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Few baked goods capture the cozy essence of fall like pumpkin scones. With their golden crust, tender crumb, and rich aroma of cinnamon, these scones offer comfort in every bite. Add raisins for natural sweetness and walnuts for a nutty crunch, and you’ve got a treat that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Scones themselves originated in Scotland, where they were traditionally made with oats and cooked on a griddle. Over time, they spread throughout Europe and eventually to America, where they evolved into the fluffy, triangular pastries we love today. Pumpkin scones are a relatively modern twist, but they’ve quickly become a seasonal staple, especially when autumn’s harvest rolls around.
Whether you’re baking for a crisp fall morning, hosting a holiday brunch, or just craving a comforting snack, these pumpkin scones will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your guests smile.
Why Make These Pumpkin Scones?
Here are some compelling reasons to try this recipe:
A Flavor Symphony – Pumpkin puree provides natural sweetness and moisture, cinnamon adds warmth, raisins lend juicy pops of flavor, and walnuts create a satisfying crunch.
Wholesome Ingredients – Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene (converted into vitamin A by the body), walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, and raisins bring antioxidants and natural sugars.
Beginner-Friendly – Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is approachable. With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, you’ll achieve bakery-quality results.
Customizable to Preferences – Whether you prefer a sweeter pastry, want to make them gluten-free, or enjoy experimenting with flavors, this recipe adapts easily.
Perfect for Any Occasion – These scones are versatile. Serve them at brunch, enjoy with tea, or offer as a festive holiday snack.
If you’re drawn to recipes that are flavorful and nourishing, you’ll love exploring The Encyclopedia of Power Foods. It’s packed with recipes that strike the same balance of taste and health as these scones.
Ingredients List
For the scones (makes 8 large scones):
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional for warmth)
1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup (180g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream or buttermilk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (80g) raisins
1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
Optional glaze:
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
Pinch of cinnamon for garnish
Read More: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for tender, golden scones:
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating ensures your scones rise properly once they hit the oven.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisking aerates the flour and distributes the leavening agents evenly, which helps the scones rise uniformly.
3. Cut in the butter
Add the cubed cold butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. Cold butter is key—it melts in the oven, creating steam pockets that make the scones flaky.
4. Whisk the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, cream (or buttermilk), egg, and vanilla until smooth. The pumpkin adds moisture, so your scones won’t be dry.
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold together until just combined. Overmixing will develop gluten, leading to dense scones, so stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
6. Add raisins and walnuts
Fold in raisins and chopped walnuts. Distribute them evenly without overworking the dough.
7. Shape the dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat into a disc about 8 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut into 8 wedges.
8. Arrange on baking sheet
Place wedges about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. For extra tenderness, refrigerate the shaped dough for 10 minutes before baking—this firms the butter again, leading to flakier scones.
9. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should feel firm but not hard.
10. Glaze (optional)
Allow scones to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. To make, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon for flavor.
For more substitution tips that keep recipes both healthy and flavorful, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is an excellent resource.
Tips and Substitutions
Keep butter cold – Cold butter is crucial for flaky layers. If your kitchen is warm, pop the butter cubes in the freezer for 10 minutes before using.
Don’t overmix – Handle the dough as little as possible. Overmixing leads to tough scones.
Use fresh spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger lose potency over time. Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor significantly.
For gluten-free scones – Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure.
For dairy-free scones – Substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk (like oat or almond). Coconut cream also works well for richness.
For refined sugar-free scones – Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar.
Pumpkin puree – If using homemade puree, make sure it’s thick and not watery. Drain excess liquid by straining if necessary.
Read More: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile—here are a few creative spins:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones – Replace raisins with 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips for a dessert-like version.
Pumpkin Cranberry Scones – Swap raisins for dried cranberries to add a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Pumpkin Pecan Scones – Replace walnuts with pecans for a softer nut flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Glazed Pumpkin Spice Scones – Add cloves and allspice to the spice mix and finish with a pumpkin spice glaze.
Savory Pumpkin Scones – Reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons, omit raisins, and add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan plus fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for a savory snack.
Mini Pumpkin Scones – Divide dough into two discs, cut into 16 smaller wedges, and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.
If you’re ready to explore more wholesome, flavorful recipes beyond pumpkin scones, I recommend diving into The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.
Nutritional Information
(Per scone, without glaze)
Calories: ~280
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 10g
Vitamin A: 90% DV
Omega-3s: Notable amount from walnuts
Adding glaze increases sugar and calorie content by about 40–50 calories per scone.
Read More: Bakery-Style Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keeps for 4–5 days in a sealed container. Warm before serving.
Freezing: Wrap scones individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Serving ideas:
Pair with spiced chai or black coffee for a cozy breakfast.
Split and serve with cream cheese or butter.
For dessert, drizzle with caramel sauce and top with whipped cream.
Looking for more serving inspiration? The Encyclopedia of Power Foods shows how to combine ingredients for both taste and nutrition.
Common Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the dough into wedges, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
2. How do I make scones lighter and fluffier?
Chill shaped dough before baking and avoid overmixing. High oven heat at the start also helps them rise.
3. Can I substitute pumpkin with sweet potato or butternut squash?
Yes, both make excellent substitutes, though flavor will vary slightly.
4. Can I add a streusel topping?
Absolutely. Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle on before baking for extra crunch.
5. Do I need to glaze the scones?
No—the scones are flavorful on their own. Glazing is optional for those who prefer extra sweetness.
Conclusion
Pumpkin scones with cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts are the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment. With their flaky texture, spiced pumpkin flavor, bursts of sweet raisins, and crunch of walnuts, they’re a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. The recipe is flexible, approachable, and easy to customize for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
These scones remind us that baking can be both comforting and nutritious—proof that small changes like adding pumpkin or walnuts can elevate a recipe.
