Fall in love with scones all over again with our Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones – a warm and tender treat, loaded with pumpkin spice, and drizzled with rich dark chocolate. Perfect for cozy mornings or any sweet occasion!
Picture this: a crisp autumn morning, the air infused with the earthy aroma of fallen leaves and the anticipation of cozy, comforting flavors. Now imagine a tray of freshly baked scones emerging from the oven, their golden exteriors glistening with a hint of pumpkin spice. But here’s the twist: these are no ordinary scones. They’re Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones, and they’re about to change your scone perspective forever.
I’ll be honest, scones were never my go-to bakery treat. They always seemed a bit too dry, too crumbly, or just not exciting enough to tempt my taste buds. However, these scones are a game changer. They are soft, tender, and bursting with the warm embrace of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they are generously studded with dairy-free dark chocolate chips that melt into pockets of gooey goodness.
In this recipe, we’ve taken the humble scone and given it a vegan twist, infusing it with the essence of autumn and the rich, indulgent flavor of dark chocolate. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season, these scones are sure to become a cherished part of your fall morning routine. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a culinary journey that will redefine what you thought scones could be.
Looking for a different vegan-friendly breakfast pastry? Try Flaky Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits or Best Ever Vegan Banana Bread
Jump to:
- Why You’ll LOVE this Vegan Pumpkin Scone Recipe
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Special Equipment to Make these Vegan Pumpkin Scones
- Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
- How to Make these Vegan Scones – Step by Step
- Tips and Variations
- Common Questions about Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
- Want to save these scones for later? Here’s how!
- Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
Why You’ll LOVE this Vegan Pumpkin Scone Recipe
Flavor Explosion: These scones are a taste of autumn in every bite. The rich, warm notes of pumpkin spice dance on your palate, while the dark chocolate chips provide that delightful contrast of sweetness. It’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds.
Vegan Goodness: If you’re on a plant-based journey or have friends who are, these scones are a game-changer. They’re completely vegan, meaning you can enjoy them guilt-free, and they’re a fantastic way to show your non-vegan pals that dairy-free treats can be just as indulgent.
Perfect Texture: Say goodbye to the dry, crumbly scones of the past. These scones have a beautifully tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The secret? A combination of pumpkin puree and a few other special ingredients that keep them moist and delightful.
Easy Baking: Don’t let the word “scones” intimidate you. I’ve got your back with a straightforward recipe that even the most novice bakers can tackle. In no time, you’ll be pulling these scones out of your oven like a pro.
All-Day Delight: While scones are often associated with breakfast, these Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones defy categorization. They’re equally at home as a midday snack or a dessert, making them an all-day delight that you can enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of our scones. For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend if you have dietary restrictions.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar lends a rich, caramel note to our scones. Dark brown sugar is our preference, but feel free to use light brown. You can replace it with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
A note about sugar:
Unfortunately, most sugars in the United States are processed using animal-derived bone char. If you want to guarantee the sugar you are baking with is vegan-friendly, make sure it is raw cane sugar, certified-organic cane sugar, or sugar made exclusively from beets.
- Pumpkin pie spice mix: This spice mix is where the magic happens. It’s a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. You can buy it at the store, or for the adventurous ones, try making your own mix from individual spices. Here’s where you can get it. If you prefer to experiment, adjust the spice mix to your taste.
- Baking powder: Baking powder gives the scones that lovely lift. If you run out, a simple mix of cream of tartar and baking soda can be a suitable substitute.
- Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent. If you don’t have it, consider using more baking powder to maintain the rise in your scones.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor. You can use sea salt, kosher salt, or even Himalayan pink salt, depending on your preference.
- Vegan butter: The frozen vegan butter is the secret to the scone’s delightful flakiness. My go-to is Country Crock Plant Butter.
- Pumpkin puree: This is the star of our show, bringing that luscious pumpkin flavor. Make sure to get plain pumpkin puree without added sugar or spices.
- Oat milk or other non-dairy milk: Oat milk works wonderfully for this recipe, but you can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce adds moisture and a touch of sweetness. In a pinch, you can use mashed bananas or plain yogurt as a substitute.
- Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla extract brings a depth of flavor. Make sure it’s pure and not imitation vanilla. You can buy it here.
- Vegan dark chocolate chips: The chocolate chips will be used inside the scone batter and the chocolate drizzle. You can also chop up a vegan dark chocolate bar into small pieces.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil gives the chocolate drizzle a beautiful sheen. If you prefer a different oil, go ahead and experiment.
Special Equipment to Make these Vegan Pumpkin Scones
The great news is that you won’t need any fancy gadgets or gizmos to whip up these delectable Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want on hand:
- Grater: You’ll need a grater to shred the frozen vegan butter directly into the dry ingredients. A box grater with a fine side or a handheld cheese grater should do the trick.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: These are your trusty tools for working the frozen vegan butter into the dry ingredients. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, a fork works perfectly fine.
- Wire Rack: Once your scones are baked, they need a place to cool. A wire rack is perfect for letting air circulate and keeping your scones crispy on all sides.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For the chocolate drizzle, you’ll need a small microwave-safe bowl to melt the vegan dark chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Spoon or Piping Bag: To drizzle the melted chocolate over your cooled scones, you can use a spoon for a rustic look or a piping bag for a more refined finish.
Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
Good news for our gluten-sensitive friends – you can absolutely enjoy these delectable scones without the gluten. Here’s how to make this recipe gluten-free:
Ingredient Substitutions for Gluten-Free Scones:
- Flour: Instead of regular all-purpose flour, opt for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Look for one specifically designed for baking. You can find gluten-free flour blends in most grocery stores or order them online.
- Oat Milk: Ensure that the oat milk or your choice of non-dairy milk is certified gluten-free. Most oat milk brands are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the label, especially if you have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
The Recipe Remains the Same:
The good news is that the rest of the recipe remains unchanged. You’ll follow the same steps and use the same method to create these scones. Just be sure to substitute the flour and milk with the gluten-free options mentioned above.
With these simple swaps, you can indulge in the same scrumptious flavors and textures, all while keeping your gluten-free lifestyle intact. The scone revolution doesn’t leave anyone behind!
How to Make these Vegan Scones – Step by Step
- Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which makes clean-up a breeze.
- Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your all-purpose flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice mix, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Give these dry ingredients a good whisk, making sure everything is evenly combined. You want that warm spice blend to distribute evenly, promising you a flavorful bite in every scone.
- Grating the Vegan Butter
Here’s where the magic begins. Take your frozen vegan butter and a grater. Grate ½ cup of the butter directly into your bowl of dry ingredients. This is a game-changer, as the frozen butter adds flakiness and tenderness to your scones.
- Incorporate the Butter
With a pastry cutter or a fork, work the grated butter into your dry ingredients. The result you’re aiming for is a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for achieving that delightful scone texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, it’s time to bring together the wet ingredients. Combine the pumpkin puree, oat milk (or your preferred non-dairy milk), unsweetened applesauce, and pure vanilla extract. Stir them until they’re well combined.
- Bringing it All Together
Pour your wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Now, grab a spatula and gently mix until a dough forms. Be cautious not to overmix. Stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and we want them to be soft and tender.
- The Chocolatey Twist
Don’t forget the pièce de résistance. Pour in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips and gently fold them into your scone dough using a spatula. You want those chocolate chips evenly dispersed, promising a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Shape and Cut
Turn your scone dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Now, it’s time to shape it into a round disc, about 1-inch thick. Then, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges. These wedges will become your scones.
- Baking Perfection
Place your scones on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one. Now, pop them into the preheated oven and bake for around 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cooling Time
Once your scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures that your scones remain wonderfully crisp on the outside.
- The Chocolate Drizzle
While your scones cool, let’s prepare that irresistible chocolate drizzle. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of vegan dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Melt and Drizzle
Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate; patience is key here.
- The Finishing Touch
Once your scones are completely cooled, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of your scones. You can use a spoon for a rustic look or a piping bag for a more refined finish. Allow the chocolate to set for around 10-15 minutes.
- Serving Time
Once the chocolate is set, your Vegan Dark Chocolate Chip Scones are ready to be served! Enjoy them fresh and savor that delightful combination of pumpkin and chocolate in every bite.
Tips and Variations
- Stay Tender: Remember, scone dough should be handled gently. Overmixing or working the dough too much can result in tough scones. Embrace the crumbly, rustic charm of these scones by keeping the mixing to a minimum.
- Add Nuts: To introduce a delightful crunch to your scones, try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds along with the chocolate chips. The nutty texture will complement the softness of the scones.
- Customize Your Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate aficionado, consider swapping the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate, cinnamon chips, or butterscotch chips. This is a great way to give your scones a unique twist.
Common Questions about Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
Absolutely! While canned pumpkin puree is convenient, you can use fresh pumpkin if you prefer. Simply roast or steam the pumpkin until it’s soft, then puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Make sure the fresh puree has the same consistency as canned pumpkin, and you’re good to go.
Yes, you can prepare the scone dough in advance and bake it later. After shaping the dough into a round disc and cutting it into wedges, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
You’ll want to look for those golden edges and a slightly firm top. The scones should take about 15-18 minutes in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Use a toothpick or a knife to test for doneness. Insert it into the center of a scone; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Overbaking can lead to dry scones, so keep a close eye on them as they approach the 15-minute mark.
Want to save these scones for later? Here’s how!
If you plan to enjoy your scones within a day or two, simply keep them at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container or seal them in a zip-top bag. To maintain their freshness and crispiness, make sure they are well-sealed, and try to consume them as soon as possible.
If you want your scones to last a bit longer, store them in the refrigerator. Again, use an airtight container or a zip-top bag to prevent moisture loss. They should stay fresh for up to a week when refrigerated. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick warm-up before serving.
To keep your scones for an extended period, consider freezing them. Individually wrap each scone in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Thank you so much for reading, friend! If you make this recipe in your very own kitchen, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would absolutely LOVE to hear what you thought!
Happy Baking!
xoxo, Audra
Vegan Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegan butter frozen
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons oat milk or other non-dairy milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Grate ½ cup of frozen vegan butter directly into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, oat milk (or other non-dairy milk), unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until a dough forms. Do not overmix; stop as soon as no dry flour is visible.
- Pour in ½ cup dark chocolate chips and fold in gently with a spatula until evenly dispersed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round disc, approximately 1-inch thick. Cut the disc into 8 equal wedges.
- Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Once done, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the scones are cooling, prepare your chocolate drizzle. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of vegan dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
- Once the scones are completely cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops using a spoon or a piping bag.
- Allow the chocolate to set before serving, around 10-15 minutes. Once the chocolate is set, your Vegan Dark Chocolate Chip Scones are ready to be served!
