– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
– ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– ¼ cup fresh sage, chopped
– ¼ cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Making Apple Pumpkin Cheddar Sage Scones is a fun and straightforward process. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled and cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Cheese and Sage: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped sage until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, and maple syrup until blended.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in Apples: Add the diced apple and fold gently into the dough.
8. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times until it holds together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
9. Cut the Scones: Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into triangles or wedges.
10. Place on Baking Sheet: Transfer the scones to the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
12. Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
These clear steps will lead you through the process of creating delicious scones that highlight the wonderful flavors of fall.