I absolutely love this Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe because it brings the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Each bite is tender and buttery with a warm blend of pumpkin and spices, and the dual glazes add that perfect touch of sweetness and warmth—vanilla smoothness paired with a hint of cinnamon spice.
Whether you’re entertaining friends for brunch or just want a comforting treat for yourself, these scones always hit the spot. I remember the very first time I made them, my family went crazy over how moist and flavorful they were compared to any scone mix I’d ever tried. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe, it’ll be a go-to in your fall baking rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The blend of pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger captures that quintessential autumn taste.
- Two Delicious Glazes: You get both a smooth vanilla glaze and a spiced cinnamon glaze, giving you layers of flavor and visual appeal.
- Moist, Tender Texture: Thanks to pumpkin and butter, these scones stay soft and flaky without drying out.
- Straightforward Process: Despite their fancy taste, these scones come together with simple steps that anyone can follow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe work beautifully together to create that tender crumb and balanced sweetness. Using cold butter and canned pumpkin puree helps maintain moisture while achieving the classic scone flakiness you’ll love.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, so be sure to spoon and level when measuring for accuracy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors—you don’t want to skip this.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These make the scones rise nicely and keep them light and fluffy.
- Ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon: The warm spices that give these scones their signature cozy flavor.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Cold butter creates those flaky layers when mixed into the flour.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and that beautiful pumpkin taste—make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Keeps the dough moist and contributes to richness in both the scones and glazes.
- Large eggs: Help bind the dough and add tenderness.
- Powdered sugar: For sweet, smooth glazes that melt perfectly over warm scones.
- Cinnamon and allspice (for cinnamon glaze): Boost the warm spice notes in the drizzle on top.
Variations
I love to play around with this Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe to suit different occasions or dietary needs. You can easily tweak spices or try different glaze flavors to keep it fresh and exciting every time.
- Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and it still works amazingly well—just watch the dough consistency closely.
- Spice It Up: Once, I added a pinch of cardamom and it gave such an intriguing twist that friends kept asking for seconds.
- Maple Cinnamon Glaze: You can swap out the vanilla in the glaze for pure maple syrup for a deeper, autumnal flavor I adore on chilly mornings.
- Mini Scones: For parties, I make smaller triangles which bake faster and are perfect for sharing over tea.
How to Make Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Pumpkin Mixture
Start by whisking together the canned pumpkin, heavy cream, and eggs in a small bowl. This mixture brings that lush pumpkin flavor and moisture to your scones. Set it aside for now — you’ll blend it into the dry ingredients shortly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
In your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all those lovely warm spices. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture looks crumbly, like coarse sand. This is key to getting those flaky layers — don’t overmix or the butter will melt and your scones won’t be as tender.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures to Form Dough
Slowly pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing on low. The dough will initially look crumbly—don’t worry! This is where I switch to mixing it with my hands gently. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in about 1/4 cup more flour little by little until it’s manageable but still moist. You want it soft, not dry.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough
Divide your dough in half. On a floured surface or a lightly floured Silpat, gently shape each half into a 12×6 inch rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to make three vertical cuts, then cut an X on each rectangle, followed by one horizontal cut across the center to create 18 triangular scones from each half. This method helps you get evenly sized scones that bake consistently.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place all the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them comfortably. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for about 13-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the tops spring back when touched. I learned that ovens vary, so start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking — soft scones are the goal.
Step 6: Glaze the Scones
While the scones cool on a wire rack, whisk together the vanilla glaze by combining powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Using a pastry brush, paint the tops of the warm scones with this glaze. Then mix the cinnamon glaze ingredients and drizzle it from a cut corner of a small bag for that pretty finish. Let the glaze dry about 15 minutes before enjoying every delightful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: Chilling your butter before mixing is crucial for flaky layers—if it warms up, pop the dough in the fridge briefly.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently and mix only until combined to avoid tough scones.
