Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with you! These scones are like a warm hug on a chilly morning—soft, fragrant with pumpkin spice, and bursting with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. The cream cheese frosting adds that perfect touch of creamy sweetness, making these scones truly irresistible for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat.

What I love most about this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how effortlessly it captures the flavors of fall without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for weekend brunch or bringing a homemade touch to a holiday gathering, these scones always bring smiles and compliments around the table. Plus, I’m sharing my best tips so you can nail the texture and flavor every time!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe serves a purpose, blending textures and flavors for the perfect morning treat. I always recommend fresh baking powder for a good rise and high-quality pumpkin puree for that authentic fall flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the scones tender.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and subtle molasses flavor that complements the pumpkin spice.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents for a light, fluffy texture.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being salty.
• Pumpkin spice: The cozy spice mix that defines the fall spirit in this recipe.
• Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed for flaky layers in the scones.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and natural sweetness with a delicious autumn twist.
• Milk: Helps bring the dough together and keeps it moist.
• Dried cranberries: For tart bursts that balance the sweet pumpkin and sugar.
• Walnuts: Crunch and a nutty depth that elevates every bite.
• Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sparkling, crunchy finish.
• Cream cheese: The base of the frosting—rich and tangy.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatics layer to the frosting.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to better suit your tastes or dietary needs. Play around with nuts, spices, or even the frosting to make it truly your own.

• Variation: I sometimes swap walnuts for pecans or toasted hazelnuts, which add their own unique crunch and flavor—try what you love or have on hand.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of butter, and substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple maple glaze.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to deepen the pumpkin spice flavor if you prefer it bolder.
• Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the sugar amounts, especially in the frosting, if you like things less sweet or more indulgent.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Gathering and prepping your ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Then assemble your dry ingredients—flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice—mix them well in a large bowl. Remember to cube your cold butter and keep it chilled until ready to mix; this little detail is key for flaky scones.

Step 2: Cutting in the butter

Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry mix quickly until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it—some pea-sized butter chunks in the dough will create those flaky layers you want. If the kitchen is warm, pop the bowl in the fridge for 5 minutes before adding the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Adding pumpkin and mix-ins

Next, stir in pumpkin puree and milk to bring the dough together, then fold in chopped cranberries and walnuts evenly. The dough will be a bit sticky—that’s normal! Keep a small bowl of cold water nearby to wet your fingers when shaping so the dough doesn’t cling to your hands.

Step 4: Shaping and cutting the scones

Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, pat each half into a circle about half an inch thick. Wet your fingers and cut each circle into 6 wedges, placing them spaced apart on the lined baking sheet. Don’t forget to sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar—that’s the secret to a crispy, sparkly crust.

Step 5: Baking and cooling

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the scones turn golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them—they can quickly go from perfect to overly browned. When they’re out, transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Making and applying the cream cheese frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add milk a little at a time until you get a drizzling consistency. Spoon or drizzle the frosting over the cooled scones. Honestly, this step elevates the entire experience—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting for a bit more texture and eye appeal. For a festive touch, dried cranberry halves arranged neatly add a pop of color that guests love.

Side Dishes

These scones pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee, but I also love serving them alongside a creamy pumpkin soup or a fresh green salad for a brunch spread. The sweet, spiced notes complement savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday breakfasts, I’ve arranged these scones on a tiered cake stand surrounded by autumn leaves and mini pumpkins—it’s a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Wrapping individual scones in parchment with a cinnamon stick tied with twine also makes a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, I store leftover scones in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and soft for about 2 to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating or gently warm in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the unbaked wedges on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake these frozen scones for a few extra minutes—such a time saver during busy mornings!

Reheating

To bring chilled or frozen scones back to life, I warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This revives that fresh-baked texture and taste, especially if you reapply a dollop of cream cheese frosting just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a personal favorite when I want something special but not fussy. The flavors always make me think of crisp autumn mornings and cozy coffees. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do—it’s the kind of treat you’ll find yourself baking again and again, and I promise, it’s worth every crumb!

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