As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, I find myself craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall. The sound of my oven preheating fills the kitchen with anticipation, and the first whiff of baking butternut squash brings back memories of crisp autumn mornings. These Cozy Butternut Squash Scones with Sweet Glaze are my go-to remedy for that seasonal craving.

Soft and flaky, each bite bursts with the sweet essence of roasted squash, perfectly complemented by hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re so delightful that I often whip up a batch just to share with friends over steaming cups of tea.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, these scones won’t disappoint. Best of all, they’re easy to make, and I’ll share a few substitutions to ensure everyone can enjoy them. So, fire up that oven and let’s dive into a recipe that promises to wrap you in a cozy embrace!

Why are Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones For Fall Amazing?

Irresistible Flavor: Each scone is infused with the sweet warmth of butternut squash and aromatic spices, creating a flavor profile that captures the essence of autumn.

Quick and Simple: With straightforward steps, these scones come together in under an hour, making them perfect for busy days.

Versatile Variations: Enjoy them as-is or mix things up with nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.

Perfect for Sharing: These scones make a delightful treat for brunch or a cozy gathering with friends over a warm beverage. You might also love to serve them alongside a slice of Pear Galette for an irresistible fall feast.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The combination of flavors and textures ensures that everyone will be reaching for seconds (or thirds)!

Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones Ingredients

For the Scone Dough
• All-purpose flour – Structure for the scone; swap for a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free treat.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; coconut sugar can deepen the flavor profile.
• Baking powder – Essential leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for optimum rise.
• Baking soda – Boosts browning and enhances texture; works magic alongside baking powder.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and flavor; try using pumpkin spice mix for a fun twist.
• Ground nutmeg – Contributes to the autumn flavor palette; feel free to omit if unavailable.
• Ground ginger – Adds a slight spice; for more zing, use fresh ginger.
• Cold unsalted butter – Creates a tender, flaky scone; keep it very cold for the best texture.
• Butternut squash puree – The star ingredient for flavor and moisture; pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute.
• Heavy cream or full-fat milk – Brings richness; almond or coconut milk are great substitutions for dairy-free scones.
• Large egg – Binds all ingredients together; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
• Vanilla extract – Elevates sweetness and depth of flavor.

For the Sweet Glaze
• Powdered sugar – Sweetness for the glaze; adding cocoa powder creates a delightful chocolate version.
• Milk (for glaze) – Thin the glaze for perfect drizzling; adjust according to desired consistency.

Make these Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones For Fall your next beloved baking adventure, and enjoy the seasonal flavors they offer!

How to Make Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones

Prep Squash: Roast peeled and diced butternut squash at 400°F for 30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Cool and mash to yield 1 cup of puree for a delicious base.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until well combined.
Cut Butter: Incorporate the cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture by using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, creating that flaky scone you desire.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the butternut squash puree, heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Mix Together: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will keep the scones tender.
Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges for easy handling.
Bake: Transfer the scone wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown and wonderfully fragrant.
Cool and Glaze: Let the scones cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle them with the sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, allowing it to set beautifully.

Optional: Enjoy with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones For Fall?

Embrace the warmth of autumn by pairing these luscious scones with delightful companions that enhance their cozy flavors.

Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai beautifully complement the scones’ flavors and add a soothing touch to your cozy afternoon.
Apple Butter: A dollop of apple butter brings a delightful tartness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the scones, elevating every bite.
Quinoa Salad: A light, tangy quinoa salad sprinkled with cranberries and walnuts offers a refreshing crunch alongside the tender scones.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the warm scones for an added layer of sweetness and a burst of rich flavor.
Honeyed Greek Yogurt: A spoonful of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey not only adds creaminess but also makes for a balanced breakfast alongside the scones.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the season fully with a creamy pumpkin spice latte that highlights the seasonal ingredients in your scones.
Cheese Board: Create a simple cheese board with sharp cheddar and honey for an elegant touch that perfectly contrasts with the scones’ flavors.
Cinnamon Sugar Dunk: A light dusting of cinnamon-sugar adds an extra sweet touch for those who adore a little crunch with their cozy scone experience.
Roasted Pears: Serve warm, roasted pears on the side for a delightful burst of flavor that harmonizes with the scones’ autumn essence.

Expert Tips for Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones

Cold Butter Must: Always use very cold unsalted butter to maintain the flaky texture of your scones; grating it can make incorporation easier.
Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense scones, which is a common mistake to avoid.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the scones to cool completely before adding the glaze; this prevents it from melting and losing its beautiful finish.
Simple Substitutions: Feel free to swap ingredients—like using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Storage Secrets: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Freezing is perfect for longer storage—simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Add Ins for Fun: Consider incorporating nuts or chocolate chips for an added crunch or sweetness, making your Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones even more delightful!

Make Ahead Options

These Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones for Fall are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh-baked scones with minimal fuss. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply shape the scones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they sit. If you’re planning further ahead, you can freeze the unbaked scones for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just pop them straight into the oven, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy soft, fluffy scones that are just as delicious as when freshly made!

Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scone Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will customize your cozy scones just the way you love them!

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these scones suitable for gluten-sensitive family members and friends.
Coconut Sugar: Swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor that enhances the autumn spirit.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace ground cinnamon and nutmeg with a pumpkin spice mix for a seasonal flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with almond or coconut milk and use vegan butter to create dairy-free scones that everyone can enjoy.
Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a deliciously sweet surprise in every bite. The chocolate melts beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, flaky scones.
Zesty Ginger: Use fresh grated ginger instead of ground ginger for an extra kick of warmth and spice that brightens the flavor.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle with maple syrup instead of powdered sugar glaze for an indulgent, caramel-like touch that resonates with the fall vibe.

Get creative with these variations, and let the flavors of fall shine in every scone!

Storage Tips for Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones

Room Temperature: Keep the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving for the best experience.

Freezer: Scones freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before enjoying.

Reheating: To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the cozy scone delight remains intact.

Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best butternut squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing butternut squash, look for a firm, heavy squash with a smooth, tan skin. Avoid any that have dark spots or soft areas, as these could indicate spoilage. Ideally, select a squash that feels somewhat heavy for its size and has a good, solid shape.

What is the best way to store leftover scones?
Very good question! After baking, allow the scones to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days, but I recommend warming them slightly before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Can I freeze these cozy scones for later?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your scones, first allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm them up.

What should I do if my scones come out too dry?
No worries! If your scones turn out dry, it may be due to overworking the dough or using too much flour. To troubleshoot next time, make sure the butter is very cold and only mix the ingredients until just combined. If you’re dealing with already dry scones, try serving them with a generous dollop of apple butter or your favorite jam to add some moisture!

Are these butternut squash scones suitable for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be made nut-free. Just ensure that you’re using a gluten-free flour blend if necessary and substitute any nut-based ingredients like almond milk with alternatives like oat milk or soy milk. The magic of these Warm Cozy Butternut Squash Scones is that they are versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs!