Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Scones: The Ultimate Cozy Treat
Warm autumn flavors and flaky layers come together in a perfect sweet-and-spicy pastry.

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If you find yourself counting the days until the arrival of pumpkin season, this recipe is for you. Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Scones combine tender pumpkin-infused dough with warm autumn spices and a scattering of mini chocolate chips, all finished with a luscious cinnamon glaze. Whether you crave an indulgent breakfast, an afternoon treat with coffee, or a sweet snack on chilly days, these scones deliver all the fall flavor—any time of year.
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Why Pumpkin Scones Are a Must-Bake for Fall
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- Comfort in Every Bite: Fluffy, cake-like texture transforms classic scones into pure comfort.
- Layered Fall Flavors: Canned pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and mini chocolate chips provide a delicious autumn twist.
- Perfect With Coffee: These scones pair famously with a pumpkin spice latte, chai, or even just a hot cup of joe.
- Easy Sharing: Batch yields a dozen scones—plenty to share or enjoy through the week.
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Once September arrives, pumpkin scones quickly become a must-have in many kitchens, taking their place alongside pumpkin muffins, pancakes, and quick bread as a signature taste of fall. But honestly, do we really need to wait until autumn to bring this cozy treat to life?
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Gathering the Best Ingredients
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The best scones start with fresh, quality ingredients. To bake these Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Scones, make sure you have the following on hand:
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- All-purpose flour – gives body and structure
- Pumpkin puree – for flavor and moisture (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Cold unsalted butter – keeps scones light and flaky
- Brown sugar – for sweet depth
- Baking powder – ensures a tall, fluffy rise
- Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves
- Egg – for richness and binding
- Salt – balances the sweetness
- Heavy cream – adds tenderness
- Mini chocolate chips – sweet pockets in every bite
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For the simple cinnamon glaze:
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- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
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The Key to Perfect, Flaky Scones
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The classic technique for making scone dough is similar to biscuits and pie crusts: you cut cold butter into the flour. This creates little pockets of butter that melt during baking, producing a light, tender texture with pleasing layers.
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- Grating Frozen Butter: The quickest way to distribute butter evenly is to grate frozen butter directly into the dry ingredients. It blends in easily and ensures light, flaky scones.
- Minimal Mixing: Overworking the dough can toughen the scones. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened for the best results.
- Fresh Spices: If possible, use freshly grated nutmeg. Its aromatic punch transforms the scones with rich, real spice.
- Chilling the Dough: Cold dough bakes up taller and flakier. If your kitchen runs warm, pop the shaped scones in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking.
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Step-By-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Scones
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- n Prep Your Ingredients: Grate your cold or frozen butter, measure and sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices, salt).
- n Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, spices, and salt. Stir to blend evenly.
- n Incorporate the Butter: Gently toss in grated butter, blending until the mixture resembles coarse, pebbly sand. Use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingertips—don’t overwork.
- n Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, and heavy cream until smooth.
- n Combine Wet and Dry: Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until dough just holds together.
- n Add Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips with a spatula. Dough will be slightly sticky.
- n Shape the Dough: Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat dough into a thick rectangle, about 1 inch thick.
- n Cut Into Wedges: Cut the rectangle into 3 even strips, then cut each strip into 4 triangles (for a total of 12 scones).
- n Bake: Arrange scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with extra cream for a glossy top if desired. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 16–18 minutes, until golden and set.
- n Cool and Glaze: Let scones cool slightly. Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled scones generously.
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Taste and Texture: What Sets These Scones Apart
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Unlike traditional dry or crumbly scones, these Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Scones are thick and cake-like, thanks to the pumpkin puree and properly handled dough. The texture is moist with a gently-tender crumb—perfect for enjoying warm or at room temperature.
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- Pumpkin adds natural moisture and a golden hue.
- Mini chocolate chips melt slightly for sweet, gooey bites.
- The cinnamon glaze adds sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Spices shine through without overpowering the flavor of the pumpkin or chocolate.
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Serve these scones for breakfast, brunch, as an afternoon snack, or as a special treat with tea or coffee. They travel and store well, so you can easily bake ahead and enjoy them through the week.
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Tips for Scone Success
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- Keep Butter Cold: The colder your butter, the flakier your scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until the dough just comes together—overworking leads to tough scones.
- Cut With Confidence: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean scone edges, helping them rise up, not out.
- Customize the Add-ins: Substitute white or dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for the mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Enjoy Fresh: Scones are best the day they are made but can also be frozen and reheated for a quick treat.
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Nutritional Highlights
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Nutrient | Approximate Per Scone |
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Calories | 220–280 |
Fat | 10–13g |
Carbohydrates | 32–39g |
Protein | 3–5g |
Sugar | 13–16g |
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*Values are estimates and will vary depending on portion size and glaze amount. Pumpkin adds a boost of Vitamin A and fiber to the mix!*
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Storing and Freezing Scones
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- Storing at Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Glazed scones are best enjoyed within 24 hours for freshest texture.
- Freezing: Cool scones completely and freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
- Re-glaze After Thawing: Add a fresh drizzle of glaze to revive the flavor after freezing if desired.
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Serving Suggestions
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- Serve warm or at room temperature—try briefly reheating in the oven for the ultimate cozy experience.
- Pair with coffee, hot tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for a delightful seasonal breakfast or snack.
- Enjoy alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a crisp autumn salad for brunch.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What kind of pumpkin should I use?
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Use unsweetened canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Homemade puree works well if it’s thick and not watery.
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How can I tell when scones are done?
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The scones should be lightly golden and set in the center, with a crisp edge. Insert a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean. Don’t overbake or they’ll lose moisture.
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Can I make the dough ahead?
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Yes! Shape and cut the scones, arrange on a tray, then refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few minutes to the baking time as needed.
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Can I omit the chocolate chips?
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Certainly. The scones will still be delicious. You can swap in nuts, dried fruit, or leave them plain for a classic pumpkin spice scone.
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How do I make my scones extra flaky?
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Grate frozen butter directly into the flour, handle the dough gently, and keep all ingredients cold throughout the process. Chill shaped scones before baking if possible.
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More Ways to Savor Pumpkin in Breakfast Treats
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- Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Warmly spiced and topped with cinnamon sugar or cream cheese frosting.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: A tempting treat for any morning—soft, fluffy, and packed with chocolate.
- Pumpkin Bread: Moist loaves with crunchy pepitas or gooey chocolate chips for a snack or breakfast.
- Pumpkin Pancakes: Light, fluffy stacks spiced with vanilla and buttermilk.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Sip your favorite coffeehouse drink at home with homemade syrup or fresh pumpkin.
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If you adore these pumpkin scones, explore other cozy breakfast recipes featuring pumpkin, chocolate chips, and all the best fall spices for a breakfast lineup that keeps the season alive all year long.
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Try More Scone Favorites
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- Strawberries and Cream Scones for a summery vibe
- Blueberry Scones with Vanilla Icing for berry lovers
- Maple Oat Nut Scones for rich maple flavor
- Cranberry Orange Scones bursting with tartness and citrus
- Lemon Rosemary Scones for a savory-sweet twist
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With so many flavor options, you can bake homemade scones to suit any taste or season. But for fall (or any day pumpkin calls your name), these Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Scones are the ultimate comfort treat—baked fresh from your own oven.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a79833/pumpkin-spice-chocolate-chip-scones/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g45014735/scone-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g44388573/pumpkin-breakfast-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65961527/pumpkin-spice-recipes/
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