Vegan Pumpkin Scones

As the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the air becomes crisp and inviting, there's no better way to embrace the autumn season than by indulging in the warm, comforting flavors it brings. These Vegan Pumpkin Scones are the epitome of fall coziness, inviting you to savor every moment of this enchanting time of year. With a delicate balance of aromatic spices and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, these scones are not only a delightful treat but also a heartwarming embrace of all things autumn. Join the fall revolution and create scones that will fill your home with the unmistakable aroma of fall and warm your heart with each scrumptious bite. Let's make them!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

Ingredients for Vegan Pumpkin Scones

Scone Ingredients

1. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): All-purpose flour serves as the base for the scones, providing structure and texture. It's a versatile choice that results in a tender, crumbly scone.
2. Light Brown Sugar (½ cup): Light brown sugar adds sweetness to the scones and contributes to their lovely, delicate caramel undertones, complementing the pumpkin flavor.
3. Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become light and airy.
4. Sea Salt (½ teaspoon): Sea salt enhances the flavor of the scones, bringing out the sweetness of the pumpkin and balancing the spices.
5. Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Cinnamon is the quintessential fall spice that infuses the scones with warm, aromatic flavor and a cozy aroma.
6. Ginger (½ teaspoon): Ginger adds a subtle spiciness and warmth to the scones, complementing the cinnamon and creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
7. Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Nutmeg contributes a nutty, earthy note to the scones, enhancing the overall complexity of the spice profile.
8. Cloves (¼ teaspoon): Cloves introduce a hint of spiciness and earthiness, lending depth to the scones' flavor.
9. Vegan Butter (½ cup, cold): Cold vegan butter is crucial for achieving the scones' flaky texture. It's incorporated into the flour mixture, creating layers that puff up during baking.
10. Pumpkin Puree (⅓ cup): Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, providing both moisture and the signature earthy-sweet pumpkin flavor. It gives the scones their delightful autumn twist.
11. Nondairy Milk (¼ cup + extra for brushing): Nondairy milk helps bind the dough and adds moisture. Brushing the tops with nondairy milk before baking gives the scones a beautiful golden-brown finish.
12. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the scones, making them taste richer and more enticing.

Maple Glaze Ingredients

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Powdered sugar is the base for the glaze, providing sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture.
• Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Maple syrup infuses the glaze with its distinct, rich, and natural sweetness, adding an indulgent autumn flavor that complements the pumpkin scones perfectly.
• Nondairy Milk (1 tablespoon): Nondairy milk in the glaze helps achieve the desired consistency, creating a creamy and drizzle-worthy texture.
• Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adding cinnamon to the glaze reinforces the warm, spiced notes in the scones and imparts a cozy flavor to the overall treat.
• Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves (Pinches of each): These spices in the glaze mirror the spice blend in the scones, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile throughout the entire pastry.
• Salt (Pinch): A pinch of salt in the glaze balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors, resulting in a well-rounded, delightful topping.

Steps to Make Vegan Pumpkin Scones (with pictures)

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix them together well. Place bowl in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes.
2. Cut in the Butter: Cut the cold vegan butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredient mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the cold vegan butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, nondairy milk and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
5. Form and Chill Dough: Use your hands to pull the dough together into a ball in the bowl you are using. Form into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place dough in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.
6. Prep: While the dough is chilling, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  
7. Shape the Scones: Flatten the dough into a circle about 8 inches in diameter. Use a knife or a scone cutter to cut it into 8 equal wedges. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each scone lightly with nondairy milk using a pastry brush and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
8. Bake: Bake scones in preheated oven for 16-20 minutes. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Make the Glaze: Mix all of the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl until completely smooth. Drizzle it over cooled scones.

