egg, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into an 8-inch disc. Cut into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush with the remaining heavy cream, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving.
Leave a Comment