Slightly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Bacon Butternut Squash Scones are savory perfection. With a smooth butternut flavor, pops of salty, crisp bacon, and a generous slathering of homemade honey butter, these scones are dangerously delicious!
TGIT, friends! Hopefully the week has been treating you well. I know for me, this week has gone a heck of a lot smoother than last week.
The first week back from the holiday season is always an incredibly rough one. I always feel like I need a vacation from the vacation.
Or am I alone in that feeling?
Anyways, If you follow this blog you know in my last post I was complaining over the crappy photos I took of such a delicious dish. I know I’m a crazy perfectionist, but I didn’t feel like the pictures did the dish justice.
The main reason was because the weather was awful that day – rainy and overcast doesn’t equal great conditions for snapping photos.
BUT, I am super excited to say, you will no longer hear me B and moan… hopefully. And, I’m sure that makes you happy.
I finally got an amazing light and softbox. And let me say, I am in LOVE! If you don’t take photos of food or you happen to live in a place where it’s perfectly sunny 24/7/365, you probably don’t understand why I am over the moon giddy with this gift to myself.
#FoodBloggerProblems.
But, gone are the days of continually checking the weather and freaking out when it predicts rain for two weeks straight… which has happened twice in the last few months. Instead, it is hello to shooting dishes whenever my little heart desires! Woot Woot! What in the world does this have to do with today’s delicious post? Everything. Because these scones were shot using my new light.
Quick Navigation - Table of Contents
Bacon Butternut Squash Scones
Okay, I’ll stop geeking out about the light and get to discussing these scones, because they definitely deserve the spotlight. (<– Lame pun intended)
Since I have been adding squash to all the things recently, I decided it was definitely time to do a little baking with one of my favorite winter vegetables.
And oh-my-goodness-food-gracious, am I glad I did, because these savory scones are dangerously delicious!
I can be persnickety when it comes to scones and these are texture perfection, according to moi at least – slightly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They are slightly sweet with a smooth butternut flavor and pops of salty, crisp bacon.
While these scones are absolutely delicious devoured plain, warm from the oven, they taste absolutely divine with a generous slathering of easy homemade honey butter.
Why are scones dry or hard?
Buttery, tender scones are where it’s at! There are a common pitfalls to avoid when making scones. Follow these key tips to avoid making dry, hard or flat scones!
- Make sure you are using COLD ingredients! One key to flakey scones is to start with cold ingredients, this ensures that the butter doesn’t melt before the scones are baked. So, keep your butter and eggs in the fridge until you are ready to use them!
- Use a combination of all purpose flour and cake flour! Using only all purpose flour, which has a high level of protein, will cause your baked scones to be dense.
- Do not overmix your dough! Overmixing, or overworking the scone dough will lead to a baked scones that are chewy and tough versus flaky and light. Make sure you use light hands and only mix the dough until it just comes together. You want the dough to still have some lumps in it.
- Always chill the dough before baking! Same as the first tip, for flaky scones, you need cold ingredients, so always chill the dough before baking!
Can scones be frozen?
Yes!! In fact, since scones are best when they are freshly baked and served warm from the oven, freezing scones is highly recommended!
To freeze scones, prepare and shape the dough as directed in steps 1-7 in the bacon butternut squash scone recipe below. Freeze them on the baking sheet, and then transfer them, unbaked, to a freezer safe, zip-closure bag. Store them in the freezer until ready to use.
To bake frozen scones, simply add a few minutes to the bake time in the recipe below.
Notes, Tips & Tricks for the best Bacon Butternut Squash Scones recipe:
- Run your knife under cold water prior to make cutting the dough easier.
- Scones are best on the day they are baked, but they will keep, stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
- For the scones pictured here, I used homemade butternut squash puree, which is a cinch to whip together and I’ve included instructions in the notes section of the recipe below. While I highly recommend making your own puree, it is not completely necessary. You can absolutely substitute the canned stuff if the lazy-girl-easy method is your preference. I don’t judge.
- Do NOT skip brushing the scones with bacon drippings, aka liquid gold, before baking. The drippings make these scones taste out of this world. You just need to trust me on that.
These scones are the perfect way to stay warm this winter. So pour yourself a cup of tea or Joe and start your morning off right, with a few bacon butternut squash scones. And plenty of honey butter. 😉
Until next time, friends – Cheers, to savoring the small things in life.
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!