Tips for Making Vegan Pumpkin Scones

Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly:

1. Use Canned Pumpkin Puree: Opt for canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree is unsweetened and provides the authentic pumpkin flavor you want in your scones.
2. Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure your vegan butter is cold when you incorporate it into cold dry ingredients. Cold butter creates flaky layers in the scones.
3. Don't Over-mix: Mix the dough until it just comes together. Over-mixing can result in tough scones. It's okay if there are a few dry spots; they will come together as you knead the dough.
4. Shape the Dough Gently: When shaping the dough into a circle and cutting scones, handle it as little as possible. Use a light touch to keep the scones tender.
5. Chill Before Baking: After cutting the scones, place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the scones maintain their shape and rise beautifully.
6. Brush with Nondairy Milk: Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra nondairy milk before baking. This adds a nice golden-brown finish.
7. Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the scones as they bake. Over-baking can lead to dry scones. They should be lightly golden on top.
8. Let Them Cool: Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the texture and flavors.
9. Make the Glaze Just Before Serving: Prepare the maple glaze just before serving the scones. Drizzle it over the scones once they have cooled slightly but are still a bit warm.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making scrumptious vegan pumpkin scones that are the perfect autumn snack.

What is a Scone?

A scone is a small, baked, and typically sweet or savory pastry that originated in the United Kingdom. It is a popular treat in various countries, including the UK, Ireland, the United States, and Canada. Scones are known for their distinctive crumbly texture and are often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Key characteristics of scones include:

1. Ingredients: Scones are made from a simple combination of flour, sugar, baking powder or soda, salt, and fat. The fat can be vegan butter, margarine, or shortening. For sweet scones, ingredients like sugar and sometimes nondairy cream or milk are added.
2. Texture: Scones have a tender and crumbly texture, often described as a cross between bread and cake. The texture is achieved by cutting or rubbing cold fat into the dry ingredients, creating small pockets of fat that melt during baking and create flakiness.
3. Shape: Scones are typically round, triangular, or square in shape.
4. Varieties: Scones come in both sweet and savory varieties. Sweet scones are often flavored with ingredients like fruits (e.g., raisins, currants, or berries), chocolate chips, or spices (e.g., cinnamon or nutmeg). Savory scones can include ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables.
5. Serving: Scones are commonly served as a snack, part of afternoon tea, or as a breakfast item. They are delicious on their own but can be enjoyed with clotted cream and jam for sweet scones, or with butter and savory spreads for savory scones.
6. Accompaniments: When served sweet, scones are often accompanied by clotted cream and jam or their nondairy counterparts. In some regions, they may be referred to as "cream teas" when served this way. For savory scones, they may be served with vegan butter, vegan cheese, or dips.

Scones are a versatile pastry enjoyed worldwide, with variations in recipes and serving styles based on regional preferences.

Difference Between Scones and Biscuits

Scones and biscuits are two distinct types of baked goods, each with its own characteristics. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two:

Ingredients:

1. Scones: Scones typically contain flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and a fat source (often butter or cream). They often include additional ingredients like nondairy milk, or buttermilk for moisture and flavor. Scones can also have sweet or savory add-ins such as fruits, nuts, or spices.
2. Biscuits: Biscuits, particularly in the Southern United States, consist of flour, baking powder, salt, and a fat source (usually nondairy butter or shortening). They are primarily savory and do not contain sugar, eggs, or sweet flavorings.

Texture:

1. Scones: Scones have a tender, crumbly texture that is often sweet and slightly cake-like. They can be soft or slightly dense, depending on the recipe.
2. Biscuits: Biscuits have a flaky and tender texture with distinct layers. They are savory and are known for their buttery, rich flavor.

Flavor:

1. Scones: Scones can be sweet or savory, with sweet scones often featuring ingredients like sugar, fruits, spices, and sometimes a glaze. Savory scones may include herbs, cheese, or vegetables.
2. Biscuits: Biscuits are primarily savory and have a buttery, mild flavor. They are typically served as a side dish with savory meals, such as biscuits and gravy.

