Pumpkin Scones

Welcome to the delectable world of pumpkin scones! In this article, we will walk you through a delightful recipe that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger with the buttery goodness of scones. This unique recipe is perfect for a cozy morning brunch or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. Stay tuned as we dive into the details of this irresistible pumpkin scone recipe!

What Are Pumpkin Scones?

• Pumpkin scones are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of pumpkin with the comforting texture of a scone. This recipe incorporates a perfect blend of succulent pumpkin puree, warm Indian spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. The addition of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts adds a delightful twist to this traditional recipe, making it a unique and flavorful treat for any occasion.

Why You'll Love Pumpkin Scones?

• Deliciously Fluffy Texture: These pumpkin scones have a delightful, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. The combination of pumpkin puree and buttermilk creates a moist and tender scone that is simply irresistible.
• Health Benefits: Pumpkin is a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By incorporating pumpkin puree into these scones, you not only add a natural sweetness and vibrant color, but also boost the nutritional value. It's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients into your diet while treating yourself to a delicious treat.
• Perfect Fall Flavor: The warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in these scones create the perfect flavor profile for the fall season. It's like enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie in the form of a scone.
• Versatile Snack or Dessert: These pumpkin scones can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them a versatile and satisfying indulgence.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these pumpkin scones are easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes. They are a great option for novice bakers or anyone looking for a fuss-free baking project.
• Satisfying and Comforting: There's something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked scones filling the kitchen. These pumpkin scones not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide a sense of warmth and comfort with every bite.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Scones

• All purpose flour: Provides the base for the scones and gives them structure.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the scones.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the scones to rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
• Ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves: Adds warm and aromatic flavors to the scones, enhancing their overall taste.
• Cold unsalted butter: Incorporates into the flour mixture to create a flaky and tender texture in the scones.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and a festive orange color to the scones, making them perfect for the fall season.

By using these essential ingredients, you can create delicious and flavorful pumpkin scones that everyone will love.

How To Make Pumpkin Scones?

If you're in the mood for a delicious treat, then pumpkin scones are the way to go! These warm, flaky delights are perfect for a cozy morning or a sweet afternoon snack. Here's a brief outline of the steps to make these delectable pumpkin scones, along with key tips for a flavorful experience.

• First, preheat your oven to 200 degrees C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prep for baking.
• In a wide bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. The key here is to ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined before adding the butter and chocolate chips.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla essence until well combined. When adding this mixture to the dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix - only mix until a smooth dough forms.
• After kneading the dough and shaping it into a circle, cut it into 8 triangle pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with milk and sprinkle chopped walnuts for an added crunch.
• Once the scones are in the oven, be sure to monitor them closely. It's important to bake them until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Following these steps will ensure that your pumpkin scones turn out just right - flaky, flavorful, and absolutely delightful. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot beverage: Enjoy your pumpkin scones with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Spread with flavored butter: Serve the scones with whipped cinnamon or maple butter for an extra burst of flavor.
• Accompany with fruit: Pair the scones with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries to add a touch of freshness to your meal.
• Serve with savory sides: Consider serving the scones alongside a light salad or soup for a well-rounded meal.
• Add a dollop of cream: Indulge in a decadent treat by topping the scones with a dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream.
• Drizzle with icing: For a sweet finish, drizzle the scones with a simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk. Enjoy the added sweetness!

Tips for Making Delicious Pumpkin Scones

Furthermore, I would like to give some of my suggestions for a perfect pumpkin scones.

• Firstly, These pumpkin scones are baked at a higher than normal oven temperature which gives them a crisp outside crust.
• Secondly, Buttermilk also gives a thick creamy texture with a rich and tangy buttery taste. However, you can make your own buttermilk, just by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and let it stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes before using. While adding buttermilk, start with 1/3 cup (80ml) and mix the dough. And then, if needed, add more buttermilk.
• Finally, to make your lives easier instead of making pumpkin puree we can buy a canned pumpkin puree. Just make sure that you don’t buy the pumpkin puree which already has the spices added to it.
• Cooking Techniques: When mixing the dough, be sure not to overwork it. Overmixing can result in tough scones, so handle the dough gently and only knead it until it's just smooth. Additionally, to prevent the bottom of the scones from over browning, place the baking sheet inside another baking tray before putting it in the oven.
• Check for Doneness: After baking for 20 minutes, check the scones for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they're ready. Be careful not to overbake them, as they may become dry.Keep an eye on the scones towards the end of the baking time, and adjust as needed based on your oven's characteristics.
• Serving Suggestions: These pumpkin scones are best served warm, with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Enjoy them as a delightful breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack.
• Storage Tips: To store any leftover scones, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the scones and reheat them in the oven when ready to enjoy.