How to make Bacon Butternut Squash Scones from scratch👇
Bacon Butternut Squash Scones
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 1/4 Cups Cake Flour
- 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 TBS Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ¾ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ½ Cup COLD Unsalted Butter - cubed
- 12 ounces Bacon – cooked, cut into ¼’’ pieces & drippings reserved (about 1 ½ Cups)
- ½ tsp Pure Maple Syrup
- 2/3 Cup Butternut Squash Puree – canned or homemade*
- 2 Large COLD Eggs
- 1 tsp White Sparkling Sugar for garnish (optional)
- Honey Butter: (optional)
- 8 TBS Unsalted Butter , softened
- 4 ½ tsp Honey
- 1/8 tsp Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices.
- Add the butter and use your hands to mix into crumbles (it is okay if some of the butter remains in larger chunks)
- Stir in the bacon and set aside.
- In a separate medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the squash puree, maple syrup and the eggs. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the squash mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is moistened and sticks together.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Pat into a rectangle and fold over by thirds, like a letter. Flour top lightly and repeat folding one more time. Divide dough into half. Use your hands to form each half into a 6’’ round circle ¾’’ thick. Use a bench knife (or regular knife)* to cut each circle into 6 wedges.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer wedges, spaced 1/2’’ apart, onto the baking sheet. Transfer scones to the freezer for 30 minutes- 1 hour. DO NOT COVER.
- Meanwhile, Make The Honey Butter: Place all ingredients in a bowl and use a hand held (or stand) mixer to whisk until smooth and incorporated. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper, form into a log and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- While scones chill, preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Remove scones from freezer and brush with reserved bacon grease. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack briefly. Serve warm with honey butter.
Notes
*Scones are best on the day they are baked, but they will keep, stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
*Honey Butter will keep for a few weeks in the fridge.
*To Make Your Own Squash Puree:
Ingredients:
1 large Butternut Squash – sliced in half lengthwise and seeds removed
2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 TBS Vegetable Stock (can substitute chicken stock)
1 TBS Butter, at room temperature
1 tsp Light Brown Sugar, packed
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place the halves, flesh side up on baking sheet. Drizzle it with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until cooked through and a fork can easily be inserted. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
3. Scoop the flesh, and all the liquid that has pooled in the squash cavity into the bowl of a food processor. Add the stock, butter and brown sugar. Process until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt.
*Yield will depend on size of squash, but roughly yield will be 1-2 cups.
These were delicious!! Thanks for recipe. I made a couple changes. Roasted my squash with sage to make my purée. I added 1/2t maple extract. Could have added up to 1t. Straight from my bowl I spooned mixture to my parchment paper and flattened it out and that way I alleviated working with flour. The honey butter is a must! Otherwise following directions. Really delicious
These scones look amazinggg! Your photography looks beautiful, glad you are able to continue taking pretty pics with your new equipment! I’m loving the sweet and savory notes in these scones! Seriously drool worthy <333
I just happened across your blog and this recipe. This sounds like an amazing savory scone recipe. Pinned to try. Stop by sometime & share your recipes with us if you like.
Woah! Butternut squash + maple + bacon, in scone form?? Seriously sounds amazing!!! Was the softbox worth it? Does it allow you to take photos in cloudy weather and when its dark out? I’m the type who never wants to buy anything unless I know I am going to love it.
Thank you so much, Ashlyn! The soft box is TOTALLY worth it! I love LOVE LOVE it! Honestly it has been a huge life saver and I highly recommend it. I use it when it’s cloudy, dark, or at night. I KNOW you will love it. Cheers!
P.S. My niece is named Ashlyn too! Fabulous name!
These scones looks fantastic Cheyenne! I think you will love the softbox! It is such a life saver on dreary days!
Thank you so much, Kelley! I do love the soft box- total life saver! Cheers!
Wow I can’t believe you took these pictures with a softbox! My fiance gave me one awhile ago but I just can’t seem to figure it out. The light always seems to be too harsh or not strong enough. Your photos look gorgeous though! Maybe I’ll need to try again. Not having to rearrange my schedule to take a few photos will be nice…
If you have a light in the softbox, try turning the light to face towards the inside of the softbox… aka away from what you are shooting. That’s how I have mine set up and it works like a dream! Hope you get yours to work because it really is a life saver! Cheers, Shelby!
