My apologies for the lack of posting these past couple of weeks. Things have been a little busy at work AND we have been having computer issues. All seems to be fixed now after completely wiping our hard drive and restoring everything, so fingers crossed that we don’t have any more problems! My only problem is that I forgot to transfer all of my bookmarked websites. I have been collecting and filing recipes for two years on this computer and had them all organized perfectly. I thought I was going to cry when I realized they were all gone!
I’m having a hard time finding recipes featuring pumpkin that aren’t in the breakfast or dessert category. Or maybe those are just the recipes I’m drawn to… Regardless, these scones will not disappoint. The addition of cinnamon chips and crystallized ginger really bring together the flavors of fall. These would be perfect with a nice hot mug of steaming apple cider!
Pumpkin Scones
makes 12 scones, adapted from King Arthur Flour
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1 cup to 2 cups minced crystallized ginger, cinnamon chips, or chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 2 large eggs
- coarse white sparkling sugar, for topping
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Work in the butter just until the mixture is unevenly crumbly; it’s OK for some larger chunks of butter to remain unincorporated.
Stir in the ginger and/or chips, if you’re using them.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin and eggs till smooth.
Add the pumpkin/egg to the dry ingredients and stir until all is moistened and holds together.
Line a baking sheet with parchment; if you don’t have parchment, just use it without greasing it. Sprinkle a bit of flour atop the parchment or pan.
Scrape the dough onto the floured parchment or pan, and divide it in half. Round each half into a 5″ circle (if you haven’t incorporated any add-ins); or a 6″ circle (if you’ve added 2 cups of fruit, nuts, etc.). The circles should be about 3/4″ thick.
Brush each circle with milk, and sprinkle with coarse white sparkling sugar or cinnamon sugar, if desired.
Using a knife or bench knife that you’ve run under cold water, slice each circle into 6 wedges.
Carefully pull the wedges away from the center to separate them just a bit; there should be about 1/2″ space between them, at their outer edges.
For best texture and highest rise, place the pan of scones in the freezer for 30 minutes, uncovered. While the scones are chilling, preheat the oven to 425°F.
Bake the scones for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean, with no wet crumbs. If you pull one of the scones away from the others, the edges should look baked through, not wet or doughy.
Remove the scones from the oven, and serve warm. Wrap any leftovers airtight, and store at room temperature. Reheat very briefly in the microwave, if desired.
As always, check out the Seasonal Potluck link page for more great seasonal recipes!
