Cherry Pumpkin Scones with Blood Orange Maple Glaze

Published: Sep 29, 2019 · Updated: Feb 19, 2024 by Carlos Leo · 30 Comments

5 from 8 reviews

Cherry Pumpkin Scones is a fall-inspired pastry recipe, perfect to eat as a breakfast, snack or for an afternoon tea. These scones are slightly crumbly, and still soft with a crunchy topping of pumpkin seeds roasted in bourbon-infused maple syrup. The glaze on these pumpkin scones is heaven with a mix of sweet & citrus from the blood orange and the super delicious maple syrup and powdered sugar. “No jars left behind” by using a leftover can of pumpkin puree and an already open bottle of Vermont pure bourbon-infused maple syrup.

close up of pumpkin scone with blood orange glaze — *Recipe post may have affiliate links; read our* *disclosure policy*. *Photographs ©Carlos Leo, Spoonabilities*

Hello my friends. It has been a busy couple of weeks, and I didn’t have the chance to write my first blog post of the Autumn season until recently. As I mentioned in my previous post, I planned to publish two recipes per week, but sadly it's not happening right now. The good thing is I already have three recipes done with pictures all ready to be released. And, it will be all about pumpkin dessert recipes, and they taste SO GOOD. I cannot wait for you to try them, and I just want to publish them all at once. :)

Right now I’m on a plane on my way back to Miami from Chicago after three days of training at the corporate office of my full-time employer. The weather in Chicago was fantastic; feeling the cool weather of the fall season. But I was surprised that I didn’t see too many trees/leaves with the fall colors. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed because since here in Miami we don’t have the opportunity to enjoy the changes of the seasons, I was looking forward to it in Chicago.

Video of Pumpkin Scone Recipe Photographs

I don’t know if I told you before that October is my favorite month of the year. Do you know why? My birthday is October 13!!! Happy birthday to me….!!!! Besides my birthday, the 16th is Geoffrey and my anniversary of being together, AND the 18th is our wedding anniversary too. I can’t believe how fast time flies.

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Pouring blood orange maple syrup glaze on pumpkin scones on a white and blue plate with tea on the side

About the Blood Orange Maple Glaze

Ok... that’s enough talking about me. Let’s go to my kitchen and find out the details of my super delicious Cherry Pumpkin Scones with a beautiful pink citrusy glaze made with blood orange, powdered sugar, and maple syrup. Get this delicious Vermont maple syrup from our gracious food product supplier with a 15% discount.

This glaze is incredibly tasty, and I added a crunchy and nutty touch with pumpkin seeds roasted with a bit of sugar and a couple tablespoons of bourbon-infused maple syrup. But, if you don’t have bourbon-infused maple syrup, just omit it from the recipe, or use regular maple syrup (not pancake "syrup"). I will give you an alternative glaze that will be easy to make with some staple items that you probably have laying around in your fridge or pantry waiting for this recipe to be made.

Pumpkin scones cut into six wedges and arranged on a wooden chopping board

The Difference between British and American Scones

First, I wanted to share a couple of things I learned while I was making this recipe. The first thing I discovered is that scones are originally from England and this pastry is traditionally served during tea time. The second thing I found out is that the classic British recipe is very different from the American recipe.

Pumpkin scones served with tea in a cup and teapot on a tray

What's the difference between British Scones and American Scones?

Traditional British scones have flour, a little touch of sugar, baking powder, butter, milk or cream, seldom an egg, and perhaps currants or raisins. The scones in England are generally served hot. The Brits cut them and spread with butter or clotted cream, and jam or fruit spread.

American scones are much sweeter, bigger, with spices like cinnamon, and moister than the British recipe. But, the American version is still flaky because we add more butter. The American scones can be eaten without adding a spread or any other topping.

Pumpkin scone wedges on a white doily paper

These Cherry Pumpkin Scones are best eaten fresh right out of the oven, but you certainly can store them in an airtight container for the next two days. I think after two days the scones become a little bit dry. But most likely there won’t be any left after two days. :)

pumpkin cherry scones with maple syrup glaze

Scone Recipe Ingredients, Leftovers and Substitutions

Since I have been testing some pumpkin recipes since early September, I have a lot of half empty jars in my refrigerator and pantry. So I didn't have to go to the supermarket for these Cherry Pumpkin Scones. I made the scones with a leftover can of pumpkin puree, already open jar of Vermont maple syrup, and an open container of pepitas (pumpkin seeds). My original idea was to make these pumpkin scones with cranberries. However I also already had an open jar of dried cherries, which also happens to be Geoffrey’s favorite fruit. So, I switched for the dried cherries.

Dried cherries, eggs, blood oranges, butter, flour, pumpkin puree and other baking ingredients

If you don't have blood oranges, you can use regular oranges. I made these scones with blood orange because I’ve had them on my mind, and they had some at my last visit to the farmer’s market. Besides, “blood” orange is perfect for the Halloween season anyway, right?

Procedure in baking pumpkin scones: Mix, Knead, Cut, Baste and Bake

7 Important Steps for Perfect Pumpkin Scones

These Cherry Pumpkin Scones are very easy to make, but it’s essential to follow some steps to get the perfect scone texture and crumbliness.

Keep Everything Cool

Keep the butter and the liquid ingredients cold in the refrigerator, even after you cut it in small cubes, until you are ready to mix it with the flour mixture. Mix using a pastry cutter until resembling coarse crumbs.
PRO TIP: Put the pastry cutter and the bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes before you start to make the scones. This step is not necessary, but helps to keep the butter cold. Remember the pieces of cold butter are what will create the flaky dough.

Cherry and Butter Notes

The flour mixture has flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Then, add the cherries and toss well.
If you have the opportunity to use European-style butter, it will be better because this butter has a lower water content.

All About the Dough

Do not overwork the dough. After you stir the wet ingredient, just mix until is moistened.
When you knead the dough on the pastry board, do it gently, pressing it for ten strokes or until dough is smooth.
Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
- The benefits of resting and refrigerating dough for scones will allow the scones to rest, and help to relax any gluten developed during the kneading process. The same benefit happens with pizza dough when you let it rest overnight.
- Another benefit of this process is it bakes up taller, smoother, and with crispier edges.
- The next day, the dough will be easier to cut into a better symmetrical form and more attractive shape.

Pumpkin scones with blood orange glaze and maple pumpkin pepitas

The recipe card below will show you all the steps for these cherry pumpkin scones including making the glaze and roasting the pumpkin seeds. And if scones are your thing, check out Sourdough Scones with Brown Butter Maple Glaze.

I declare the whole month of October a full month of celebration... not just for Pumpkins and Halloween, but for my birthday too. I’m doing a lot of traveling for business so I feel like I’m missing some happy birthday joy. I’m more than happy to hear any “spontaneous” happy birthday month wishes...hint, hint.

Have a wonderful October everyone!!

Carlos Leo
Your Recipe Concierge

Pumpkin scones served in a white and blue plates and tea set

Cherry Pumpkin Scones with Blood Orange Maple Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Carlos Leo
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 large scones 1x

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Description

This fall-inspired Pumpkin Scone recipe is elevated with sweet & tart dried cherries. These scones are moist, soft but still slightly crumbly, and drizzled with a sweet and citrusy glaze made with blood orange and bourbon-infused maple syrup. The final touch is a sprinkle of roasted spiced pumpkin seeds.

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Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Scones:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoons salt
½ cup cut-up butter
1 cup dried cherries
1 lightly-beaten egg
6 Tablespoons buttermilk, plus more for brushing
½ cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon raw cane turbinado sugar or any kind of sugar

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons finely grated blood orange peel
2 Tablespoons blood orange juice
4 Tablespoons Vermont Organic Maple Syrup
[for alternative glaze, use regular orange juice, orange peel, and omit the syrup]

For the Topping of Maple Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas):

2 Tablespoons Vermont Organic Maple Syrup
½ cup salted & toasted pepitas

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Instructions

The day before:

Mix: In a large bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
Blend: Using a pastry blender, cut in the ½ cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add dried cherries and toss well. Set aside.
Mix: In a small bowl, stir together the egg, buttermilk, vanilla paste and pumpkin.
Add the pumpkin mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Using a spatula, stir just until combined.
Knead: Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead dough by folding and gently pressing it for 10 strokes or until dough comes together and is smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Roll the dough on a floured pastry board into an 8-inch wide and 1½”-thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
Place scones on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush scones with buttermilk and sprinkle with raw cane turbinado brown sugar.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean with no wet crumbs, they are ready.
Remove scones from baking sheet. Let cool for 5 minutes before spreading with glaze.

For the glaze:

Mix: In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, maple syrup, blood orange peel, and the blood orange juice until well combined.
- For alternative glaze, omit the maple syrup if you don't have this ingredient, and you can also use regular orange juice and orange peal.
Spoon glaze over warm scones, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with some of the maple pepitas and, if desired, additional blood orange peel. Serve warm.

Maple Toasted Pepitas:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a small baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.
Mix: In a small bowl combine maple syrup & salted & toasted pepitas; mix well to combine.
Spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown and crisp, stirring every few minutes.
Let cool on baking sheet. Makes about 1 cup.

Notes

TIP: I freeze the pastry cutter and bowl to help the butter to stay cold.
Store remaining Cherry Pumpkin Scones in an airtight container for up to two days (if you don’t eat them by then).
You can make the Maple Pepitas the day before also
Store remaining pepitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Use maple pepitas on cheesecake, muffins, salads, or just to snack on.
Turbinado Sugar- options alternatives

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: baking
Cuisine: British / American