I remember trying honey butter for the first time – mind blown! It was the best thing ever. Love scones too, these look absolutely beautiful!
Honey butter is bomb dot com! Thanks for the comment love, Jess! Cheers!
I so need those two things too, it was so sunny here in the morning but by the time I was ready to take pictures there was a blizzard outside and totally dark at 2 o’clock. So I let it be and hope I can do that in the morning… The scones sound wonderful, scones is something that I have been wanting to make for ages but never got to it. I am keeping yours in mind. 🙂
The light and soft box have been a life saver, Adina! I know they aren’t cheap, but they were totally worth it… now I can shoot whenever. Thank you so much for the comment love! You should try making scones, they are pretty easy and oh so delicious! Cheers!
What an amazing combo Cheyanne! Scones have to be one of my all time favourite traditional weekend treats! Also – Im loving your light set-up! Ive never had much luck with lights and soft boxes but this looks awesome! Can these be purchased in the uk?
Thank you, Lucie! I love scones too! As for the light and soft box I purchased… I am not sure if they ship to the UK. I included the links, so you can click on them to check. I know both have been life savers for me! And no.. I am not getting paid to say that! Just honestly love them! Cheers and thanks for the comment!
Ooh, I’ve just pinned these Cheyanne, they look awesome! I don’t eat bacon myself (but my bacon-obsessed Mr most certainly does!!! He craves it pretty much 24/7) so I could probably just miss that part out and I know they would be delicious anyway! I love love love (oh did I mention, love?!) scones! 😛
Thank you so much for the comment and pin, Lisa! My husband is a bacon lover too, but these scones would be delicious without the bacon… you could definitely substitute nuts for the bacon (in the same amount). Cheers, friend! 🙂
Ugh, isn’t struggling with light the WORST? In the post I put up today, if you look closely, you can see raindrops on the background – LOL. It was so dark and rainy but I HAD to get the shoot done and I had to go outside to get enough light. Struggle of a lifetime! Your shots look so gorgeous though – these scones are perfection! They look so delicious and the flavor combination sounds totally unreal. Love it.
Oh my goodness these look so amazing! I am obsessed with the sweet/savoury combo – so the maple, butternut squash and bacon together sounds incredible! I love scones so much, so I know I’m going to love these! The photos with your new lighting are beautiful too!!!! <3
Your new light & softbox is definitely working! No more #foodbloggerproblems for you 🙂 Just the idea of these scones, seriously, is making my mouth water!!
Happy weekend 🙂
You are most definitely not alone – I too feel I always feel like I need a vacation from the vacation, heck, sometimes I even feel like I need a weekend from the weekend! And when I have a good scone, I need another scone to recover from the first scone – makes sense? 🙂
BTW – I adore scones – and I am drooling at this flavor combo – not only is it just maple & butternut squash & bacon – but then you went and threw in some cinnamon and ginger and nutmeg – I’m pulling my hair out here wanting a taste!
BTWW – Yay for new lights! Hope you have a super weekend, Cheyanne!
xoxo
These scones look and sound fantastic! love the bacon and maple with butternut squash. I have to add these to my list of things to make!!
Those savoury scones look droolworthy!
I love baking scones, but I have never made savory scones. This flavor combination sounds incredible!
Your pictures are gorgeous….so nice to not have to worry about if the sun is shining! These scones would chase away the rainy day blues every time! Bacon! Wow! These sound great!
Oh, congrats on your gifts. I know your feelings – the time throughout most of the fall and winter is a nightmare. Right now I’m able to shoot only on weekends so I look forward to the time there’s any decent light once I get home. It’s somewhere in between June, 26 and July, 15, haha;) And sure my compliments on such a delicious recipe. Your scones look amazing.
Yay, congrats on the new lights, girl! Love your photos! It’s been SO gloomy around too but it was so nice when the sun finally peaked out a little bit yesterday.
And yes to these scones! I love the butternut squash and maple combo! Happy Friday!
I’ve been struggling with light this winter and even though I have artificial lights and a softbox, I still prefer natural light 🙂 Your photos are beautiful! Need to make some scones, the flavors in these are awesome! Have a lovely weekend!
Have fun with your light and softbox, Chey! It is going to be so nice not having to be a slave to the weather and lighting condition outside. It is truly one stress in your life that you can say goodbye to. It totally get your need for a vacation from a vacation. There are times when I need a weekend from the weekend! I love these scones and the butternut/bacon combo! The brushing of bacon grease and served with honey butter puts this scone over the top. I can have it for breakfast, snack, and dessert!
