Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that brings together the warmth of fall and the joy of sweets, look no further than Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones. These perfectly spiced, moist, and tender scones combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, making them an irresistible option for fall mornings or afternoon snacks. With their crumbly texture and fragrant aroma, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones capture everything we love about seasonal baking in one bite, guaranteed to brighten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Fall Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy taste profile that feels just right for autumn.
• Moist Yet Flaky Texture: These scones manage to be both tender and flaky, satisfying every texture craving.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Snack or Breakfast: Whether paired with coffee or enjoyed solo, these scones fit any time of the day.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit dietary preferences or add your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones plays a vital role, combining to create the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. From the richness of pumpkin puree to the sweetness of chocolate chips, these ingredients are simple yet essential for scone success.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable autumn taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances pumpkin’s earthiness with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps create a light, fluffy scone.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that deepen the flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Cut into the flour to create the flaky, tender texture we all love.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Heavy Cream: Keeps the dough moist and adds tenderness.
• Chocolate Chips: The sweet melty pockets that make these scones utterly irresistible.

Variations for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

Feel free to tailor Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones to your taste or dietary needs—adapting this recipe is as simple as swapping out a few ingredients or adding something special.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these scones accessible for everyone.
• Vegan Twist: Substitute butter with coconut oil and replace the egg with a flax egg for a plant-based version.
• Nutty Upgrade: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
• Spiced Up: Add ginger or cloves for an extra warm, spiced experience.
• Alternate Mix-Ins: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, dried cranberries, or butterscotch chips for a new flavor dimension.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent flavor and rise.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, quickly work the butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter visible—this step is key to achieving scones’ signature flakiness.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg, and heavy cream. Whisk gently until smooth and well combined to infuse moisture and richness into your dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Make a well in the center of the flour and butter mixture, then pour in the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined—overmixing can result in tougher scones.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough. This will guarantee every scone has those melty pockets of chocolate we’re all dreaming of.

Step 6: Shape and Cut the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into an 8-inch circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy their perfect tender crumb and flaky exterior.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

• Keep Butter Cold: Using cold butter is crucial for creating flaky layers—don’t let it soften too much before mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough just until combined to avoid dense, tough scones.
• Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 20 minutes before shaping to make cutting easier.
• Use Fresh Spices: For the best pumpkin spice flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Test Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to get those scones to rise evenly and develop golden edges.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

Garnishes

A drizzle of maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these scones with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to accentuate their spiced chocolate profile. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of clotted cream, honey, or pumpkin butter for guests to customize their bites. You can also slice scones in half and spread with a smear of cream cheese mixed with cinnamon for an extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warm to restore their flaky texture, or microwave for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the most convenient choice, just make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones healthy?

While delicious, these scones are a treat due to sugar and butter, but pumpkin adds fiber and vitamins, making them a bit more wholesome than typical desserts.

Can I substitute chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! You can swap chocolate chips for dried fruit, nuts, or different flavored chips like white chocolate or butterscotch.

How do I make these scones vegan?

Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, swap the egg for a flax or chia egg, and use plant-based milk instead of heavy cream.

What’s the best way to store scones for freshness?

The best method is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing quite like the cozy combination of flavors in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones to brighten your mornings or satisfy your snack cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and endlessly customizable. So grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and treat yourself to some seasonal magic with every bite of these scrumptious scones.

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