- Flour Your Surface Generously: This keeps the dough from sticking and helps maintain the perfect shape when cutting.
- Use a Pizza Cutter for Clean Cuts: It’s much easier and cleaner than a knife, giving your scones neat edges that bake evenly.
How to Serve Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the garnishes simple—just a light drizzle of the cinnamon glaze and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes, I toss on a few chopped toasted pecans or a dash of pumpkin spice right after glazing for an extra seasonal touch that my guests love.
Side Dishes
My go-to pairing is a hot cup of chai tea or coffee to complement the spices perfectly. For a brunch spread, they go beautifully alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad, balancing out the sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging the scones on a tiered serving tray surrounded by cinnamon sticks and small pumpkins or gourds. It’s festive, inviting, and instantly sets the mood. You could also wrap individual scones in parchment paper and tie with twine for a cute grab-and-go treat at fall gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, which is usually how long they last around here! To keep them from drying out, I place a clean paper towel on top inside the container—this little trick keeps the moisture just right.
Freezing
If you need to prepare ahead, these scones freeze really well. I freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the scones in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until warm. This refreshes the texture and melts the glaze slightly without making them soggy. I avoid microwaving because that can make them tough or chewy.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to roast and puree your pumpkin thoroughly so it has a smooth, thick consistency similar to canned pumpkin. Also, drain excess moisture if it’s too watery to avoid a soggy dough.
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What if my dough is too sticky to work with?
If your dough feels sticky, sprinkle in small amounts of flour while gently kneading until it’s manageable. Avoid adding too much flour, or your scones might get dry. Remember, the dough should be soft but not tacky.
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Can I make these scones vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a non-dairy cream and egg replacer. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious if you adjust seasoning and moisture carefully.
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How long do the glazes stay fresh?
The vanilla and cinnamon glazes are best eaten within a day or two, as they can start to absorb moisture and lose their texture. If storing scones longer, apply the glaze just before serving.
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Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries work wonderfully in the dough for a bit of extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently before shaping the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen, especially as the weather cools and comfort food cravings kick in. I love sharing these with friends because they taste like a warm hug, full of seasonal spices but still light enough to enjoy anytime. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how simple it is to make bakery-quality scones right at home, and I promise everyone will be asking for your recipe!
PrintPumpkin Scones with Vanilla and Cinnamon Glazes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 scones
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with cozy fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Perfectly sweetened and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze and a spiced cinnamon glaze drizzle, they make an ideal treat for breakfast or afternoon tea during the autumn season.
Ingredients
For the Scone:
- 4¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
For the Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, heavy whipping cream, and eggs until smooth. Set this mixture aside to use in the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and all the spices (ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon) until well combined. Add the cold butter cubes and mix on low speed until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs.
- Add Pumpkin Mixture and Form Dough: Gradually add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. The dough will be crumbly; use your hands to bring it together. If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle in approximately 1/4 cup of flour until manageable.
- Shape and Cut Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured Silpat or clean surface, shape each half into a 12×6 inch rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make three vertical cuts to form 3 rectangles, then cut each rectangle in an ‘X’ shape, followed by one horizontal cut across the middle. This creates 18 triangular scones.
- Bake the Scones: Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 13 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Repeat the shaping and baking process with the remaining dough portion. Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Using a pastry brush, gently paint the tops of each cooled scone with the vanilla glaze.
- Prepare and Drizzle Cinnamon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and heavy cream until smooth. Transfer the glaze into a ziplock bag and snip off one corner. Drizzle the glaze over the scones evenly. Let the glaze set and dry for about 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the glazes have dried, your pumpkin scones are ready to be enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Storage: Best consumed within a couple of days of baking. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: These scones freeze well. Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Handling Dough: If dough feels too sticky, gradually add flour while shaping to prevent sticking without making the scones dense.
- Baking: Do not overbake to retain moistness and tenderness in the scones.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg