Name: Spiced Pumpkin Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489444H36M20S
Total time: PT-489444H36M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; ½ cup pumpkin purée; ¼ cup heavy cream or milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional glaze:; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These spiced pumpkin scones are a cozy, fall-inspired treat that bring the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin together in a tender, flaky pastry. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break, I love how these scones fill the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of autumn spices. They strike the perfect balance between lightly sweet and warmly spiced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make yet feels like something special straight from a bakery. The pumpkin purée makes the scones moist and flavorful, while the blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives each bite a warm, comforting taste. Whether served plain or topped with a simple glaze, these scones are a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite when I’m craving a seasonal treat. Spiced Pumpkin Scones

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Ground cloves
Cold unsalted butter
Pumpkin purée
Heavy cream or milk
Egg
Vanilla extract
Optional glaze: powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
Then, I cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, I mix together the pumpkin purée, egg, cream, and vanilla extract.
I combine the wet and dry ingredients just until a dough forms—being careful not to overmix.
On a lightly floured surface, I shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick and cut it into 8 wedges.
I place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
After letting the scones cool slightly, I sometimes drizzle them with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 scones.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: Around 30–35 minutes

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I sometimes add chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the dough before baking. For a richer flavor, I like to brush the tops with cream and sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar. A maple glaze also works wonderfully in place of the vanilla glaze.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or warm them gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. Spiced Pumpkin Scones

FAQs

How do I keep my scones from being dry?

I make sure not to overmix the dough and use cold butter. The pumpkin also adds natural moisture that helps keep the scones tender.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

I don’t recommend it because pumpkin pie filling already has spices and sugar added, which can throw off the balance of the recipe.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

I usually bake them right after shaping, but if the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 15–20 minutes helps the scones hold their shape better in the oven.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Yes, I substitute plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) with great results.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts on my scones?

I use a sharp knife or bench scraper and press straight down without sawing to get clean edges that rise evenly.

Conclusion

These spiced pumpkin scones are a delicious way to celebrate fall flavors with minimal effort. I love how easily they come together and how versatile they are for any occasion—whether I’m enjoying them plain, glazed, or with added mix-ins. They’re a seasonal staple I find myself making again and again.