Embrace the flavors of fall with our Spiced Chai Pumpkin Scones, a warm and cozy treat that’s perfect for crisp autumn mornings or afternoon tea. At Delights Bakery, we’re passionate about crafting fall baking recipes that capture the essence of the season. These cozy desserts combine the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the aromatic warmth of chai spices, delivering a tender, flaky scone that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or savoring a quiet moment, this scones recipe is easy to make and sure to impress. Let’s dive into this autumn treat and bring the flavors of fall to your kitchen!

Why Pumpkin and Chai Spices?

The pairing of pumpkin and chai spices creates a quintessential fall flavor profile:

• Pumpkin Richness: Adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and a vibrant orange hue.
• Chai Warmth: A blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves delivers cozy, aromatic depth.
• Flaky Texture: Scones’ buttery, tender crumb complements the bold flavors.
• Seasonal Appeal: Perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween, or Thanksgiving.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 8 scones

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Cut in Butter: Add cold butter cubes and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine: Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
6. Shape Scones: Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into an 8-inch circle (about 1-inch thick), and cut into 8 wedges. Transfer to the baking sheet.
7. Bake: Brush tops with heavy cream. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and firm. Cool on a wire rack.
8. Make Glaze (Optional): Whisk powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones.

Nutrition: ~250 calories per scone (without glaze), moderate in sugar and fat.

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your spiced chai scones experience with these ideas:

• Tea Pairing: Serve with chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte for a cozy fall vibe.
• Spread Options: Add clotted cream, butter, or maple butter for richness.
• Brunch Platter: Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Gift Idea: Package in a festive tin for a thoughtful fall gift.

Tips for Perfect Spiced Chai Pumpkin Scones

Ensure your autumn treats shine with these expert tips:

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates flaky layers; don’t let it soften.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix dough just until combined to avoid tough scones.
• Chill Dough: If dough is sticky, chill for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Use Pure Pumpkin: Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off to prevent dense scones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overworking Dough: Excessive handling makes scones dense; mix minimally.
• Using Warm Butter: Warm butter melts into the dough, reducing flakiness.
• Skipping the Cream Brush: Brushing with cream ensures a golden, glossy finish.
• Baking Too Long: Overbaking dries out scones; check at 18 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for similar texture.

Can I Freeze the Dough?

Yes, shape scones, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes.

Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin?

Yes, but puree it smooth and drain excess water to match canned consistency.

Can I Skip the Glaze?

Absolutely, the scones are delicious without glaze or with a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.

Final Thoughts

Our Spiced Chai Pumpkin Scones are a delightful addition to your fall baking, bringing warmth and comfort to any occasion. At Delights Bakery, we love sharing cozy desserts that celebrate the season. Try this scones recipe, share your creations in the comments below, and let us know your favorite fall flavors for a chance to feature them!