Fall is here, and that means it’s time to enjoy delicious flavors! Today, I’m excited to share my easy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Scones recipe. These scones are fluffy, warm, and packed with sweet pumpkin and rich chocolate. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re a simple way to celebrate the season. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping (optional)
To make these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Scones, gather your ingredients first. You need a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. This gives the scones a nice texture. The brown sugar adds sweetness and a rich flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda help the scones rise. Salt and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth. Cold butter is key. It creates flakes in the dough, making the scones light.
You’ll also need canned pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and flavor. Milk, a large egg, and vanilla extract round out the wet ingredients. Lastly, chocolate chips give a sweet surprise in every bite. Optional coarse sugar on top adds crunch.
These ingredients blend to create a fall treat that is both tasty and satisfying. Prepare to savor every bite of these delicious scones!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the scones bake evenly and not stick.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until all dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Next, add the cubed cold butter into the dry mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it. Stop when the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This texture helps your scones stay light.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
1. In another bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. This mix adds moisture and flavor to your scones.
2. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay. Over-mixing can lead to tough scones.
Shaping and Baking
1. Now, gently fold in the chocolate chips. This is where the scones get their sweet touch.
2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut it into wedges like a pizza, or use a round cutter for even shapes.
3. Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet. If you want extra sweetness, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar.
4. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. They should turn golden brown. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.
5. Let the scones cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To make fluffy scones, use cold butter. Cold butter gives scones a nice rise. When you mix it with flour, it forms small lumps. These lumps help create air pockets in the dough.
Do not over-mix the dough. Just stir until the dry and wet ingredients blend. Over-mixing makes scones tough.
You can add fun flavors! Try nuts or dried fruit for extra texture. If you want a spice boost, add more cinnamon or a pinch of ginger.
Serving Suggestions
Scones taste great warm. Serve them with butter or cream for a rich treat. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for a sweet touch.
Pair your scones with coffee or tea. A warm drink complements the flavors well. Enjoy your scones with friends or family for a cozy fall moment.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Scones even more fun by adding nuts or dried fruit. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, can bring sweetness and chewiness. Just mix a half cup of your choice into the dough.
You also can adjust spices to create new flavors. Adding ginger or cloves can give a warm kick. If you like it spicy, add more cinnamon. Experimenting with spices can change the whole taste of your scones.
Dietary Adaptations
For gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that include xanthan gum, which helps with texture. These scones can still be soft and tasty.
If you want vegan scones, you can replace the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Use plant-based milk in place of dairy milk, and substitute coconut oil for butter. These swaps keep the scones just as yummy while meeting your dietary needs.
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your chocolate chip pumpkin scones fresh, store them properly. First, let the scones cool completely. This step stops moisture buildup. After cooling, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. This method keeps them soft and tasty. For best results, eat them within three days.
– Use plastic wrap for individual scones.
– An airtight container works well for a batch.
– Store in a cool, dry place away from heat.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy your scones again, reheating them adds back their warmth. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This method restores their crunch.
If you prefer the microwave, heat for 10-15 seconds. This approach warms them up but may make them softer.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the scones. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How to make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Scones from scratch?
To make these scones, start by mixing the dry ingredients. You need flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then, cut in cold butter until it looks like crumbs. In another bowl, blend pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry mixes gently. Finally, fold in chocolate chips, shape the dough, and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! To do this, cook a small pumpkin until soft, then mash it. Make sure to drain excess water. This will give you a fresh taste in your scones. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
What is the best way to freeze scones?
To freeze scones, first, cool them completely. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven.
How do I know when scones are done baking?
Scones are done when they turn golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your scones are ready. They should feel firm to the touch but soft inside.
In this post, I shared a simple recipe for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Scones. You learned the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for a great bake. I also covered variations for flavors and dietary needs. Lastly, I explained how to store and reheat scones.
Enjoy baking these delicious treats. They are perfect for any occasion. With practice, you’ll master the recipe. Happy baking!
