These sweet potato scones are soft and slightly sweet, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, they have a lovely flavor and a warm, golden color!
I love how easy they are to whip up—just mix, form, and bake! Pair them with some butter or jam, and you’ll be smiling all morning long. Who doesn’t love a cozy treat? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: The star of these scones! Cook and mash it until smooth. If you’re short on sweet potatoes, you can use canned pumpkin or butternut squash as a substitute for similar sweetness and texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works well here. For a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.
Butter: Unsalted cold butter is best for flakiness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil, but be cautious—coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness. If you want a lighter version, use buttermilk or a plant-based milk, but note that the scones may be slightly less rich.
How Do You Ensure Fluffy, Tender Scones?
The key to scones is handling the dough with care. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Here’s how to keep them light:
- Mix until just combined; a few lumps are okay!
- Use cold ingredients; they help the scones rise and stay fluffy.
- Do not skip brushing the tops with cream—it creates a nice golden crust.
- A hot oven (400°F) is essential for a quick rise.
Enjoy these tips for perfect scones each time! They’ll be sure to impress your family and friends.
Sweet Potato Scones
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 (optional for warm flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing the tops
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15-18 minutes for baking. So, you can enjoy these delicious scones in about 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your scones don’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and if you like, the cinnamon and nutmeg. This will help ensure even distribution and flavor throughout your scones!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Now, add your cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut or rub the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This helps create those flaky layers we love in scones!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potato, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix this until it’s nice and smooth—this is the part that brings sweetness and moisture to your scones.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, pour the sweet potato mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—your dough should be slightly sticky but still hold together nicely!
6. Shape the Dough:
Now it’s time to shape your scones. Lightly flour your countertop and turn the dough out onto it. Pat the dough into a round that’s about 1-inch thick. Try not to handle it too much to keep it fluffy!
7. Cut into Wedges:
Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the round into 8 wedges. Place the wedges on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to spread while they bake.
8. Brush with Cream:
For a lovely golden finish, brush the tops of your scones lightly with extra heavy cream.
9. Bake:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool & Serve:
Let your scones cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly more before serving. Enjoy them warm!
These scones are delightful on their own, but feel free to enjoy them with some butter, honey, or jam for an extra treat! 😊
Can I Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes are great for this recipe. Just bake or steam them until tender, then mash them before using in the recipe. This will give your scones a fresh, natural sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven.
Can I Make These Scones Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The scones may be a bit denser, but they’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Add to the Scones for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to personalize your scones! You could add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit like cranberries for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them into the dough gently before shaping the scones.
