Delicious pumpkin scones with cheese — a simple, savoury recipe perfect for celebrating pumpkin season. These golden scones work beautifully as a side, a snack, or on their own.
It’s that time of year when colder, wetter weather makes homemade baking feel especially comforting. Pumpkin season is here, and these savoury pumpkin-and-cheese scones are an ideal way to enjoy the harvest. They bake quickly, taste comforting and slightly sweet from the pumpkin, and pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Savoury pumpkin scones with cheese — a delicious seasonal treat
If you haven’t tried a savoury scone before, you’re in for a treat. These scones are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and packed with pumpkin flavour and melted cheese. I often prefer savoury scones to sweet ones, and this recipe balances the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the savoury bite of cheddar and gentle spices like mustard powder and cumin. They’re quick to make — from start to finish in about 25 minutes — and ideal for breakfast, brunch or a cosy afternoon snack.
I only discovered proper scones after moving to the UK and trying a traditional cream tea. That first authentic scone — warm, light and split for jam and clotted cream — stuck with me. Over time I experimented with savoury variations, and this pumpkin-and-cheese version quickly became a favourite. The pumpkin adds colour, moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the cheddar brings saltiness and depth. Together they make a comforting, slightly autumnal bake.
These scones bake up golden and are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them plain, with a little butter, or try unexpected pairings such as fig jam, marmite or a soft cheese. They also adapt well to a vegan diet by substituting vegan spread for butter and a plant-based cheese and milk.
Other pumpkin recipes on the blog
Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Roasted Vegetable Salad with Millet
Enjoy the season — and enjoy your pumpkins!
A.
📖 Recipe
Pumpkin Scones with Cheese
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 25 mins
Course: Snack Cuisine: Vegetarian
Servings: 6 scones Calories: 287 kcal
Author: Anna
Ingredients
- 150 g pumpkin or butternut squash flesh (cut into small pieces)
- 225 g self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 55 g chilled butter or vegan spread (cubed)
- 100 g cheddar cheese or vegan substitute (finely grated)
- 60 ml warm almond milk or any other milk (plus extra for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) and place a baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Place the pumpkin pieces in a saucepan, just cover with water, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Drain and mash well with a fork, then set aside to cool.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, mustard powder, cumin and salt into a large bowl. Rub in the chilled butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in two-thirds of the grated cheese.
- Add the warm milk and the cooled pumpkin purée. Using a dinner knife, mix quickly to combine, then bring the dough together gently with your hands into a smooth ball on a lightly floured surface.
- Press the dough with the heel of your hand to a thickness of about 2.5 cm. Use a 6 cm plain or crinkle cutter to cut out 4 scones, then press the offcuts together and cut 2 more scones.
- Brush the tops with a little milk and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and place the scones on it, spaced apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes:
- You will need a 6 cm plain or crinkle pastry cutter.
- Scones are best served straight after baking, but they will keep in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Overworking the dough can make scones tough; use a knife to mix in the pumpkin and milk rather than excessive hand-kneading.
- When cutting out scones, press straight down with the cutter rather than twisting to ensure an even rise.
Nutrition
Calories: 287 kcal per scone (approximate)
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