If you adore cozy, comforting treats that marry wholesome textures with autumn flavors, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe. These scones offer the perfect blend of hearty oats and velvety pumpkin, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery crumb. Each bite bursts with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making this recipe an inviting way to welcome the season or simply brighten up your breakfast or afternoon tea. They are easy to make, wonderfully rustic, and bring that perfect hint of sweetness that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the rolled oats that add delightful texture to the pumpkin purée infusing moisture and color, every element plays a key role in crafting these scrumptious scones.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): Provides a chewy, rustic texture and nutty flavor essential for oatmeal scones.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives structure and tenderness to the scones.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds rich sweetness and a subtle molasses note that complements the pumpkin.
- Baking powder (2½ teaspoons): The leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder for perfect leavening and lightness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and spices.
- Ground nutmeg (ÂĽ teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the pumpkin spice profile.
- Ground cinnamon (ÂĽ teaspoon): Provides that classic autumn aroma and taste that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed (½ cup): Brings luscious richness and flakiness when cut into the dry mix.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness to the dough, keeping scones tender.
- Pumpkin purée (¼ cup): The star ingredient that flavors, adds moisture, and imparts a beautiful orange hue.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together while contributing to the scones’ delicate texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Used for cinnamon sugar topping that adds a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Cinnamon sugar (½ cup): Sprinkled on top to create a perfect sugary crust with a hint of spice.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
- Pure maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Used in the glaze for a subtle sweetness and shine.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens the glaze to drizzled perfection.
- Maple extract (ÂĽ teaspoon, optional): Boosts the maple flavor in the glaze for extra warmth and complexity.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 425°F (218°C). Make sure it’s fully heated before you pop in those scones—that initial blast of heat is what helps them rise perfectly. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your scones from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Process the Oats
Place the rolled oats into a food processor and pulse them until they take on the consistency of coarse flour with some texture still visible. This step is crucial because it ensures you get that lovely oatmeal texture throughout your scones without them being too dense or gritty.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter into your dry ingredients—this mix should include the processed oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter, blend the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized butter bits remaining. These butter bits will melt during baking and create beautifully flaky layers.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and pumpkin purée until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture brings moisture and a distinct pumpkin flavor to the scones while ensuring a tender crumb.
Step 5: Combine Dough Carefully
Gently fold the wet ingredients into your dry mixture just until a soft dough forms. It’s okay if you still see some bits of flour because overmixing can make scones tough instead of tender. This careful mixing keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, transfer the dough and gently knead it into a roughly 12-inch (30 cm) wide disc about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Avoid pressing it down too much, as you want to maintain that airy, tender texture inside your scones.
Step 7: Cut and Arrange Scones
Slice the disc into 8 even triangles, keeping these pieces close together on the baking sheet. This closeness traps moisture and helps your scones bake evenly, giving you soft yet sturdy edges perfect for dipping or spreading.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar thoroughly over the scones, followed by chopped pecans if you’re using them. Press these toppings lightly into the dough so they stick well during baking, forming a sweet, crunchy crust enhanced by the toasted nuts.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the scones look set and have a lovely golden hue. When touched gently, they should feel firm but spring back slightly—this is your cue that they are perfectly baked through.
Step 10: Glaze and Cool
Once baked, give the scones about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk together maple syrup, milk, and optional maple extract to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle this over the warm scones and let it set, adding a shiny, sweet finish that beautifully complements the pumpkin spice flavors within.
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added sweetness and sparkle. Freshly chopped pecans or a light drizzle of extra maple syrup make fantastic finishing touches, adding texture and flavor that elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
These scones shine when paired with creamy spreads like honey butter, pumpkin butter, or tangy cream cheese. A hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or warm apple cider completes the comforting vibe, turning any morning or afternoon into a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve your scones family-style on a rustic wooden board lined with a seasonal napkin. Add small bowls of whipped cream, cinnamon butter, or jam alongside for a charming DIY scone bar. You can also slice scones in half and fill them with a dollop of spiced mascarpone or your favorite nut butter for a fun upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the texture delightfully tender yet fresh, so you can enjoy them without any compromise.
Freezing
To keep your Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe fresh longer, freeze baked and cooled scones in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. When you want a treat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes to revive their fresh-baked goodness.
Reheating
Reheat scones gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method refreshes their texture perfectly, restoring that just-baked flakiness and warming the pumpkin-spice flavors. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I substitute the heavy cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk or a mix of milk and melted butter can work, though the scones may be a bit less rich and tender. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk.
Is it necessary to pulse the oats in a food processor?
Yes, pulsing the oats helps break them down slightly so they integrate better into the dough, creating that lovely oatmeal texture without making the scones dense or chewy. If you prefer, you can omit this step for a chunkier texture but the scones won’t hold together quite as well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and replace the heavy cream with non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. Use a flax or chia egg in place of the regular egg to bind the dough.
What can I use instead of pumpkin purée?
While pumpkin purée is key for flavor and moisture, you can substitute with sweet potato purée or canned butternut squash purée. These alternatives offer a similar texture and sweetness with a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
Look for a golden color on top and firmer edges. When you press gently on a scone, it should bounce back slightly instead of feeling doughy or soft. If unsure, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug from the oven, you absolutely must try this Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weekday pick-me-up but special enough to impress friends and family on the weekends. Once you get these scones in your routine, pumpkin season will feel that much sweeter all year round!
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Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Scones combine the wholesome texture of rolled oats with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. Soft, tender, and lightly sweetened with cinnamon sugar topping and a maple glaze, they make a perfect autumn breakfast or snack treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar)
- ½ cup (100 g) cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (62 g) pumpkin purée (100% pure pumpkin, no additives)
- 1 large egg
Toppings and Glaze
- Chopped pecans, quantity as desired, for topping (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
- ÂĽ teaspoon maple extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (218°C) and allow it to fully preheat. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Process the Oats: Pulse the rolled oats in a food processor until they resemble a coarse flour with some texture remaining. This creates the right oatmeal texture for the scones.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients mixture. Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse sand with pea-sized bits of butter visible.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and pumpkin purée until combined.
- Combine Dough Carefully: Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Some dry flour bits remaining are acceptable; avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead and shape into a 12-inch (30 cm) wide disc about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Do not flatten the dough more than needed to maintain fluffiness.
- Cut and Arrange Scones: Slice the disc into 8 equal triangles but keep the pieces close together on the baking sheet. This helps retain moisture and ensures even baking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the scones, then evenly distribute chopped pecans on top if using. Press the toppings lightly into the dough to help them adhere during baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the scones are set and lightly golden. Check doneness by touch—the scones should feel firm with a gentle bounce back when pressed.
- Glaze and Cool: Let the scones cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Prepare the glaze by mixing maple syrup, milk, and maple extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and allow it to set to a nice sheen before serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter to create a flaky, tender texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough scones.
- Keep scones close together on the baking sheet to retain moisture.
- Optional chopped pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Allow the glaze to set briefly before serving for best appearance and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
