I’m not sure when it happened but, for better or worse, every year new foods become pumpkin flavored during Autumn.

Pumpkin pie? Sure – I’ll eat that maybe once a year…unless there’s a better choice.

Pumpkin ravioli? Yeah – a small amount encased in pasta is fine… now and then.

BUT, Pumpkin Scones? Heck, yeah!  I’ll have those anytime – especially with a maple drizzle.

Scones are super fast and easy to make – the less you mess with them, the more tender they are! So jump on board the pumpkin trend and try these delicious Pumpkin Scones!

Note: As self-proclaimed Queen of Freeze, I feel obliged to suggest (or nag) you freeze the unused pumpkin in portion sized amounts for future use. This recipe only requires 1/2 cup, so there’s plenty leftover from the can.

PUMPKIN SCONES – makes 8 scones

• 8½ oz (240 g) (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 oz (57 g) (1/3 cup) dark brown sugar
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp powdered ginger
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 3 T milk (any kind – I use nonfat)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• Maple Drizzle – recipe follows at the end

Preheat oven to 400º Fahrenheit.

In a medium sized bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add to dry ingredients. Cross-cut using 2 knives to break up butter into pea-sized pieces.

(If using the food processor, place butter with dry ingredients and pulse about 8 times – until the butter becomes pea-sized. Empty into a medium sized bowl.) In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, pumpkin, milk, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold to mix. Empty onto a well-floured counter and knead about 5 or 6 times. (I use a bench scraper to help since the dough is sticky.) With floured fingers, pat dough into an 8″ circle (try to keep the dough to an even thickness) and cut into 8 wedges.Place on a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet (I prefer a dark sheet that’s greased.) Bake at 400º F with the rack in the middle position for about 16 minutes. They’re at their best when they’re slightly dark on the bottom. The last time I baked them, I thought I overcooked them (see photo), but they were amazing – a slight crunch on the outside and perfect chew inside. So when you check them for doneness, look for slightly dark sides. Then remove from oven onto wire rack to completely cool before icing.

MAPLE GLAZE

• 1 T butter
• about 1/3 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/2 T maple syrup (use the pure syrup)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Melt butter. Stir in confectioners sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Blend well, smashing any sugar lumps. If icing is too thin, add more sugar; if too thick, add a little milk.For easier control over the drizzle, pour icing into a spouted cup or a pastry bag with a small circle tip. Design as you wish.Allow icing to harden before serving.