Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Scones Recipe

When autumn arrives and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as baking a batch of warm, spiced pumpkin scones. As a baker, I love creating recipes that blend cozy flavors with soft, crumbly textures — and this Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Scones recipe is one of my personal favorites. The first time I made these scones, my kitchen was filled with that sweet, nostalgic aroma of pumpkin and spice, reminding me why I adore baking during the fall season. These scones bring together the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the warmth of spices, and the richness of buttery dough, making every bite perfectly tender and flavorful.

You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly comforting — the kind of treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a cool morning. The pumpkin gives the scones natural moisture, ensuring they stay soft on the inside while developing a lightly crisp exterior. The glaze adds a sweet, silky finish that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a special afternoon snack, these pumpkin scones will always impress.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste — add more cinnamon for warmth, or a hint of nutmeg for depth. The glaze can be kept simple with vanilla, or infused with maple syrup for a richer, autumn-inspired flavor. You can even mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to personalize your batch. These scones also freeze beautifully, so you can bake them ahead and enjoy them whenever you like.

Affordability is another advantage of this recipe. All the ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly. You don’t need any special equipment or fancy ingredients — just simple pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary. A can of pumpkin puree, a few spices, and some flour can be transformed into a bakery-worthy treat that tastes like fall in every bite.

Ingredients for the Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Scones Recipe:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk or cream

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Prepare This Recipe 

Making these Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Scones is a delightful and simple process that fills your kitchen with the warm, cozy scent of autumn spices. The key to perfect scones lies in keeping the dough cold and working it gently to maintain a tender, flaky texture. This recipe is quick, easy, and adaptable — ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers who love the comforting flavors of fall.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures the scones bake evenly and prevents sticking. Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated. The blend of spices gives these scones their signature pumpkin flavor, so make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the flour.

Add the cold butter cubes into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small bits of butter left in the dough help create flaky layers during baking. It’s important to keep the butter cold; this ensures the scones remain light and tender rather than dense.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This wet mixture adds moisture and flavor, binding the dough without making it sticky. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding it together with a spatula until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix; the less you handle the dough, the fluffier your scones will be.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. This classic shape helps the scones bake evenly and gives them that signature rustic look. Place the wedges onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for rising.

Before baking, you can brush the tops lightly with a bit of heavy cream or milk. This small step gives the scones a beautiful golden-brown finish once baked. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the tops are firm and lightly browned. The aroma that fills the kitchen will be incredible — rich, buttery, and spiced with the essence of fall.

Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Cooling helps the texture set while keeping the inside moist. While they cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; you can adjust the consistency by adding a few extra drops of milk if needed.

When the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Each scone will have a lovely sheen and a sweet contrast to the spiced interior.

Quick and Easy

These scones are surprisingly quick to make — from start to finish, the process takes less than 30 minutes of active time. There’s no need for complicated techniques or special equipment. Even if you’re short on time, you can whip up a batch in the morning and enjoy them warm for breakfast or brunch.

Customizable

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can stir in chopped pecans or walnuts before shaping the dough. For a sweeter version, try adding mini chocolate chips or a handful of dried cranberries. You can also experiment with different glazes, such as a maple glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar or a cinnamon glaze for an extra layer of spice.

Popular with Many People

These pumpkin scones are a hit wherever they go. Their tender crumb, rich flavor, and cozy spices make them a crowd-pleaser at family breakfasts, bake sales, or holiday gatherings. Even those who don’t usually enjoy pumpkin desserts find themselves reaching for a second one. They’re perfect served alongside coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and they stay delicious for up to three days when stored in an airtight container.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, these scones never fail to impress. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and soft texture, reminding you that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Print

FAQs 

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can. Simply roast or steam fresh pumpkin until tender, then mash or blend it until smooth. Make sure to remove any excess moisture by pressing it gently with paper towels before using it in the recipe.

2. How can I make my scones extra flaky?
The key is to keep the butter and dough cold. Avoid overmixing the dough and handle it as little as possible. Small chunks of cold butter should remain visible before baking — they melt in the oven, creating flaky layers.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, shape it into wedges, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply pop them into the oven. This makes morning baking fast and convenient.

4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute milk or half-and-half. The texture may be slightly lighter, but the flavor will still be rich and delicious.

5. How should I store leftover scones?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their soft texture.