I absolutely adore cozy fall flavors, and this Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe has quickly become one of my top treats to bake when the leaves start turning golden. The tender, spiced pumpkin dough paired with a luscious, sweet maple glaze hits all the right notes for a comforting yet elegant snack or breakfast. I find myself making these scones for everything from weekend coffee dates to holiday brunches, and I’m so excited to share exactly how you can bring this simple, delicious recipe into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
What really draws me to this recipe is the beautiful blend of flavors. The pumpkin pie spice brings warmth and just the right amount of cozy autumnal magic, while the natural pumpkin puree keeps the scones wonderfully moist without being heavy. Then, the drizzle of pure maple glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine, making every bite a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
I also love how accessible these scones are to make. From mixing the dough to shaping it into slices, the process feels therapeutic—but it’s also quick enough not to take over your whole day. Whether I’m whipping these up for a casual weekend breakfast or a special get-together, they come together beautifully and reliably every time. Plus, with straightforward ingredients you probably already have at home, it feels like a little gift to myself—and now to you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is simple but vital to creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your scones. From the choice of flour to the pumpkin puree and maple syrup, every element plays its part in making these scones sing.
- Flour (2 cups): I use spelt or all-purpose for a tender crumb, but light whole wheat adds nice earthiness.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Pure cane or coconut sugar gives subtle sweetness and depth.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Essential for a light rise and fluffy texture.
- Pumpkin pie spice (2 teaspoons): My secret to warming, aromatic flavor that defines these scones.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): A splash to enhance all the sweet and spice notes.
- Salt (pinch): Balances and brightens flavors perfectly.
- Hardened coconut oil (6 tablespoons): Or vegan butter/margarine for that melt-in-your-mouth flakiness.
- Pumpkin puree (3/4 cup): The star ingredient, adding moisture and that wonderful autumn flavor.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1/3 cup): Light and neutral, keeps the dough tender without overpowering.
- Organic powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the decadent maple glaze.
- Pure maple syrup (2 teaspoons): Brings rich, natural sweetness to the glaze.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1 tablespoon): Added to the glaze for perfect consistency and shine.
Directions
Step 1: Start by making the maple glaze. Combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and the tablespoon of unsweetened almond milk in a small to medium bowl. Mix well until the glaze is thick and smooth. If it feels too thin, pop it in the refrigerator to chill and thicken while you prepare the scones.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silpat mat, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking—this ensures your scones bake evenly and come out cleanly.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until fully combined. Add the hardened coconut oil, then use a pastry blender or mixing spoon to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven—that’s part of the charm!
Step 4: Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and almond milk to the dry mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a dough that holds together, then gently knead it into a smooth ball with your hands.
Step 5: Lightly flour your work surface, place the dough down, and flatten it into an 8 to 9-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut into 6 to 8 equal triangular slices—these will become your scones.
Step 6: Arrange the scones evenly on the baking sheet and bake for about 18 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and a firm, but tender, crumb—there’s nothing worse than an underbaked scone!
Step 7: Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. When they’ve cooled enough to handle, generously spread or drizzle the maple glaze over the top of each scone using the back of a spoon or a gentle zigzag motion. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Step 8: Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container. These scones make about 6 to 8 servings, perfect for sharing or savoring over a couple of days.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 to 8 scrumptious scones, a perfect size for a small brunch or afternoon snack with friends. The prep time takes about 10 to 15 minutes, mainly for mixing and shaping the dough—not to mention the joy of customizing your glaze. Baking will take another 18 minutes, and then I recommend letting the scones cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing and serving. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a spontaneous baking treat or a planned weekend indulgence.
How to Serve This Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
When it comes to serving these scones, I love to keep things simple and cozy. They’re fantastic warmed just slightly, so the glaze softens and the scone becomes tender but not crumbly. I often pair them with a steaming mug of chai tea or a bold coffee to balance that sweet-spice flavor beautifully.
For gatherings or holiday breakfasts, I like to arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board or a pretty serving platter lined with a cotton napkin. Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or chopped pecans on top right after glazing adds great texture and visual appeal. If I’m feeling festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar around the plate also looks darling and brings out the fall vibes.
