Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Scones: A Delicious, Cozy Treat

Scones are the perfect blend of comfort and elegance—flaky, buttery on the outside, and soft and tender on the inside. Add the richness of sweet potato or pumpkin, and you’ve got a treat that’s just as satisfying as it is indulgent. These Fluffy Buttery Buttermilk Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Scones are delicious all on their own, but let’s take them up a notch by drizzling them with a sweet, decadent glaze. The glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, transforming these scones into a gorgeous, irresistible treat that’s perfect for any time of year.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these sweet potato or pumpkin scones with glaze are the ultimate cozy indulgence. The glaze not only adds a glossy shine but also enhances the natural sweetness of the scones, making every bite even more decadent.

Let’s dive into why these scones with glaze are the ultimate treat and how you can make them yourself!

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Scones with Glaze

• Fluffy and Buttery: These scones are the perfect balance of flaky on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, thanks to the buttermilk and butter. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that makes them feel extra special.

• Seasonal Flavors: The natural sweetness of sweet potato or pumpkin puree combined with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger makes these scones a comforting treat. And with the glaze, every bite is a little bit of fall (or anytime) magic.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a cozy Sunday breakfast, a special brunch gathering, or an afternoon tea, these scones with glaze are perfect for any occasion. They’re elegant, but still comforting, making them a crowd-pleaser no matter the event.

• Easy to Make: While these scones have a rich, decadent flavor, they are surprisingly easy to make. The glaze comes together in just a few minutes, adding an extra touch of sweetness without much extra effort.

• Customizable: The glaze can be customized with flavors to complement the scones, such as vanilla, maple, or even a dash of cinnamon. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or toasted coconut on top for added texture and flavor.

Fluffy Buttery Buttermilk Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Scones with Glaze Recipe

Ingredients:

For Sweet Potato Scones:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

For Pumpkin Scones:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Puree:

If you’re using fresh sweet potato, bake or boil it until soft, then mash it until smooth. For pumpkin, you can use canned pumpkin puree or cook fresh pumpkin and puree it. Allow the puree to cool slightly before using it in the dough.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. The spices will infuse your scones with a warm, cozy aroma while the baking powder gives them the lift they need.

4. Cut in the Cold Butter:

Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout. This is what gives the scones their flaky texture, so don’t rush this step.

5. Add the Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Puree:

Gently fold in the mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree. The puree will help create a moist, tender crumb. Be careful not to overwork the dough—just mix until the puree is evenly distributed.

6. Add the Buttermilk and Vanilla:

Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a spatula until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

7. Shape the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a round disk, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza) or use a biscuit cutter for round scones.

8. Optional Egg Wash:

For a golden, glossy finish, whisk the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the scones before baking. This step is optional but adds a beautiful shine to the scones once baked.

9. Bake the Scones:

Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Make the Glaze:

While the scones are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). The glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

11. Glaze the Scones:

Once the scones have cooled slightly (they should still be warm), drizzle the glaze over the top. You can drizzle it in a zigzag pattern or simply pour it in the center for a more rustic look. If you want, you can even sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped nuts over the glaze for an added touch of flavor and texture.

12. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your fluffy, buttery scones with a cup of tea, coffee, or your favorite beverage. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack during the day.

Why These Scones with Glaze Are So Special

• Buttery and Flaky: The cold butter and buttermilk give these scones their signature texture—light, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The glaze adds a sweet, glossy finish that takes them to the next level of indulgence.

• Comforting, Cozy Flavor: Sweet potato or pumpkin puree gives these scones a rich, earthy flavor that’s complemented by warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The glaze enhances the sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the scones.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet morning, or celebrating a special occasion, these scones with glaze will elevate any meal. They’re elegant enough for guests but comforting enough for your family to enjoy any time.

• Easy to Customize: The glaze can be flavored with different extracts (like maple or orange) or spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of salt for a sweet-salty contrast. You can also add nuts or dried fruit to the scones themselves for extra texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Scones:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold. Cold butter is key to getting that flaky texture, so don’t let it soften before using it.

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can result in dense, tough scones. Mix until the dough just comes together and handle it as little as possible.

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking. This will help the scones maintain their shape and give them an even flakier texture.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Just shape the scones and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These Fluffy Buttery Buttermilk Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Scones are the ultimate cozy treat for any time of year. Their light, flaky texture, combined with the rich flavor of sweet potato or pumpkin, makes them a perfect addition to any breakfast, brunch, or tea time. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or just indulging in a quiet morning at home, these scones will add a touch of warmth and sweetness to your day. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible scones—you won’t regret it!