Pumpkin Scones Copycat: Bake the Perfect Fall Treat at Home

Pumpkin Scones Copycat recipes are flooding the internet, but have you ever wondered why everyone is so obsessed with recreating this bakery favorite? Imagine biting into a warm, subtly spiced scone, its tender crumb practically melting in your mouth, all while the aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon fills your senses. That’s the magic of a truly great pumpkin scone, and it’s precisely what we’re aiming for today.

While scones themselves have a rich history in British baking, the pumpkin spice craze is a relatively modern phenomenon, particularly in North America. It’s a flavor profile that evokes feelings of autumn, cozy gatherings, and, of course, Thanksgiving. The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a comforting warmth that’s hard to resist.

But what makes these Pumpkin Scones Copycat recipes so popular? It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The slight sweetness, the delicate crumb, and the optional glaze make for a truly satisfying treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy that bakery-fresh taste without leaving your kitchen. So, let’s dive in and create our own version of this beloved fall classic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup buttermilk, plus more for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Let’s Get Baking!

Okay, friends, let’s dive into making these amazing pumpkin scones! I promise, they’re easier than you think, and the result is totally worth it. We’ll break it down step-by-step so you can follow along easily.

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is nicely combined so those spices are evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly!), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter still visible – these little pockets of butter will create those flaky layers we all love in a good scone.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. The dough will be slightly sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.
5. Turn Out and Shape: Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 wedges.

Making the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

While the dough chills, let’s whip up that irresistible streusel topping. It adds the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Again, you want to see small pieces of butter.

Assembling and Baking:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together and getting those scones into the oven!

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Arrange Scones: Carefully transfer the scone wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Brush with Buttermilk: Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra buttermilk. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven.
4. Sprinkle with Streusel: Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping evenly over the tops of the scones. Don’t be shy!
5. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary!
6. Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Vanilla Glaze:

While the scones are cooling, let’s prepare the vanilla glaze. This adds the perfect finishing touch of sweetness and makes them extra special.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed), and vanilla extract until smooth. You want a glaze that is thick enough to coat the scones but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Glaze the Scones: Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the tops. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise application.
3. Let Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent it from being too sticky.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Scones:

• Use Cold Butter: This is crucial for creating flaky scones. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it melts in the oven, resulting in those beautiful layers.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Handle Gently: Be gentle when shaping and transferring the scones. Rough handling can also lead to tough scones.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet scone, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and/or the glaze.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra decadent treat, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
• Freeze for Later: These scones freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the oven.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice. You can also add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the dough.
• Serving Suggestions: These pumpkin scones are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade pumpkin scones! I hope you love them as much as I do. They’re the perfect treat for a cozy fall morning or any time you’re craving a little bit of pumpkin spice goodness.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe this Pumpkin Scones Copycat recipe is an absolute must-try this season. From the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake to the perfectly crumbly texture and the delightful blend of pumpkin spice, these scones are a little slice of autumn heaven. They’re so much more than just a breakfast treat; they’re an experience.

Think about it: a crisp fall morning, a steaming mug of coffee or tea, and a freshly baked pumpkin scone still slightly warm to the touch. Can you imagine anything more comforting? And the best part is, you don’t have to brave the crowds or spend a fortune at a fancy coffee shop to enjoy this seasonal favorite. You can whip up a batch of these beauties right in your own kitchen, and I promise, they’ll be even better than the original!

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! These scones are incredibly versatile. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with some variations?

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Scones: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange to the dough for a burst of fruity flavor.
* Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Scones: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet – the choice is yours!) for a touch of chocolatey goodness.
* Nutty Pumpkin Scones: Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch.
* Glazed Pumpkin Scones: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract to create a simple glaze and drizzle it over the cooled scones.
* Savory Pumpkin Scones: Reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a savory twist. Serve with soup or chili for a comforting meal.

The possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, add-ins, and toppings to create your own signature pumpkin scone.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures! Seriously, these Pumpkin Scones Copycat are so easy to make, even a novice baker can achieve perfect results. The key is to not overmix the dough and to handle it gently. Remember, we’re aiming for a crumbly texture, not a tough one.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible pumpkin scones. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried them, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy baking! Let me know how your Pumpkin Scones Copycat turn out!