Beyond breakfast, these scones make a decadent snack for an afternoon tea party or a delightful dessert when paired with a warm apple compote or dairy-free whipped cream. For drinks, I recommend pairing with a crisp sparkling apple cider or a lightly oaked white wine, but they’re equally enjoyable with cozy hot chocolate or a simple vanilla almond milk latte. No matter how you serve them, these vegan pumpkin scones always feel like a special treat!
Variations
I love experimenting with this Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe to make it my own or tailor it to what I have on hand. For example, swapping out the pumpkin pie spice for a blend of cinnamon and cardamom gives a slightly different but still warm and inviting flavor. If you’re not a fan of pumpkin, mashed sweet potato works wonderfully as a substitute, keeping the texture just right.
If gluten is a concern, I’ve successfully adapted this recipe using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—just be sure it includes xanthan gum to hold everything together. The vegan aspect is already covered here, but I encourage trying different plant-based milks like oat or coconut for subtle flavor shifts.
For a fun twist, I sometimes add chopped vegan chocolate chips or toasted pecans to the dough before shaping. Baking the scones at a slightly lower temperature for a bit longer yields a more tender, cake-like texture if you prefer that over traditional crumbly scones. These simple swaps keep the base recipe exciting and adaptable for any season or mood.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Leftover scones store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, I recommend keeping them in the fridge to maintain freshness, though they might firm up a bit. When refrigerated, bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these scones often and they thaw really well. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, take them out and let thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your scones is in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 8 minutes, which revives that freshly-baked texture without drying them out. Avoid using a microwave if possible—it tends to make scones rubbery or chewy. After reheating, serve them slightly warm to preserve the gooey maple glaze and melty softness.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! In fact, canned 100% pumpkin puree is what I recommend since it has the perfect consistency and flavor balance. Just make sure it’s pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil for the best texture?
Not at all—vegan butter or margarine works just as well and often gives a richer flavor. I like coconut oil because it’s readily available and solid at room temperature, giving the scones their classic flaky texture.
Can I make these scones nut-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the almond milk for oat, rice, or soy milk. The flavor and moisture won’t be affected much, and you’ll still get fantastic results.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice—can I make my own?
Yes! Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice in roughly a 3:1:1:1 ratio. This mix emulates pumpkin pie spice perfectly and is easy to customize to your taste.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well—just be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets and watch the baking time closely, as it might need a minute or two longer depending on your oven and scone size.
Conclusion
I really hope you give this Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe a try because it’s one of those gems that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. It’s straightforward, gratifying to bake, and tastes like a little piece of fall heaven in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these scones never fail to make me smile. Happy baking!
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Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
These Vegan Pumpkin Scones are moist, tender, and perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they make a delightful fall treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made without dairy or eggs, they are an excellent vegan option that’s easy to prepare in just 35 minutes.
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 scones
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (spelt, all-purpose, or light whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup sugar (pure cane or coconut sugar)
- 2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 tablespoons hardened coconut oil (or vegan butter/margarine)
- 3/4 cup 100% pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup organic powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a small or medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and non-dairy milk. Mix well until you get a thick glaze. If it appears too thin, place it in the refrigerator to chill and thicken while you make the scones.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a Silpat, or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Make sure these are well blended for even flavor.
- Add coconut oil: Add the hardened coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or a spoon, incorporate the oil until the mixture is crumbly but not perfectly smooth—some texture is good.
- Add wet ingredients and form dough: Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla, and non-dairy milk to the mixture. Stir gently to combine into a dough. Then, use your hands to knead the dough into an even ball, being careful not to overwork it.
- Shape and cut dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly flour the top, then pat the dough into an 8 to 9-inch circle about 1 inch thick. With a knife, gently cut the dough into 6 to 8 triangular slices.
- Bake scones: Place the scones onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven for about 18 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Glaze scones: Once the scones are cooled, spoon the maple glaze onto the center of each slice. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the glaze or drizzle it in a zigzag pattern across the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Store leftovers: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Use light whole wheat or spelt flour as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour.
- Hardened coconut oil or vegan butter can be swapped interchangeably based on preference.
- If glaze is too runny, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to thicken before glazing.
- The scones can be cut into 6 or 8 pieces depending on your desired size.
- Store scones in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan