As the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting pastry to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. And when it comes to cozy fall treats, Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones are the perfect combination of rich flavor, tender texture, and seasonal spices. These buttery scones are filled with a delightful swirl of pumpkin spice filling and topped off with a sweet drizzle of maple glaze — truly capturing the essence of fall in every bite!
What Are Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones?
Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones are a twist on traditional scones, incorporating the classic flavors of autumn, including pumpkin purée and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These scones are not only fluffy and tender, but the pumpkin swirl filling creates a beautiful contrast of textures. The maple glaze is the perfect finishing touch, making these scones as delicious as they are beautiful.
The Origin of Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones
While scones originated in the United Kingdom, where they were traditionally served with tea, this pumpkin spice variation brings in North American influences, especially from the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie. With the fall season synonymous with pumpkins and warm spices, it’s no surprise that this combination has made its way into the world of baked goods. Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones bring together the British tradition of scone-making with the flavors that define autumn in the United States and Canada.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones
These scones use simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, yet they come together to create an unforgettable treat. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 2¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup (180 ml) cold heavy cream or buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pumpkin Swirl Filling:
- ¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze (Optional but Delicious!):
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tsp milk (adjust to consistency)
- Pinch of cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these easy-to-understand steps to create your Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones.
1. Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg
Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. The goal is to form coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. These butter pieces will melt as the scones bake, creating that flaky texture we all love.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
- Heavy cream or buttermilk
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and gently stir until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense scones.
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients for the pumpkin swirl filling:
- Pumpkin purée
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Pumpkin pie spice (or your spice mix)
- Melted butter
Mix well until the filling is smooth and well-combined.
4. Shape & Swirl
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, pat the dough into a 10×8-inch rectangle. Spread the pumpkin swirl filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
Roll the dough up, starting from the long side, just like you would a cinnamon roll. Once rolled up, slice the log in half lengthwise to reveal the pumpkin swirl inside. Twist the two halves together to form a spiral or coil the dough into a circle. Press gently to flatten the dough to about 1½ inches thick.
5. Cut & Bake
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Brush the tops with a little cream to help them brown during baking.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before adding the glaze.
6. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients for the glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Milk (add a little at a time to get the right consistency)
- A pinch of cinnamon
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones for that extra burst of sweetness.
Tips and Variations for Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones
- Keep ingredients cold: The key to flaky scones is cold butter and cream. This helps create pockets of steam as the scones bake, leading to a tender, light texture.
- Add-ins: Feel free to stir in some chopped pecans, white chocolate chips, or even raisins into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: For an extra burst of autumn flavor, sprinkle the tops of the scones with cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Freezing: These scones freeze beautifully. You can freeze them before or after baking. If unbaked, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or buttermilk, though the scones might be slightly less rich. Buttermilk can also add a nice tang and texture to the dough.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into a log, and slice it into wedges. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How should I store leftover scones?
Store the baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, either baked or unbaked.
Conclusion: Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones
Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones are the ultimate fall treat, bringing together the perfect combination of tender scones, spiced pumpkin filling, and a sweet maple glaze. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall brunch, looking for a perfect snack, or just want to indulge in something delicious, these scones have got you covered. With a bit of patience and love, you can easily recreate this autumn-inspired pastry that is sure to warm your heart and home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the scent of freshly baked scones fill your kitchen — autumn has never tasted so good!
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Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones: A Cozy Fall Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 38 mins
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Spice Swirl Scones are a twist on traditional scones, incorporating the classic flavors of autumn, including pumpkin purée and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These scones are not only fluffy and tender, but the pumpkin swirl filling creates a beautiful contrast of textures. The maple glaze is the perfect finishing touch, making these scones as delicious as they are beautiful.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
¾ cup (180 ml) cold heavy cream or buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Swirl Filling:
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
1 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze (optional but delicious):
¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1–2 tsp milk (adjust to consistency)
Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until coarse crumbs form (pea-sized bits of butter are perfect).
In a separate bowl, whisk together cream (or buttermilk), egg, and vanilla.
Add wet ingredients to dry and gently stir until the dough just starts to come together — don’t overmix.
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Swirl
In a small bowl, mix pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Shape & Swirl
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 10×8-inch rectangle.
Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the surface.
Gently roll the dough up (from the long side) into a log, like a cinnamon roll.
Slice the log in half lengthwise, exposing the swirled layers.
Twist the two halves together, then coil or shape into a circle and flatten slightly to about 1½ inches thick.
Cut into 8 wedges.
5. Bake
Place scones on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
Brush tops with a little cream for color.
Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before glazing.
6. Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and cinnamon until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled scones.
Notes
Drizzle the scones with a simple cinnamon or vanilla glaze while still warm for extra sweetness and a beautiful finish. They’re perfect for cozy mornings or holiday brunches!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Scones, Pumpkin Swirl Scones, Fall Spice Scones, Pumpkin Glazed Scones, Autumn Scones Recipe