Variations for Pumpkin Scones

• Nutty Delight: Instead of walnuts, try using chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor in your scones. Experiment with different nuts to find your favorite combination.
• Fruity Twist: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots to the dough for a burst of fruity sweetness. You can also try adding fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a juicy surprise in every bite.
• Spice It Up: Get creative with the spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the flour mixture. These spices can add a warm and aromatic flavor to your pumpkin scones.
• Glaze Game: After baking, drizzle a simple vanilla or maple glaze over the scones for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top for a deliciously crunchy finish.
• Savory Spin: For a savory twist, skip the sugar and spices, and instead add shredded cheddar cheese, chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a pinch of black pepper to the dough. These savory scones are perfect for pairing with soups or salads.
• Vegan Option: To make the scones vegan-friendly, substitute the butter with vegan butter or chilled coconut oil, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk alternative and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Experiment with these variations to create your own unique pumpkin scone recipe and enjoy the delicious results!

How to Store Pumpkin Scones

• Store in an airtight container: Keep the pumpkin scones fresh by storing them in an airtight container. This will help to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life: If you want to extend the shelf life of your pumpkin scones, you can refrigerate them. This will keep them fresh for a few more days.
• Keep chocolate chips cool: Since the recipe includes semi-sweet chocolate chips, it's important to store the scones in a cool place to prevent the chocolate from melting.
• Separate and layer with parchment paper: If you're stacking the scones in a container, it's a good idea to separate the layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking and preserve their shape.
• Avoid moisture: Make sure the scones are completely cooled before storing them to prevent moisture buildup, which can result in soggy scones.
• Consume within a few days: For the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume the pumpkin scones within a few days of baking. This will ensure they are at their freshest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

• Yes, you can substitute 1 3/4 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

Can I use different types of nuts in the recipe?

• Yes, you can use pecans, almonds, or any other type of nuts instead of walnuts for a different flavor.

How can I make the scones more moist?

• If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

Can I make these scones without chocolate chips?

• Absolutely! If you prefer scones without chocolate chips, simply omit them from the recipe.

Can I make the scones in advance?

• Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Then, bake the scones as directed when ready to serve.

How should I store the leftover scones?

• Store the leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

How to make homemade pumpkin puree?

• If you want to make your own pumpkin puree, then buy a smaller pumpkin variety. Then first cut it in half lengthwise, remove all the seeds and stringy fibers, and then place cut-side down on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 180 degrees C for about 45 minutes to 75 minutes depending on size or until easily pierced with a knife. Scoop out the pulp and place them in a blender and blend it until a smooth paste. Then strain the puree through a cheesecloth-lined strainer and then cool the puree before using.

Recipe Card

Pumpkin Scones:

Pumpkin Scones 2017-10-13 06:32:44

Serving Size: 8 scones

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour (260g)
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar (100g)
• 3/4 tsp baking powder (3g)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (2g)
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp ground ground ginger powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (113 g), cut into small pieces
• 2/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (115 g)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup cold buttermilk (80 to 120 ml)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (120 g)
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk          

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees C and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Then line a baking sheet/tray with parchment paper.
• In a wide bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, salt and all spices until combined.
• Then add chopped, cold butter pieces into the flour mixture, mix well by using a pastry cutter or by hand until it becomes coarse crumbs. Then add chocolate chips, mix well.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 80 ml (1/3 cup) buttermilk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla essence until incorporated.
• Add this buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture, mix until it forms a smooth dough. (add the remaining buttermilk, if needed). Do not over mix.
• Place the dough on a floured surface and knead gently until just smooth.
• Form the dough like a ball. Then pat the dough into 18 cm circle.
• Cut the circle into 8 triangle pieces. (first cut in half, then cut each half into 4 pie-shaped wedges)
• Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Then brush the tops of the scones with milk by using a pastry brush.
• Finally, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the scones and press gently.
• Place the baking sheet inside another baking tray to prevent the bottom of the scones from over browning.
• Bake it for 20 mins or until it becomes golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/