Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

There is something truly magical about Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones that captures the very essence of cozy fall mornings. These scones offer a perfect balance of moist pumpkin flavor combined with the irresistible sweetness of melty chocolate chips, creating a treat that feels like autumn wrapped in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven with a hot cup of coffee or sharing them with friends, these scones are guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to your baking table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Autumn Comfort: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones evoke nostalgic fall flavors that feel both seasonal and comforting.
• Moist and Tender Inside: Thanks to pumpkin puree, these scones maintain a wonderful soft texture without being dry or crumbly.
• Quick and Easy: Despite their gourmet taste, these scones are simple to prepare, ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile Snack or Breakfast: They work beautifully as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or delightful dessert option.
• Customizable Base: The recipe lends itself well to easy ingredient swaps for dietary needs or added flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to form the base of your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones. Each component plays a key role in delivering that perfect blend of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb for the scones.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the scones rise and become light.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that add warmth and fall-inspired aroma.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Cold unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates flaky layers when cut into the dough.
• Pumpkin puree: Brings moisture, softness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Brown sugar: Contributes subtle caramel notes and sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a sweet, aromatic touch.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
• Chocolate chips: Melty pockets of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the pumpkin.
• Heavy cream: Moisturizes the dough and provides tenderness.

Variations for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

One of the best parts about Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones is how easy they are to customize. Whether you want to switch up the flavors, cater to dietary preferences, or experiment with textures, these variations will inspire your baking creativity.

• Walnut or pecan addition: Adding chopped nuts introduces delightful crunch and a nutty depth.
• White chocolate chips: For a sweeter, creamier contrast to pumpkin.
• Gluten-free flour blend: Make them gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
• Maple glaze topping: A simple maple syrup glaze adds extra sweetness and shine.
• Spiced up with ginger or cloves: Enhance the pumpkin spice profile with these warm spices.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of cream.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and spices for consistent flavor and rise.

Step 2: Cut in the cold butter

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small butter pieces create a tender, flaky texture when baked.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients separately

In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and heavy cream. Whisk these until smooth and well blended to get that rich, moist base that will bring your scones to life.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough scones. Fold in the chocolate chips gently so they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape and chill the dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and chill for 20-30 minutes to make slicing easier and to ensure the scones hold their shape.

Step 6: Slice and bake

After chilling, slice the dough into 8 wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with a bit of cream for a golden finish. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

• Keep everything cold: Cold butter and chilled dough are key to flaky textures in scones.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the dough just until ingredients are combined to avoid dense scones.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling.
• Even slicing: Use a sharp knife and measure wedges evenly so scones bake uniformly.
• Brush with cream or egg wash: This simple step gives your scones a lovely golden shine.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

Garnishes

Sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling a thin vanilla glaze adds elegance and extra sweetness, making the scones even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These scones pair wonderfully with warm drinks like chai tea, coffee, or creamy lattes. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones on a rustic wooden board with mini jars of honey, homemade jams, or whipped cream for a cozy fall brunch display that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This preserves their freshness and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy scones warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly, wrapping them in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and keeps your scones moist and flavorful. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but you can experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Absolutely. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and swap heavy cream with a plant-based milk alternative.

How do I prevent scones from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overmix your dough and ensure you use pumpkin puree for moisture. Also, avoid overbaking by checking for just golden edges and a firm center.

Can I add nuts to Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones?

Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or even toasted pumpkin seeds add delightful texture and complement the pumpkin and chocolate flavors perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the flavors of fall is effortless with these dreamy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones. Their moist texture, cozy spices, and pockets of melted chocolate make them a true seasonal favorite to bake and share. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these scones as much as I do—here’s to many delicious mornings with a warm, comforting treat in hand!

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