Ever had those pumpkin scones at Starbucks? Here is a recipe for a much healthier version that is so much better with a flaky texture due to the special mixing technique. These are best hot from the oven – so freeze half of them after baking, and warm in an oven at 350°F until just crunchy on the outside and warm on the inside. If you make this recipe I would very much appreciate if you leave me a comment and tell me how it turned out.
Ingredients
- 4 cups organic whole wheat pastry or all purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 cup cold butter
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 4 tablespoons black strap molasses
- 6 tablespoons half-and-half
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts
Make it!
Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking pan with parchment, then sprinkle it with flour. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the butter and with fingertips, pastry knife, or food processor gently cut the butter in until it is well combined and resembles course crumbs. Some lumps are fine. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, cream, pumpkin and molasses. Add to the dry mixture and gently combine. Gently fold in walnuts and cranberries until just mixed.
Shape the dough into 2 equal balls and flatten to 3/4″ thick on the floured parchment or pan. Using a knife, slice each circle into 6 wedges and carefully pull the wedges away from the center to separate them to 1/2″ space around the outer edges. Optional: brush each scone with milk and sprinkle with sugar for a sweet and crunchy top. Bake until golden about 16 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
Makes 12 extra large scones
Dan – I made them with craisins and they are great – just the right sweetness. But since BC is one of the largest producers of cranberries, I have also gotten some fresh from the cranberry festival and used those for a more tart scone – also great.
Melanie – thanks!
Mmm… Yum! They look delicious :-D
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
I’m keen to try the recipe, but I have a question for you Stevie: why 425 degrees? That seems like an incredibly hot oven for baking. Is there a particular ingredient that calls for that kind of heat? Or is it a typo for 325?! Thanks — Wondering
Hi Wondering,
Nope, not a typo, I’ve just always cooked them at 425. I seem to recall that many scone recipes are in the 400’s…I bet that’s what helps them be deliciously flaky outside and moist inside. Try it a bit lower if you like and let me know how they turn out. Just don’t overcook or they will be dry.
thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for the recipe. I liked the wholesomeness of some of the ingredients and my picky kids liked the taste of the scones. Thanks again for sharing with us!