Name: Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 to 2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided; 1¼ cups cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1¾ cups pumpkin puree; 7 tablespoons cold heavy cream, divided; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided; 6 tablespoons cold heavy cream, divided; 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 67 reviews

If you’re looking for a truly delightful way to welcome the flavors of fall into your kitchen, you have to try this Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Imagine tender, flaky scones packed with warm pumpkin pie spice that fills your entire home with cozy aromas, finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that perfectly balances sweet and spice. These scones aren’t just a treat, they’re an experience—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re a pumpkin fan or just in need of a new favorite comfort food, this recipe is going to steal your heart!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, featuring one large white bowl filled with white flour in the center. Surrounding it are smaller clear and white bowls holding different items: mashed orange pumpkin in a clear textured bowl at the top right, milk in a clear bowl at the top left, beaten eggs in a small white cup to the right, white granulated sugar and baking powder in two small white bowls to the left, a small white bowl with honey below the egg, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon near the honey, a small container of salt and black pepper on the lower left side, a clear bowl with white powdered sugar below the flour, and a white bowl on the bottom right containing cubed yellow butter. The scene is bright with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its wonderfully simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color. Every single component—from the flaky cold butter to the warm pumpkin pie spice—plays a key role in creating scones that are both rustic and irresistibly tender.

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting: The foundation for your scones, providing structure and the perfect crumb texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to enhance the pumpkin and spices without overpowering them.
4 tablespoons baking powder: This little leavening agent ensures your scones rise into light, fluffy perfection.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the warm, cozy flavors.
2 to 2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided: The secret spice blend that brings those signature fall aromas right into your kitchen.
1¼ cups cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter is crucial for flaky, tender layers—don’t skip chilling it!
1¾ cups pumpkin puree: Adds moistness and the unmistakable deep pumpkin flavor that makes these scones so special.
7 tablespoons cold heavy cream, divided: Adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden crust on the scones.
6 tablespoons cold heavy cream, divided: Used later for the sweet and silky vanilla glaze that ties the whole recipe together.
1 large egg, lightly beaten: Acts as the perfect binder, giving the dough its just-right texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided: Infuses both dough and glaze with warm, sweet fragrance.
2 cups confectioners’ sugar: The base for the dreamy, smooth vanilla glaze that finishes the scones beautifully.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those scones from sticking and ensure an even bake. This sets the stage for perfectly golden, bakery-style results at home.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin pie spice. Then, add the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut that butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter pieces create those delightful flaky pockets in your scones—this step is essential for texture!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, 6 tablespoons of heavy cream, the beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a fork, just until a rough dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon of cream—it’s all about achieving the right balance so the dough holds together but isn’t sticky.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Scones

Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn the dough out onto it. Knead just a few times until it holds together, then pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 12 wedges with a sharp knife or bench scraper—the cleaner the cut, the better they’ll bake. Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling is key for helping the scones keep their shape and rise beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

After chilling, brush the tops of the scones with the remaining 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and sprinkle with the leftover ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This gives that extra pop of spice and a gorgeous golden color. Bake for about 25 minutes until the scones are puffed and golden on top. Let them sit a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Sweet Vanilla Glaze

While the scones are cooling, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar with the remaining 6 tablespoons of cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more cream if needed. The glaze should be luscious but pourable, ready to add that irresistible finishing touch.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled scones and let it set for about 10 minutes. That final step elevates your spiced pumpkin scones into a treat that everyone will ask for again and again!

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Recipe

The image shows several triangular pumpkin scones with a golden-orange color spread on a white marbled surface. Each scone is topped with a light drizzle of white icing, unevenly applied, giving a simple textured look. The scones have crumbly edges and a soft, slightly rough texture. Some broken pieces and crumbs are scattered around, showing the softness inside. The scene is bright with natural light highlighting the colors and textures of the scones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra sparkle, sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or some finely chopped toasted pecans over the glaze after drizzling. These simple garnishes add texture and visual appeal that make the scones look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve your scones alongside a steaming cup of coffee, rich chai latte, or fragrant spiced tea to complement all those cozy autumn notes. Fresh fruit or a small bowl of creamy yogurt also pairs wonderfully for a balanced brunch experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these scones to a gathering, arrange them in a circle on a rustic wooden board with small jars of honey or cinnamon butter for guests to customize. You can even split one and add a swipe of cream cheese for a decadent twist that will impress everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their tender crumb and flaky texture. For longer storage, refrigeration extends their freshness up to 4–5 days.

Freezing

Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Recipe scones freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling (but before glazing), wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. When ready, thaw at room temperature, then glaze just before serving.

Reheating

To revive your scones, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. If you glaze ahead of time, make sure the scones are fully cooled before glazing to keep the icing from melting off during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and is a great time-saver without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

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

You can easily mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Just combine these spices to make up the amount needed and enjoy those warm fall flavors.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help keep the dough together.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable for drizzling. Adjust with more cream to thin or more sugar to thicken until you find the perfect balance.

Are these scones best served warm or at room temperature?

While delicious at room temperature, these scones taste truly special when served slightly warm so the vanilla glaze is soft but set, and the inside is tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of everything great about fall baking: warm spices, tender pumpkin, flaky texture, and a sweet finish that feels a little like magic. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do. So grab your mixing bowls and your cozy sweater, because your new favorite pumpkin treat is just a few steps away!