Name: Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¾ cup pumpkin puree; 4 tablespoons milk; ½ cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped; ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped; ¼ cup turbinado sugar; 4 oz cream cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 5 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to capture the cozy essence of fall in a single bite, this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, buttery scones infused with warm pumpkin spice, studded with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, then finished off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s like autumn hugs your taste buds!

I love serving these scones during chilly weekend mornings when you want something special but easy to make. They’re perfect for holiday brunches, a comforting afternoon treat, or even gifting to friends wrapped up in pretty paper. Once you try this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, I bet you’ll keep coming back to it season after season.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor: The blend of pumpkin spice, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts perfectly complements the rich cream cheese frosting, creating layers of flavor.
Tender, Flaky Texture: Using cold butter and careful mixing ensures the scones are tender and flaky, not dense or dry.
Simple, Straightforward Steps: This recipe uses common ingredients and easy techniques that even novice bakers can follow with confidence.
Versatile and Seasonal: These scones capture the essence of fall but can be enjoyed all year round with little tweaks.

A white plate placed on a white marbled textured surface with a grey and cream striped cloth underneath. On the plate, there is a large scone with a light golden-brown crust drizzled with white icing. Next to the scone is a smaller, broken piece of the scone topped with a white spread and an orange jam layer. A silver spoon rests on the plate with some orange jam on it. Around the plate, there are pecans, oats, and dried cranberries scattered on the surface. Nearby, a small white bowl has a square of pale butter, and a glass container holds orange jam. Part of a cup and saucer with blue floral details is visible at the top edges of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe have been carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and ease. Each one plays a role in making your scones wonderfully moist, fragrant, and visually appealing.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the scones tender when combined with butter properly.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and subtle depth compared to white sugar, enhancing the fall vibes.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give your scones a lift and lightness.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
Pumpkin spice: The star seasoning blend that brings in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that quintessential fall flavor.
Cold unsalted butter: Crucial for flaky, tender texture as it creates air pockets when baked.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and that lovely orange hue.
Milk: Helps bind and tenderize; I find whole milk works best here.
Dried cranberries: Tart pops of flavor that cut through the richness.
Walnuts: For crunchy texture and an earthy, nutty note.
Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a pretty, sparkling crunch once baked.
Cream cheese: The base of the frosting that brings tang and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and creates smooth frosting texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting’s flavor beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to experiment a bit with this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. It’s super flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out walnuts for pecans for a sweeter nuttiness, and it’s just as delicious.
Less Sweet Option: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly and dust the scones lightly with powdered sugar instead of the frosting.
Gluten-Free: I’ve tried gluten-free flour blends here; make sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum for best texture.
Spice Level: Feel free to boost the pumpkin spice if you want a stronger cinnamon and nutmeg aroma—go bold!

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

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that’s always my favorite shortcut for easy cleanup later. Then, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice in a large bowl. It’s important to get everything evenly combined before you add the butter. Now, this is the fun part! Add in your cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, quickly cut or crumble the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold to create those flaky layers, so work swiftly!

Step 2: Add Pumpkin, Milk, Cranberries & Walnuts

Next, gently fold in the pumpkin puree, milk, cranberries, and walnuts. It might feel a little sticky—that’s completely normal! I like to keep a small bowl of cold water nearby to wet my fingers as I work with the dough; it helps keep things from sticking, which makes shaping much smoother.

Step 3: Shape and Cut the Scones

Divide the dough into two equal halves. Press each half gently into a circle about ½-inch thick right on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, using a sharp knife, cut each circle into 6 wedges. As you cut, dip your knife in water if it starts sticking. Don’t worry about making them look perfect—that homemade charm is part of the appeal! Sprinkle the tops generously with turbinado sugar for a lovely sparkle once baked.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Cool Completely

Bake your scones for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is unbeatable. Transfer the scones to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting—this step is important so your cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt off!

Step 5: Make Frosting and Drizzle

While the scones cool, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add milk a little at a time to reach your preferred drizzling consistency. Once the scones are cool, use a spoon to drizzle the frosting artistically over each one. It’s the perfect finishing touch to this cozy treat.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Keep Butter Ice Cold: Freeze your butter for 10 minutes before chopping to help keep the dough flaky.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Fold ingredients just until combined for tender scones—overworking can make them tough.
Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off your scones.

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

Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra chopped walnuts or cranberries on the frosting just before serving—it adds a fresh crunch and looks lovely. Sometimes, I add a dash more pumpkin spice on top of the frosting for an aromatic sparkle that guests always ask about.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai latte, or my favorite way is with a classic pumpkin spice coffee. For brunch, I often add fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the richness of the scones.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I arrange the scones on a wooden board lined with autumn leaves or a cozy plaid cloth and add cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins to give guests that warm fall feeling. They’re also super cute stacked in a mason jar tied with twine as edible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve already frosted them, I keep them refrigerated and bring them to room temp before enjoying to soften the frosting again.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully. I usually freeze unfrosted scones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the scones in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes just to warm through without drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them tough or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried for Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

You can use fresh cranberries, but they’re quite tart and contain more moisture, which might change the dough’s texture. If using fresh, toss them in a little flour before mixing in and consider reducing the milk slightly to avoid sogginess.
Is pumpkin puree necessary or can I substitute something else?

Pumpkin puree adds moisture and that classic fall flavor. You could substitute canned sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree, but it will slightly alter the flavor and color. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling since it’s already sweetened and spiced.
How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from running off the scones?

Make sure your scones are completely cooled before frosting. Also, adjust the frosting thickness by adding less milk initially—thicker frosting clings better. If too thin, refrigerate the frosting for a bit to firm up before applying.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Choose a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to keep flavors consistent.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make these Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it feels like a little celebration of fall in my kitchen. The warm spices, tart cranberries, and creamy frosting remind me of all those cozy moments with family and friends. You’re going to love how approachable this recipe is and how delightful the results taste. So grab your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy every bite—these scones are sure to become a seasonal staple for you too!