Serving Styles:

1. Scones: Scones are often served as a standalone baked treat, a breakfast pastry, or part of afternoon tea. Sweet scones may be paired with clotted cream and jam for cream tea.
2. Biscuits: Biscuits are frequently served as a side dish or part of a meal, such as alongside fried chicken, as a base for biscuits and gravy, or with sausage and eggs for breakfast. Obviously this is different if you follow a vegan lifestyle.

Geographical Variations:

1. Scones: Scones have British origins but are popular in various forms worldwide. In the UK, they are typically sweet and served with tea. In the United States, sweet scones with fruits and glazes are common.
2. Biscuits: Biscuits, particularly the flaky, Southern-style biscuits, are a staple in Southern American cuisine. They are savory and often served with gravy or as a side dish.

In summary, scones and biscuits share some basic ingredients and baking techniques but differ in their primary use, flavor profiles, and textures. Scones are more versatile and can be either sweet or savory, while biscuits are typically savory and are a quintessential part of Southern American cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for vegan pumpkin scones?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, but ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the scones. Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient alternative.

Can I make the dough for vegan pumpkin scones ahead of time and bake it later?

It's best to bake the scones about an hour or so after preparing the dough to maintain their texture and rise. However, you can shape the scones, freeze them, and bake from frozen when needed.

How can I make scones more tender and moist?

To make the scones tender and moist, avoid over-mixing the dough, use cold fat (vegan butter or coconut oil), and be sure not to over-bake them.

Can I skip the maple glaze when making vegan pumpkin scones?

Yes, you can skip the maple glaze if you prefer scones without a sweet topping. The scones will still have a lovely pumpkin flavor.

FAQ's Continued

Can I make mini scones instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes, you can make mini scones by shaping smaller portions of dough and adjusting the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in the scone recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Use about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice as a replacement, adjusting to your taste.

How can I prevent my scones from spreading too much during baking?

To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your vegan butter or fat is cold when incorporated into the dough. Additionally, refrigerate the shaped scones for about 15-20 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze the scone dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the scone dough. Shape the scones, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can place them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Pumpkin Scones

Serving

Serving vegan pumpkin scones is supposed to be fun! There are various ways to enjoy these seasonal treats. Here's how I like to serve them:

1. As a Standalone Treat:
   • Enjoy a vegan pumpkin scone on its own as a delicious, slightly sweet snack. The pumpkin flavor and warm spices make it a satisfying treat.
2. With a Cup of Tea or Coffee:
   • Serve scones with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. The combination of the scone's crumbly texture and the beverage's warmth is a classic pairing.
3. Cream Tea Style:
   • Create a traditional cream tea experience by splitting a scone in half horizontally and spreading vegan clotted cream (made from coconut or cashews) and your favorite fruit jam or preserves on each half. This is a popular way to enjoy sweet scones in the UK.
4. Maple Glaze Drizzle:
   • Drizzle the maple glaze over the scones for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor. The glaze adds a lovely touch of maple indulgence.
5. With Vegan Whipped Cream:
   • Top your scones with a dollop of vegan whipped cream, which adds a light and airy texture to each bite.
6. Fresh Berries or Fruit Compote:
   • Accompany your scones with fresh berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) or a warm fruit compote for a fruity contrast to the scone's sweetness.
7. Dusting of Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon:
   • For a simple and elegant touch, dust your scones with powdered sugar or ground cinnamon just before serving.
8. Nuts or Seeds:
   • Sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds) on top of the scones for added texture and flavor.

Storing

To ensure the freshness and longevity of your vegan pumpkin scones, it's essential to store them properly. Allow your freshly baked scones to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the container.

Place the cooled scones in an airtight container. A plastic container or a sealable plastic bag works well for this purpose. Make sure the container is clean and dry. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and affecting the scones' texture. Vegan pumpkin scones are best stored at room temperature. They should remain fresh for up to 2-3 days when stored this way.

To store scones for an extended period, you can freeze them. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date. You can store frozen scones for up to a month.

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

Print

More Vegan Scone Recipes

• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Scones
• Vegan Blackberry Almond Scones
• Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb Scones