If you’re craving a cozy treat that captures the magic of autumn, you have to try this Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe. Picture tender, golden scones bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors and a luscious maple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in baked form, perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or anytime you want to spoil yourself with something delightfully comforting. Simple to make yet impressively delicious, these pumpkin scones bring all the festive vibes to your kitchen and might just become your new fall favorite.

The image shows a close-up of warm, orange-brown soft cookies with a rough texture. The cookies have creamy light beige icing drizzled on top in thin lines, and large sugar crystals sprinkled over the icing, adding sparkle and crunch. One cookie is broken in half, showing a moist and fluffy inside. The cookies are placed on a round white plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create scones that are tender, flavorful, and beautifully textured. Each component plays an essential role, from the pumpkin puree adding moisture and color to the pumpkin spice warming every bite.

Frozen unsalted butter: Grating cold butter creates flaky layers in the dough for perfect scones.
Cold heavy cream: Adds richness and helps bind the dough without making it dense.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings moistness and that iconic fall flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure; measure carefully for best results.
Light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel sweetness and balances the spices.
Baking powder: Leavens the scones so they rise tender and soft.
Pumpkin spice: Infuses warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Cinnamon: Enhances the cozy spice profile essential to pumpkin treats.
Fine sea salt: Amplifies all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Sparkling sugar: Adds a lovely crunch and sparkle on top of each scone.
Powdered sugar: For the maple glaze, providing smooth sweetness.
Maple syrup: Infuses the glaze with deep, natural sweetness and rich flavor.
Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a silky glaze that perfectly coats the scones.

How to Make Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Get Ready

Start by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside. Then, grate the frozen butter using a box grater and pop it back in the freezer; this cold butter is essential for creating flaky scones. In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and pumpkin puree, then refrigerate—keeping everything chilly is key to a tender texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and sea salt. Add in the grated frozen butter and toss it through the dry ingredients, coating the butter pieces—this will create pockets of butter that give you flaky layers as the scones bake.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry mix and pour in the cold pumpkin cream mixture. Gently stir with a rubber spatula until the mixture almost comes together, then use your hands to pick up the dough and let it fall through your fingers. This encourages even hydration without overworking the dough. Chill the covered bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes, helping the butter stay cold and the dough firm up slightly.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Scones

Dump the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 7.5-inch round shape, being careful not to over-handle. Cut the round into eight wedges, like you would a pizza, and place them spaced out on the lined baking tray. Sprinkle sparkling sugar on top for a delightful crunch. Pop the tray back into the fridge while your oven preheats to 400°F (205°C), maintaining a cold temperature for better rise and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the scones for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers still feel soft to the touch. This creates that perfect tender crumb inside with a lightly crisp exterior. Let the pan cool on a wire rack before moving on to glazing—this keeps the scones from getting soggy underneath the glaze.

Step 6: Whip Up the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and melted unsalted butter until smooth. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to thicken slightly. Once your scones have cooled a bit, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. The sticky, maple sweetness sets just enough to create a beautiful finishing touch full of flavor.

How to Serve Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe

Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an extra bit of flair, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top of the glaze. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also add a charming snow-kissed look. These little touches not only elevate the presentation but add texture and depth to every bite.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai, freshly brewed coffee, or your favorite black tea. Add some creamy butter or homemade pumpkin butter on the side for those indulgent moments. A bowl of fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, can bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced scones.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your scones on a rustic wooden board lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy, inviting look. You might also serve them alongside mini jars of maple syrup and honey for guests to drizzle according to their taste. For a brunch spread, pile them high with bowls of whipped cream and cinnamon sugar to let everyone customize their bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover scones (and you just might), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh without drying out. Just make sure the glaze has completely set before storing to avoid sticky messes.

Freezing

To enjoy these Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe later, you can freeze unglazed scones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, then bake for a few minutes to refresh before glazing and serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual scones in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This restores their crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them tough or soggy. Once warm, drizzle on fresh maple glaze if desired to revive that irresistible sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly well and is actually the standard choice for most pumpkin recipes. Just be sure it’s plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice blend on hand?

No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice in the proportions you like. This lets you tailor the spice level to your preference.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results might vary slightly in texture. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the gluten’s structure.

Is it possible to make the glaze dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the melted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The glaze will still have rich flavor and the perfect consistency for drizzling.

How do I get flaky layers in my scones?

The key to flaky scones is keeping the butter cold and handling the dough gently. Grating the frozen butter ensures it stays cold and disperses evenly, and chilling the dough before baking helps create those perfect layers.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about baking Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe at home. From the warm spices filling your kitchen to the first bite of soft, tender scone with sweet maple drizzle, it’s an experience worth savoring. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, this recipe brings cozy autumn magic to your table every time. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!

Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe