Pumpkin Scones

Treat yourself to a cozy morning with a freshly baked batch of delicious Pumpkin Scones. Bursting with warm spices and a hint of sweetness, these scones are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea or coffee. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast treat or a midday snack, these Pumpkin Scones are sure to bring a touch of fall flavor to your home. Let’s get baking!

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined.
3. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into the well.
6. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together with a fork until a rough dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be just combined.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together.
8. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, slice the circle into 8 wedges.
9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
10. Bake the scones for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
11. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

These Pumpkin Scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to recapture that just-baked goodness. Serve these scones with a dollop of whipped cream or your favorite jam for an extra special treat. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall with every delightful bite of these Pumpkin Scones!