Autumn mornings have a way of inviting cozy flavors into our kitchen, and these Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones are the perfect way to welcome the season. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tender crumb and warming spices, with pumpkin puree lending a silky texture that feels like a comforting hug. The gentle sweetness of sugar dances with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to create that signature autumnal aroma without overwhelming the palate. Whether you’re craving a special treat to accompany your morning coffee or a delightful snack for an afternoon pick-me-up, these scones deliver on every front. From the first nibble to the last crumb, you’ll notice how the rich hues of pumpkin and the golden-brown edges combine to make something truly irresistible.
When I first tried my hand at this recipe, I was amazed at how approachable it felt—even as a beginner baker. With just a handful of pantry staples like flour, butter, and pumpkin puree, you can whip up a batch in under an hour, including prep and bake time. They’re soft on the inside yet slightly crisp around the edges, making them the ideal companion for a slab of butter or a swipe of your favorite jam. And here’s a little secret: they’re even better when still warm. So, whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, surprising your family with a fall-themed breakfast, or simply looking to infuse some seasonal cheer into your day, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones are bound to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PUMPKIN CINNAMON SCONES
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and these scones are no exception. Each component works in harmony to deliver that soft, flaky texture and cozy spiced flavor you crave.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structural base of the scones, giving them enough strength to hold their shape while still producing a tender, flaky crumb.
- Granulated sugar
Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the spices and encourages a golden-brown finish when baked.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent, creating lift and lightness so your scones rise beautifully in the oven.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses the dough with warm, sweet-spicy notes that are quintessentially autumn.
- Ground ginger
Delivers a subtle heat and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Ground nutmeg
Enhances the overall spice profile with its warm, slightly sweet aroma.
- Ground cloves
Provides a rich, earthy undertone that deepens the complexity of the spice blend.
- Salt
Balances the sweetness and intensifies all of the other flavors in the scones.
- Unsalted butter
When cold and cubed, it creates flaky pockets within the dough for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Canned pumpkin puree
Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor, while keeping the scones soft.
- Heavy cream
Contributes richness and helps achieve a moist, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor profile with its sweet, floral notes.
- Egg
Binds the ingredients together and lends structure, moisture, and a beautiful golden hue to the final scones.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN CINNAMON SCONES
Ready to get baking? This straightforward method is perfect for home cooks and beginner bakers alike. Follow these steps for scones that turn out tender, flaky, and bursting with fall flavor every single time.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until thoroughly combined. This even distribution of dry ingredients is key for uniform flavor in every scone.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
5. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir using a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix, or the scones may become dense.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently just a few times until all ingredients are incorporated and the dough is cohesive.
7. Pat the dough into a 1-inch-thick circle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the circle into 8 equal wedges.
8. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even expansion.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–17 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let the scones cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PUMPKIN CINNAMON SCONES
Once your scones are baked to golden perfection, the fun really begins. Whether you’re planning a festive brunch or simply treating yourself, these serving ideas will elevate every bite.
- Cinnamon Glaze Drizzle
Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle this sweet, spicy glaze over warm scones for a glossy finish and extra kick of flavor.
- Creamy Butter & Seasonal Jam
Spread a generous layer of room-temperature butter, then top with apricot or fig jam for a delightful sweet-and-tart combination that complements the pumpkin spice.
- Soft Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, a drop of vanilla, and a little milk until smooth. Pipe or dollop this rich frosting atop each scone for a dessert-like treat.
- Warm Beverage Pairing
Serve alongside a chai latte, pumpkin spice coffee, or hot apple cider to enhance the spices in the scones and create a truly cozy experience.
HOW TO STORE PUMPKIN CINNAMON SCONES
Proper storage will keep your scones tasting fresh and delicious for days—or even weeks—after baking. Here’s how to preserve that just-baked goodness:
- Room Temperature in an Airtight Container
Once completely cooled, store scones in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This preserves their tender crumb while maintaining moisture.
- Refrigeration for Extended Freshness
For a longer shelf life, place scones in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or toaster oven to revive that just-baked texture.
- Freezing Individual Portions
Wrap scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen to enjoy warm scones anytime.
- Reheating Tips
To refresh stored scones, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes or pop them in a toaster oven until just heated through. This restores that lightly crisp exterior and soft interior.
CONCLUSION
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones bring together the cozy essence of fall in every tender, spiced bite. From gathering simple pantry staples to the moment you pull golden wedges from the oven, this recipe delivers an easy, feel-good baking experience that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. With just 20 minutes of prep and a short baking time, you can fill your kitchen with the warmth of pumpkin and sweet spices in no time. Whether you choose to top them with a silky cinnamon glaze, a swirl of cream cheese frosting, or a simple pat of butter, each variation highlights the scones’ rich flavor profile.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later—you’ll want these instructions at your fingertips when the craving for soft, pumpkin-spiced treats strikes. You can also find a FAQ below to help troubleshoot any questions you might have. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment with your thoughts, ask any questions, or share your own twists on this classic fall favorite. Your feedback and experiences help make our cooking community even more vibrant and inspiring—happy baking!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Scones
Description
These pumpkin cinnamon scones are irresistibly soft with a hint of warming spices. Perfectly paired with your favorite hot beverage, they make every bite a cozy experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
-
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
-
In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix well.
-
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just to incorporate all ingredients.
-
Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
-
Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little apart.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
-
Remove from the oven and allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- These scones pair beautifully with a cinnamon glaze or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- To ensure a flaky texture, make sure the butter is very cold before incorporating it into the dry ingredients.
- Scones are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a bit of butter or jam.
