Cozy Butternut Squash Scones For Fall

Fall baking is my absolute favorite. The air turns crisp, the leaves start to change, and suddenly my kitchen becomes a cozy haven filled with warm spices and comforting flavors. One recipe I always come back to this time of year is these Cozy Butternut Squash Scones. They’re soft, lightly spiced, and topped with a sweet glaze that brings everything together in the best way possible. I love making a batch on Sunday mornings to pair with a warm mug of coffee or tea.

What I adore most about these scones is how they highlight the subtle sweetness of roasted butternut squash, combined with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover squash you might have from dinner. Trust me—once you try these, you’ll be baking them on repeat until the last leaf has fallen.

Why You’ll Love These Cozy Butternut Squash Scones

These scones strike the perfect balance between tender and crumbly. The butternut squash keeps the interior moist while the outside bakes to golden perfection. You’ll love the warm, comforting flavor that makes these scones feel like a hug in food form. They also freeze well, so you can keep a stash for future cravings.

What Kind of Butternut Squash Should I Use?

You can use freshly roasted and mashed butternut squash, or canned butternut squash puree if you're short on time. I prefer roasting it myself for a deeper flavor, but both options will give you that smooth texture and natural sweetness the recipe needs. Just make sure your puree is not too watery, or it could alter the dough's consistency.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily swap out ingredients in this recipe without losing its charm. No butternut squash? Pumpkin puree works beautifully. Want a dairy-free version? Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream, and a vegan butter alternative. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used—just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

Ingredients for These Cozy Butternut Squash Scones

• All-purpose flour – This gives the scones structure and that soft yet crumbly bite we all love.
• Brown sugar – Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the squash.
• Baking powder & baking soda – The essential leavening duo to help the scones rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Just a pinch brings balance and enhances all the other flavors.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg & ground ginger – These warm spices give the scones their signature fall aroma and flavor.
• Cold unsalted butter – Grated or cubed, it creates flaky layers and keeps the dough tender.
• Butternut squash puree – The star of the show, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely golden color.
• Heavy cream or full-fat milk – For richness and to bring the dough together.
• Egg – Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet touch.
• Powdered sugar + milk (for glaze) – Simple and sweet, this drizzle adds just the right finish.

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Step 1: Prep the Squash

If using fresh butternut squash, peel and dice it, then roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes until soft. Once cooled, mash or puree until smooth. Measure out 1 cup.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.

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Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is key to achieving that classic scone texture.

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Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed butternut squash, cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour this into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are okay!

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Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it just a few times. Pat into an 8-inch circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges.

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Step 6: Bake the Scones

Transfer the wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. Let cool completely.

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Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with tea, coffee, or just on their own!

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How Long to Prepare the Cozy Butternut Squash Scones

Prep Time: The hands-on time is about 15–20 minutes. This includes mixing the dough and shaping the scones. If you're roasting your own squash, add about 30 minutes for that step (you can do it ahead of time).

Bake Time: These scones bake in about 18–20 minutes at 400°F. After baking, give them at least 10 minutes to cool before glazing. From start to finish (not counting squash prep), the total time is about 35–40 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Cozy Butternut Squash Scones

• Use very cold butter—freeze it for 10 minutes before grating or cubing.
• Don’t overmix the dough; stop as soon as everything comes together.
• Lightly flour your surface and hands when shaping to avoid sticking.
• For extra height, place the scones closer together on the baking sheet.
• Let the scones cool before glazing so the drizzle stays pretty.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Warm butter leads to dense, greasy scones. Keep it cold.
• Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough texture.
• Using too much flour while shaping can make the scones dry.
• Adding too much liquid can create sticky dough that’s hard to handle.
• Skipping the cooling step before glazing causes the icing to melt off.

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What to Serve With Cozy Butternut Squash Scones?

1. Chai Tea Latte

The warm spices of chai pair beautifully with the cinnamon and squash flavors.

2. Apple Butter

A dollop of apple butter on a warm scone takes it to the next level.

3. Greek Yogurt with Honey

The creamy tang of yogurt balances the sweet, spiced scones.

4. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Surprisingly good together—adds a savory contrast.

5. Warm Maple Syrup

Drizzle just a touch on top or serve on the side for a cozy treat.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for 10 seconds.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Refresh by warming in the oven for a few minutes.

Freezer: These freeze beautifully. Wrap individually in plastic, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or warm from frozen in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (per scone)

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

Yes! Pumpkin puree is a great alternative and works with the same measurements.

How do I keep my scones from spreading too much?

Make sure the butter is cold and don’t overwork the dough. You can also chill the shaped scones before baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Shape and refrigerate the dough overnight, then bake fresh the next morning.

Can I leave off the glaze?

Sure! The scones are lightly sweet on their own, but the glaze adds a delicious finish.

What kind of flour works best for gluten-free scones?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

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Conclusion

These Cozy Butternut Squash Scones are the perfect fall baking project—easy, flavorful, and so comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven or pulling one from the freezer on a busy weekday morning, they bring a taste of the season with every bite. Customize them to your liking, pair them with your favorite cozy drink, and savor the feeling of autumn baked right into a scone.

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