Name: Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¾ cup pumpkin puree; 4 tablespoons milk; ½ cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped; ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped; ¼ cup turbinado sugar; 4 oz cream cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1-2 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe·5 from 7 reviews

Oh, let me tell you about these Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe — they are truly a slice of autumn heaven! Every bite bursts with the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice, the tangy pop of cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. I love pulling these out when I want a quick yet impressive treat that makes the whole kitchen smell like a fall festival.

Whether you’re craving something special for a weekend brunch or need a delightful companion to your afternoon coffee, these scones fit the bill perfectly. I’m sharing this Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it’s straightforward, forgiving, and oh-so-rewarding — trust me, you’ll want to have it in your baking rotation all season long.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The warm pumpkin spice blends beautifully with tart cranberries and nutty walnuts for a complex, cozy taste.
Tender Yet Flaky Texture: Using cold butter and a quick mixing method ensures your scones are tender inside but flaky on the outside.
Cream Cheese Frosting Elevates It: The tangy, silky frosting adds just the right sweet finish, making these scones truly irresistible.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want more nuts, swap in fresh fruit, or adjust sweetness, this recipe adapts effortlessly.

A white plate placed on a white marbled textured surface with a grey and cream striped cloth underneath. On the plate, there is a large scone with a light golden-brown crust drizzled with white icing. Next to the scone is a smaller, broken piece of the scone topped with a white spread and an orange jam layer. A silver spoon rests on the plate with some orange jam on it. Around the plate, there are pecans, oats, and dried cranberries scattered on the surface. Nearby, a small white bowl has a square of pale butter, and a glass container holds orange jam. Part of a cup and saucer with blue floral details is visible at the top edges of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the flour providing structure to the pumpkin adding moistness, they all harmonize beautifully. When shopping, choose fresh, high-quality staples — it really makes a difference!

All-purpose flour: The base of your scone, choose a good quality brand for the right texture and rise.
Brown sugar: Adds a mellow sweetness with subtle molasses notes, enhancing the pumpkin flavors.
Baking powder & baking soda: Both are needed to get a nice lift and lightness in your scones.
Kosher salt: Brings all the flavors alive and balances the sweetness.
Pumpkin spice: The star blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that create that iconic autumn feel.
Unsalted butter, cold: Keeps the scones flaky by creating small layers during baking, so don’t skip chilling it.
Pumpkin puree: For moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor – use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Milk: Helps bring the dough together and tenderizes the crumb.
Dried cranberries: Provide tart bursts—coarsely chopped so they’re evenly spread without overpowering.
Walnuts: Toasted or raw, they add a lovely crunch and earthy notes.
Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet, crunchy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Cream cheese: Gives the frosting its creamy tang that perfectly complements the scones.
Powdered sugar and vanilla: For sweetening and flavoring the frosting smoothly.
Unsalted butter, softened: Blends with cream cheese for a luscious frosting texture.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve found that these scones are a wonderful canvas for personalization, so don’t be afraid to make them your own. I personally enjoy adding a handful of white chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise, but you might prefer a savory twist or a nut-free version depending on your crowd.

Variation: Once, I swapped walnuts for pecans and it added a buttery richness that paired beautifully with the frosting – try whichever nut you prefer!
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and cream cheese; it still turns out nicely.
Fruit Swaps: If you can’t find dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries or raisins work just as well.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper – this keeps your scones from sticking and makes clean-up easier (always a win!). In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice to ensure even distribution of those lovely aromatic spices. Mixing the dry ingredients first sets you up for a smooth dough later on.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

This is where the magic happens: add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. I use a pastry cutter, but if you don’t have one, fingers work fine (just make sure to keep that butter cold by wetting your hands or working quickly). Cut or crumble until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized chunks of butter — these chunks create flaky layers when baked.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Milk, Cranberries, and Walnuts

Next, fold in the pumpkin puree, milk, chopped cranberries, and walnuts. Be gentle—overmixing will make your scones tough. Use a folding motion just until everything is evenly combined. The dough will be sticky—that’s normal. Keeping a bowl of cold water nearby to wet your fingers helps when shaping.

Step 4: Shape and Cut Your Scones

Divide the dough into two equal parts. With wet hands, shape each half into a circle about half an inch thick. Then cut each circle into six even wedges, just like slicing a pie. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between. Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar—it adds a gorgeous sparkle and crunch.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake your scones for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn a warm golden brown and you catch that amazing pumpkin-spice aroma wafting through your kitchen. Transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before frosting — trust me, it makes all the difference so the frosting doesn’t melt right off.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your scones cool, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add milk a little at a time to reach your desired drizzle consistency. I usually like it thick enough to hold shape but still easy to drizzle. Spoon or pipe the frosting over each scone, and voila—time to enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Keep Butter Cold: I learned the hard way—warm butter leads to dense scones, so freeze it before cutting in.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your scones tender, so stop when you see no dry spots.
Wet Your Fingers: A quick dip in cold water when shaping prevents stickiness and helps keep your scone edges smooth.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents frosting from melting and sliding off, keeping your scones looking pretty.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra chopped walnuts on top of the frosting for crunch and a pop of rustic charm. Occasionally, a dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh cranberries nearby adds that extra seasonal vibe that guests love.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a robust coffee. For brunch, I like to serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple mixed green salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I line a wooden board with parchment paper and arrange the scones in a wreath shape, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries—makes a festive centerpiece and sparks conversation every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep the frosting separate if you want to avoid sogginess. If already frosted, a gentle chill is best.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully. I freeze them individually on a baking tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. When ready, just thaw at room temperature and frost fresh for a newly baked taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or briefly microwave for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the frosting during reheating—better to add fresh frosting if needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this recipe?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but since they contain more moisture, I recommend chopping them finely and reducing the added liquid slightly to avoid soggy dough. Dried cranberries are preferred for their chewy texture and concentrated flavor in these scones.
What pumpkin spice blend works best?

A classic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves works perfectly. You can buy pre-made pumpkin spice or make your own mix at home for freshness. I personally like a slightly stronger cinnamon note, but the key is balance.
Can I make these scones vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Some plant-based milks like almond or oat milk work well here too. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the scones from becoming dry?

Don’t overbake them and be careful not to overmix the dough. Also, using pumpkin puree adds moisture, so make sure to measure it accurately. Baking until just golden helps keep them tender and scrumptious.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Walnut Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one I reach for when I want that cozy feeling in a bite. It’s the kind of baking project that feels like a warm hug, and sharing them with friends always sparks smiles. I hope you try making these scones soon—they’re forgiving, festive, and downright delicious. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect!