These sweet potato scones are warm, fluffy, and just a bit sweet! Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’re made with tender sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of spices.
I love how they fill the kitchen with a cozy smell while baking. Plus, they pair so well with butter or jam—so tasty! 🥔💛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: The star of this recipe! Choose a good-sized medium sweet potato. You can swap it with pumpkin or butternut squash if needed, but the flavor will change slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here. If you want a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just be sure it’s a one-to-one substitute.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for flaky scones. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut oil or vegan butter instead. Just keep it cold!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives a nice tang and helps with rising. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
How Do I Ensure My Scones Are Fluffy and Tender?
The trick to fluffy scones lies in the mixing method. You want to handle the dough as little as possible. Here’s how:
- After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overworking it can make scones dense.
- Keep your butter cold for a flaky texture. You can even chill the flour mixture for a few minutes before adding the butter.
- Pat the dough, don’t roll it out with a pin. This keeps the layers intact which helps it rise during baking.
Follow these tips, and your scones will come out light and beautiful every time! Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors with your favorite beverage!
Sweet Potato Scones Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes to enjoy these delicious scones fresh from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot for your scones. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato:
Cook the sweet potato by roasting or boiling it until it’s tender. Allow it to cool slightly, then peel and mash it until smooth. Measure out 1 cup for the recipe.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will combine all your dry ingredients and add flavor!
4. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for a flaky texture!
5. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! The dough should be soft but not very sticky. If it feels too dry, add a bit more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle that’s about 1 inch thick. Avoid using a rolling pin, as that can toughen the scones.
8. Cut and Place on Pan:
Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for rising.
9. Bake the Scones:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. They are best served warm, so enjoy them with butter, honey, or your favorite jam!
Enjoy your cozy sweet potato scones with a cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potato Instead?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potato puree! Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before measuring out 1 cup for the recipe. It will save you some prep time, too!
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before reheating!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Milk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Just add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity!
What Can I Add to Enhance Flavor?
Feel free to customize your scones by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top before baking for an aromatic touch!
