These sweet potato scones are warm and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness that’s just perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. They are a tasty twist on the classic scone!
Every bite feels like a warm hug, especially with a bit of butter melted on top. I love having them with my morning tea—such a comforting way to start the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These give the scones their unique flavor and moisture. You can use canned sweet potato puree if you’re short on time, but fresh is always best!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just remember, using whole wheat might make the scones a bit denser.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for flaky scones. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and moisture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture might be less rich.
How Do I Get Fluffy Scones Without Overmixing?
A common challenge in making scones is to avoid the dense texture that comes from overmixing. Here are some key steps to ensure fluffiness:
- Use cold butter: Make sure your butter is really cold. This creates pockets of fat that create a flaky texture.
- Mix gently: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they come together. A few lumps are okay; that’s what makes your scones tender!
- Knead sparingly: Gently knead the dough just a bit to bring it together, then shape it into a circle. Over-kneading can lead to tough scones.
With these tips, you’ll have light and fluffy sweet potato scones every time!
Sweet Potato Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake. After baking, allow your scones to cool slightly before adding the glaze. Overall, you can expect to spend about 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the scones bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This combination gives your scones a wonderful flavor!
3. Prepare the Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for adding flakiness to your scones, so take your time!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and sweetness to the scones.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Knead and Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times to combine. Now, pat the dough into a circle that’s about 8 inches in diameter and about 1 inch thick.
7. Cut the Scones:
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. It’s similar to cutting a pizza, so have fun with it!
8. Bake the Scones:
Place the wedges onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have a bit of space between them. Brush the tops with a little extra cream to help them brown nicely. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until they are golden brown.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the scones cool slightly, mix the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until it’s smooth and drizzleable.
10. Glaze and Serve:
Once the scones have cooled just a bit, drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and allow it to set before serving.
Enjoy your moist, tender sweet potato scones with a cup of tea or coffee! They’re perfect for any time of the day!
Can I Use Mashed Sweet Potatoes from a Can?
Yes, canned mashed sweet potatoes can be used for convenience, but make sure to choose a variety without added sugar or spices. If using fresh sweet potatoes, cook and mash them until smooth for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
To store leftover scones, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some of their fresh texture.
Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Scones?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the baked scones to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that using a lighter option may result in slightly less rich scones.
