Pumpkin Oat Scones: A Cozy Fall Baking Adventure
Fall is officially here, and that means it’s time to embrace all things pumpkin! If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting treat to bake this season, look no further than these pumpkin oat scones. They’re incredibly easy to make, packed with warm spices, and have a delightful crumbly texture that’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a crisp autumn morning.
These scones are not only delicious but also offer a slightly healthier twist on traditional scones, thanks to the addition of oats. Oats contribute a subtle nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture that complements the pumpkin beautifully. Plus, they add a boost of fiber, making these scones a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of pumpkin spice as we embark on this baking adventure! This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you create perfectly golden and flavorful pumpkin oat scones every time.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Oat Scones
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and oats creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
* **Perfectly Textured:** These scones boast a delightful crumbly texture with a hint of chewiness from the oats.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy them plain, with butter, jam, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
* **Fall-Inspired:** They’re the perfect treat to celebrate the autumn season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of our scones, providing structure and a tender crumb. (3 cups)
* **Rolled Oats:** Adds a nutty flavor, slightly chewy texture, and extra fiber. (1/2 cup)
* **Granulated Sugar:** Sweetens the scones and helps with browning. (1/2 cup)
* **Baking Powder:** Leavens the scones, giving them a light and airy texture. (2 teaspoons)
* **Baking Soda:** Works with the baking powder to provide additional lift. (1/2 teaspoon)
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. (1/2 teaspoon)
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** The key to that warm and comforting fall flavor. (2 teaspoons)
* **Unsalted Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating those flaky layers in the scones. (1/2 cup, very cold and cubed)
* **Pumpkin Puree:** Adds moisture, flavor, and that beautiful orange color. (1 cup)
* **Milk or Buttermilk:** Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture. (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon for brushing)
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor. (1 teaspoon)
* **Optional: Coarse Sugar:** For sprinkling on top before baking, adding a touch of sparkle and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Pumpkin Oat Scones
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create delicious pumpkin oat scones:
**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the scones from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
**Step 3: Cut in the Butter**
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This step is crucial for creating flaky layers in your scones. The colder the butter, the better.
**Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients**
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract. Make sure the pumpkin puree is smooth and there are no lumps.
**Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a fork or spatula to gently combine the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfectly fine.
**Step 6: Shape the Scones**
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circle, about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges (like pizza slices). Alternatively, you can use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out individual scones. If you use a cookie cutter, gently re-roll the scraps to cut out more scones.
**Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet**
* Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even baking.
**Step 8: Brush with Milk and Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional)**
* Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk (or buttermilk). This will help them brown beautifully in the oven. If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a touch of sparkle and sweetness. This step is optional but highly recommended!
**Step 9: Bake**
* Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
**Step 10: Cool and Enjoy**
* Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Oat Scones
* **Use Cold Butter:** This is the most important tip for creating flaky scones. The cold butter creates pockets of air that expand in the oven, resulting in a light and airy texture. Make sure your butter is very cold before you start.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough scones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Use a Light Hand:** When patting out the dough, be gentle and avoid pressing down too hard. This will help keep the scones light and fluffy.
* **Bake at the Right Temperature:** A hot oven is essential for achieving golden brown scones with a crispy exterior. Make sure your oven is properly preheated.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in dry scones. Bake them until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to add other ingredients to your scones, such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple glaze.
* **Freeze for Later:** These scones freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
Variations and Additions
The beauty of scones lies in their versatility. Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Oat Scones:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent treat. Dark chocolate chips pair particularly well with pumpkin.
* **Cranberry Pumpkin Oat Scones:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the dough for a festive twist. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.
* **Nutty Pumpkin Oat Scones:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
* **Maple Glazed Pumpkin Oat Scones:** Drizzle the cooled scones with a maple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
* **Spiced Pumpkin Oat Scones:** Add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to the dough for an even more intense spiced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin oat scones are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Butter:** Spread a generous amount of butter on a warm scone for a classic treat.
* **Jam:** Pair your scones with your favorite jam or preserves. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam are all excellent choices.
* **Clotted Cream:** For a truly indulgent experience, serve your scones with clotted cream and jam.
* **Maple Syrup:** Drizzle the scones with maple syrup for a sweet and sticky treat.
* **Whipped Cream:** Top your scones with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy dessert.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy your scones with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect fall afternoon treat.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may become slightly drier over time.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the scones. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
Pumpkin Oat Scones Recipe
Here’s the complete recipe for these delightful pumpkin oat scones:
**Yields:** 8 scones
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* 1 cup pumpkin puree
* 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Optional: Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently combine until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
7. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cookie cutter to cut out scones.
8. Transfer scones to the prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pumpkin Oat Scones!
These pumpkin oat scones are the perfect way to welcome the fall season. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these cozy and comforting treats. Happy baking!