Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, comforting treat, you cannot go wrong with this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones Recipe. Imagine tender, flaky scones bursting with warm autumn spices and a rich, creamy pumpkin flavor, perfectly balanced by a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend morning or impressing guests at a fall brunch, these scones bring a perfect blend of sweetness and spice that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This recipe is straightforward, yet delivers bakery-quality results that will quickly become your new seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each carefully chosen to create that signature tender texture, subtle spice, and rich flavor. Every element, from the fresh pumpkin puree to the chilled butter, plays a crucial role in bringing these scones to life.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour: Use fresh flour for the most tender and flaky crumb.
• 1/3 cup (67g) brown sugar: Packed light or dark for added moisture and depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder: A reliable brand ensures your scones rise beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances spice flavors.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (3.3g) ground cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon adds that warm, aromatic kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon (1.1g) ground nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg intensifies the cozy spice notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon (1.1g) ground ginger: Quality ground ginger gives a subtle zing and complexity.
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground cloves: A pinch of cloves rounds out the pumpkin spice blend perfectly.
• 1/2 cup (120g) pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin with no additives for the best flavor and texture.
• 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream: Adds richness and tenderness; plus 1 tablespoon for brushing tops.
• 1 large egg: At room temperature to help bind ingredients without toughening the dough.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and complements the spices beautifully.
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted cold butter: High quality and well chilled to create those flaky layers.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Setting this aside now means you’ll be ready once your scones are shaped.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices. This evenly distributes the leavening and warm flavors so every bite is perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla until smooth. This mixture will add moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin richness.

Step 4: Cut in the Cold Butter

Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients and toss lightly until coated. Then, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter in until the texture looks like coarse, pebbly sand. This step is key to creating flaky layers in your scones.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour and butter blend. Gently fold with a spatula just until no dry flour remains—overmixing will make the scones dense, so be delicate here.

Step 6: Knead the Dough Lightly

Turn the sticky dough onto a floured surface and knead just enough for it to hold together. Minimal handling ensures a tender, crumbly texture instead of a tough scone.

Step 7: Shape Into a Circle

Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Measuring for an even thickness helps the scones bake uniformly and rise beautifully.

Step 8: Cut Into Triangles

Using a sharp knife, slice the dough circle into 8 equal triangles. Slice straight down firmly to keep neat edges and prevent dragging the dough.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Arrange the scones on your prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15-20 minutes. This chilling step is essential for maintaining shape and promoting a light, flaky rise.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

While the scones chill, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack in the center to ensure even baking.

Step 11: Brush and Bake

Brush the scones with a tablespoon of heavy cream to encourage a golden, glossy crust. Bake for 15–22 minutes, watching closely at the 15-minute mark and rotating the pan halfway through if needed for even color.

Step 12: Cool Before Icing

Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents the cream cheese icing from melting away and keeps your scones looking as gorgeous as they taste.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones Recipe

Garnishes

For a classic touch, drizzle with cream cheese icing or dust lightly with powdered sugar. You can also add chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for extra texture and sparkle.

Side Dishes

Serve these scones alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or fresh brewed coffee—both perfectly complement the warm spices. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears also pairs wonderfully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking two scones with a spread of whipped cream or pumpkin butter in between for a decadent scone sandwich. Or arrange mini scones on a rustic wooden board for a cozy fall brunch spread that will impress every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and allows you to enjoy that just-baked texture longer.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap individual scones tightly and freeze up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To refresh your scones, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that flaky outer crust and soft, warm interior just like when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with canned pumpkin pie filling?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your scones.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

While the pumpkin spice blend is essential for flavor, if you need to simplify, cinnamon alone will still deliver that warm, seasonal taste.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a high-quality dairy-free margarine and use coconut or almond milk in place of heavy cream, though texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the scones from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overmix or overbake. Mixing just until combined and watching the oven closely will keep your scones tender and moist.

Is this scone recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! The step-by-step instructions make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones Recipe approachable for bakers of all levels and the results are incredibly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

You are going to love how easy and satisfying this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones Recipe is to make. It’s a perfect way to bring inviting autumn flavors into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. I promise once you try these scones, they will become a cherished staple of your seasonal baking routine. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delightful bite!

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