Soft and Fluffy Pumpkin Scones – Easy Fall Baking Recipe

Last updated on July 31, 2025

When I think of autumn, one thing that always comes to mind is the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin scones wafting through my kitchen. There’s something magical about the combination of spices and pumpkin that feels like a warm hug, especially on a chilly morning. I vividly remember the first time I tried making pumpkin scones. Flour flew everywhere, and my kids giggled as they helped, creating a mess but also wonderful memories in the process. I might have questioned my baking skills when my first batch turned out crumbly, but practice makes perfect! If you’ve been hesitant to try your hand at baking something new, fear not! This pumpkin scone recipe is simple, stress-free, and totally doable—even if it’s your first time stepping into the kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe of Pumpkin Scones

What makes this pumpkin scone recipe so special to me? It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and ease. Every time I bake these scones, I’m reminded of family gatherings during the fall when we’d indulge in delightful treats and share stories. Not only do they bring a taste of comfort and warmth, but they’re also beginner-friendly. There’s no need to worry about making a perfect dough; even if your scones don’t turn out flawless, they’ll still be delicious.

These scones are versatile, allowing for a touch of creativity or personalization. Whether you decide to add a sprinkle of nuts or a dash of cinnamon, they invite you to experiment. Making them as a family gives everyone a chance to pitch in, which turns baking into a delightful activity. They’re also perfect for busy mornings or cozy evenings with a cup of tea. Once you make these pumpkin scones, I promise they’ll become a go-to recipe in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Scones

Before we jump into making these delightful pumpkin scones, let’s review the ingredients you’ll need. Most of these items are staples in any baking cupboard, and some might even be sitting in your pantry right now!

Soft and Fluffy Pumpkin Scones

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These tender, flaky pumpkin scones are packed with warm fall spices and real pumpkin puree. Topped with an optional sweet glaze, they’re perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup very cold salted butter, diced or grated
• 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Glaze:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
2. Add cold diced or grated butter and cut it into the dry mixture until crumbly with pea-sized chunks.
3. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin purée, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, fold a few times, then shape into an 8-inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
6. Transfer wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
7. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Brush tops of scones with buttermilk and bake for 13–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
9. Let scones cool slightly on a wire rack.
10. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, buttermilk, vanilla, and optional spices until smooth.
11. Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm scones. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Freeze the dough briefly to help the scones rise higher.
• Substitute sweet potato purée if pumpkin is unavailable.
• Make your own buttermilk with milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
• Mix whole wheat flour with all-purpose for a nuttier flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 scone
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pumpkin scones, fall baking, easy scone recipe, glazed scones, pumpkin spice breakfast

Essentials

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our scones, giving them structure and fluffiness.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: This adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture to our scones. The darker the brown sugar, the richer the taste!
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Our leavening agent that helps the scones rise beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm hug of autumn! This spice not only enhances the flavor but also fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavor. It usually includes nutmeg, ginger, and more cinnamon.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Just a pinch to balance out the flavors and enhance the sweetness.

More Important Ingredients

• 1/2 cup very cold salted butter, diced or grated: Using cold butter creates tender, flaky layers in the scones. Don’t skimp on this part!
• 3/4 cup pumpkin purée: This provides the quintessential pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
• 1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk): The buttermilk helps create a moist and tender scone. You can substitute regular milk if you prefer.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A teaspoon of vanilla makes everything taste better!

Optional Glaze Ingredients

For an extra touch of sweetness, consider making a simple glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This is the main ingredient for the glaze. It’s the sugary finish that takes these scones to the next level.
• 2 to 3 teaspoons buttermilk (or milk): This helps create a smooth glaze. Modify the quantity based on how thick you want it.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because why not add more vanilla to the mix?
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for added spice!

Substitutions and Shortcuts

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some quick substitutions you can consider:

• Flour: You can mix all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Brown Sugar: You can make a quick substitute for brown sugar by mixing regular sugar with a little molasses.
• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
• Pumpkin Purée: If you can’t find pumpkin purée, you could use mashed sweet potato instead; however, it will have a slightly different flavor.

These substitutions can help ease the stress of gathering ingredients.

How to Make Pumpkin Scones Step-by-Step

Now that we have everything we need, let’s dive into making those delicious pumpkin scones!

