These sweet potato scones are fluffy and slightly sweet, making them a cozy treat for any time of day. They’re perfect with a pat of butter or a touch of jam!
I love how the sweet potatoes add a lovely color and flavor to the scones. They make my kitchen smell amazing while baking! Who can resist that warm, delicious smell? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this recipe! Use one medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, pumpkin or butternut squash can be great alternatives.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones. If you need a gluten-free option, rice flour or a gluten-free blend works well, but the texture might vary slightly.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter adds flakiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil; both will still give you a nice texture.
Heavy Cream: This keeps the scones moist. You can substitute with milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, but the result might be lighter in texture.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, but feel free to skip them or use other spices like ginger or allspice based on your taste.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Fluffy Scones?
Getting light, fluffy scones is about the technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Keep the butter cold! Cold butter creates steam during baking, leading to fluffy layers.
- Mix gently! Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined—overmixing can make them tough.
- Shape the dough quickly. The warmer it gets, the less flaky it’ll be, so work fast and handle the dough as little as possible.
- Don’t skip the heavy cream brush on top before baking. It enhances browning and gives that beautiful finish.
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect scone every time! Enjoy the baking!
Sweet Potato Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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For the Scones:
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus a bit more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake. So, you can have warm, fluffy scones ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Easy peasy!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend will add sweetness and warmth to your scones.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter pieces to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingers to mix it in until the mixture looks similar to coarse crumbs. It’s okay to have some small lumps of butter—that’s what makes the scones flaky!
4. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is what makes the scones moist and delicious!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined. Don’t overmix! The dough should feel a little sticky but still manageable.
6. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently a few times—just to bring it all together. Shape it into a circle about 7-8 inches wide and 1 inch thick.
7. Cut and Bake:
Slice the dough into 8 equal wedges and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for that golden finish. Now, you’re ready to bake!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted through the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. For a little extra sweetness, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle it over the warm scones!
10. Enjoy:
Serve your sweet potato scones warm or at room temperature. They’re delightful with butter, honey, or jam, making a perfect snack with your tea or coffee!
These scones are tender, with a lovely sweet flavor and vibrant color from the sweet potatoes. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used! Just make sure to drain and mash them well. Keep in mind that they may be a bit more watery than fresh, so you might want to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Do I Know When the Scones Are Done Baking?
Your scones are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should feel fluffy and light to the touch, not dense.
Can I Freeze the Scones?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked scones. Just cut them into wedges and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their fluffiness. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm again!