Savor the essence of autumn with these Spiced Pumpkin & Chocolate Scones, where each bite is infused with the richness of pumpkin and the sweetness of chocolate chips – a perfect treat for a crisp fall morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (alternative: coconut sugar or granulated sugar)
- 1/2 cup Butter (cold and cubed, vegan or regular)
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin Purée (should be at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Milk (can use oat, almond, or dairy)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 380°F (193°C). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, milk of your choice, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- In another mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently combine the wet pumpkin mixture with the dry ingredients, mixing until just barely combined to avoid overworking the dough. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Dust a clean work surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface, and add a bit more flour on top to prevent sticking. Knead the dough a few times until it holds together, then form it into a 1-inch thick round disc.
- Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, and if necessary, dust your knife with flour to prevent sticking.
- Place the scone wedges onto the prepared baking tray. If desired, brush the tops with a bit of cream and sprinkle with cane sugar for a sweet crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, until the scones are golden brown and the bases have set.
- Allow the scones to cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool further.
These scones are delightful when served warm, maybe with a dollop of cream or a drizzle of honey. Enjoy the cozy flavors!