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

This mix of dry ingredients provides a delightful balance of sweetness and spices, setting the stage for a delicious batter.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Next, add the 1/2 cup very cold salted butter (make sure it’s diced or grated) into the dry mixture. Now comes the fun part! Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even a food processor if you have one. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it becomes crumbly and the butter is about the size of pea-sized chunks. This step is crucial because it’s what gives your scones those flaky layers we all love.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together:

• 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once combined, gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir the mixture quickly but gently, ensuring there are no dry streaks left. Be careful not to over-mix! This will keep your scones light and fluffy.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn the mixture out onto a floured surface. The dough will be a bit sticky, but don’t worry! Just fold it over on itself a few times until it holds together enough to form a ball. Pat the dough down flat into an 8-inch circle. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, slice the dough into 8 equal-sized pie wedges.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the scone wedges to a parchment-covered baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while they bake. If your dough is sticky, wipe your knife off between slices for cleaner cuts.

Step 6: Freeze and Preheat

Now that your wedges are ready, pop the baking sheet into the freezer for about 15 minutes while your oven preheats to 425°F (220°C). Chilling the dough will help the scones to rise higher once in the oven.

Step 7: Brush and Bake

Once your oven is preheated, take the baking sheet out of the freezer. Briefly brush the top of each scone with a bit of buttermilk. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.

Bake your scones for 13-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden on top and cooked through. When they’re done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While the scones are cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: a pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for an extra bit of flavor.

If your glaze seems too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once the scones have cooled slightly, brush or drizzle the glaze generously over the top of each one. They’re now ready to serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough

One of the most common mistakes beginner bakers make is overmixing the dough. While it’s tempting to keep stirring until everything is completely smooth, this can lead to tough scones. Mix just until no dry flour remains, and then stop. Slightly irregular dough is perfect!

Using Warm Butter

Be sure your butter is very cold when you add it to the dry ingredients. This creates the flaky texture we all love. If you forget to chill the butter, you can cube it and place it in the freezer for a few minutes before incorporating it into the mixture.

Forgetting to Chill the Dough

This step might seem minor, but chilling the dough before baking really helps the scones rise properly and maintain their shape. Don’t skip this step; it makes a huge difference!

Not Checking the Doneness

Ovens can vary, and your scones might bake a little quicker or slower depending on yours. Keep an eye on them as they approach the 13-minute mark and check for a golden top and a cooked-through texture.

Easy Variations for Pumpkin Scones

There’s so much you can do with these pumpkin scones! Here are a few variations that can cater to different tastes while keeping everything within easy reach.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Scones

For a chocolatey twist, stir in a half cup of chocolate chips into your batter. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin and adds a delightful surprise in every bite.

Nutty Pumpkin Scones

Add a half cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and a nutty flavor. They not only contribute great flavor but also offer a satisfying crunch that complements the soft scone.

Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Scones

For a rich, creamy element, consider filling the scones with a mixture of cream cheese and a little powdered sugar before baking. This creates a delicious gooey center that elevates the experience immensely.

Spice It Up

Let’s not forget about adding your favorite spices. A pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or even cardamom can make wonderful enhancements to the flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice mixes!

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Scones

Once your pumpkin scones are baked, it’s all about how you choose to enjoy them. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions.

Morning Delight with Coffee

Pair your pumpkin scones with a hot cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for a perfect breakfast treat. The warmth of the beverages complements the sweet and spiced flavor of the scones beautifully.

Afternoon Snack with Tea

These scones are a wonderful addition to your afternoon tea! Serve them along with a selection of your favorite teas. The mix of aromas will lift your spirits and provide a cozy afternoon pause.

Layer with Whipped Cream

For a dessert-like experience, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your scone, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Breakfast on the Go

Need a quick breakfast option? These scones can easily be bundled up and taken on the go. They are perfect for busy family mornings when you need something tasty yet quick.

Conclusion

With this easy pumpkin scones recipe, you’ll see that it’s much simpler than it appears. These delightful treats are not only customisable to your taste preferences, but they also offer a cozy, classic treat that families can enjoy together. Plus, as a beginner, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you pull these warm scones from the oven.

Why not give them a try today? You might just find your new favorite recipe. If you enjoyed this post and tried the recipe, please share your results and any personal variations you made! I love hearing from my readers!

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FAQs About Pumpkin Scones

Try this recipe for your next family gathering or cozy morning, and watch them disappear!