Beautiful scones and great photos! I have been wanting a softbox and light, too. You’ve inspired me to move that up on my “to do” list 🙂
These scones are GORGEOUS, and I love that you used butternut squash in a sweet recipe! It works in place of pumpkin or sweet potato any day, and these scones look delicious! I love that sparkle sugar on top — nice touch!
Congrats on the lights!!! Your pictures look wonderful. I’m with you on the vacation from the vacation. We had a house full for almost 2 weeks, and I still don’t feel recovered. I have to comment on this –> ” … one thing you cannot skip is brushing the scones with bacon drippings, aka liquid gold, before baking” oh my god yes!!! Have a great weekend, Cheyanne
I totally hear you on weather issues for photos! I pretty much get rejected from food gawker daily due to lighting problems – I really have no go lighting in my apartment even when there is some sun. I have to get this equipment! Though, I am moving next month, so I think I’ll stick it out a while longer 😉 One less thing to move! Anywho, these scones have my mouth watering! I have some butternut squash puree in my freezer so I totally gotta make some scones. Pinned!
haha yeahhh the weather was pretty horrible for a while there! At least it’s been sunny lately! Yay!
And um yes to these scones! I love the savory sweet thing you have going on – the best! Happy almost weekend!!
I live in a basement, so year. I have no light ever. So one of the first things I did was buy a light, and I am also in love! I am still not a master at it, but I am learning, and it has been so fun 🙂
These scones sound so good. What a combination!!
I am in love with these, I’m all over the idea of substituting other wonderful squash varieties for the oh-so-common pumpkin!
Lovely scones, Cheyanne and adding butternut squash is an excellent idea – just a touch of sweetness! Glad to see you’ve invested in some lights – must take a lot of pressure off your blogging shoots. Can you use them at night? That would really open up a lot of opportunities for me – I currently can only shoot on the weekend. Luckily the weather isn’t usually a factor in LA.
Gah, living in the PNW I feeel your pain with the grey weather. This winter I have been struggling. I swear that on the days I have a photo shoot planned I wake up to the rainiest greyest days, and on the days I don’t have anything to take photos of I wake up to a sunshiny day. I hope you love the new light, I am still throwing around the idea of getting one. And I am IN LOVE with these scones! Maple bacon is the best combo ever, but also adding butternut? Brilliant. Pinning!
Yay!!! You got a light box Chey. (Poet: me) So happy for you and the photos look great. Congrats. I though they looked great last post too. So maybe I am not a good one to judge or maybe…..maybe…you are too hard on Cheyanne? You should give her a break once in a while. Cuz’ she’s awesome. Not to mention these SCONES. Over the top girl. Love love love them. And I love the crunchy sugar on top. I love that sparkling sugar. Did I say I love the crunchy sugar? Because I do. Have an awesome day, friend. Can’t wait to see all you do with your new lights and box. xo p.s. the honey butter. THE HONEYBUTTER!!!!! yum.
Congrats on the new lights! I have no idea how to work those things. . so I just stick with natural sunlight, which is limiting. . 🙁 anyway, love these scones!!!! Butternut Squash Puree????!!!! oh ym gawd, brilliant!!!
Congrats on your new lighting equipment! You totally deserve to splurge on fun blog and photography things for yourself! I also am right there with you complaining about the dark days and rainy weather we’ve been having resulting in dull photos. I had Chris build me a really cool light, but it wasn’t enough, so I had him build me another and I can definitely see a difference. I also completely agree about needing a vacation after a vacation. Coming back to work last week was a total buzzkill. What I needed was some of these scones to perk me up! Bacon and honey butter make everything better! Cheers to a better week and a happy 3 day weekend!
I think scones need to be soft and tender at the same time!! So I am going to add these guys to my list!! And hooray for the light box. I’ve been meaning to invest in some as it is so gloomy here 6/12 months of the year.
The week back from a break is always SO rough! I feel ya. I love this savory scone combination – all my favorite things in one delicious package!
That’s my breakfast sorted! These scones look so scrumptious!!
OMG, these scones look gooooooooood! And there’s bacon in them so I know they are extra yummy. Brush the scones with bacon drippings?? Now you are speaking my language cos I love me some bacon drippings. Girl, I’m checking out that light and softbox info now because I am struggling with lighting issues due to it being snow-ass winter. Plus, I’m always running out of time and light in the afternoon (it gets dark by 4:30pm here!) when I have to shoot and I rush the photos so they end up looking like crap. Hopefully getting something like this will solve that problem 🙂
Overcast weather is the WORST for taking photos. I swear it always happens on the days I actually need to take photos, too! #FoodBloggerProblems are legit. Lol glad this week is treating you better! LOVE LOVE LOVE these scones m’dear! Butternut squash in baking adds such a wonderful texture and flavor. Cheers! XOXO
You’re going to love working with the new light. It makes everything so much easier! You can photograph any time you like! Also love these scones, anything savoury is a win in my books but maple and bacon and butternut squash?? YASSSS.
OMG, Katy, I beyond words love the light and softbox! Like I hug it daily. lol. Okay maybe I don’t… but I should. 🙂 Thanks so much for the scone love! Cheers, doll!
Can you believe it’s been oh, about, 3 years since I have delighted in a homemade scone. 3 years. And I have been dreaming about them ever since. My sister who lives down in Naples, Fla, organized a lovely tea party for us and she made scones with clotted cream and it was the first time I had sweet cinnamon spice tea – needless to say – we were in heaven! And now – you’re bringing heaven to me, again! Thank you for this gorgeous recipe and these gorgeous pictures that I can proceed to drool over! Well done, my sweet! Cheers! xoxo
3 years is too long, Annie! Sounds like you need to get your homemade scone making on! Scones with clotted cream sounds amazing, you should make those and post it! 😉 Thank you for the sweet comment, as always, my dear! Cheers, xoxo
Oh man, this past week has been so rough trying to get back in to a routine. I am ready for it to be Christmas again already haha.
I always add a little maple syrup to butternut squash when I am roasting it, so I am totally on board with these scones.
Ok, so a couple of things 1-these scores look delish, I’ve never had a savory scone but I’m totally game for trying them now! 2-The first week after break flat out sucks, it should be declared a national holiday 3-I’m right there with you on the light! I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and it is dark here, a lot. The light has totally helped keep my sanity in the winter months 🙂
Hahaha I totally agree the first week should be declared a national holiday! I’m looking forward to keeping my sanity this winter with you, Phi! Thanks so much for the comment, my dear! Cheers to a fabulous weekend! 🙂
Wow, what a combination Cheyanne! I absolutely LOVE scones and am always looking for new flavors! I’m putting this one on my list for sure! Love your photos too! What an awesome light! I hate it when it rains for days on end! That was pretty much the whole month of December around here! Enjoy your weekend and have fun with your new light!
I knew you loved scones, Mary Ann, because you have some stellar ones on your site! 🙂 Thanks so much for the sweet comment, my dear! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
These photos look fabulous! And the scones even better. Awesome flavors!!
Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Sues! Cheers to a fabulous weekend!
CONGRATS ON THE LIGHT! It is going to Change Your Life, photography-wise – I am in love with my Impact light. And bacon and butternut in scones? There is SO much to love about this entire post! Pinning! Have fun with your new photo stuff! xo
The light has totally made me a less stressful person already, Kate! No more freaking out over the weather! 🙂 Thanks so much for the kind comment and the pin, my friend! Cheers! xo
I always feel like I need a vacation from a vacation after the holidays! And yay for getting new equipment! I use the Lowell Ego Lights when I absolutely have to because of poor light or shooting at night, and it’s definitely a life-saver. Now onto these scones…wowsers! I love all of the yummy flavors in here! Butternut squash seems like the perfect complement to the bacon and maple flavors, Cheyanne! Love it! Pinned, of course!
I have the Lowell Ego too, Gayle, but for some reason it puts a yellow tint on all my photos… so I never use it. I know tons of bloggers who have had great success with it. Guess I have bad luck or I was doing something wrong? 🙁 But a light is totally a life saver in bad weather or at night! Thanks so much for the scone love and the pin, Gayle! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
I am so excited for you and your new light and softbox too!! That is definitely a fun gift worth getting a little giddy over. And I’d say you’ve already gotten very well adjusted to it – these photos are beautiful! (As all of yours are.) And these scones? Oh how I love a savory start to the day, particularly when it involves some veggie goodness, and these sound delicious! You brush the scones with the bacon grease?! Seriously genius – can’t let that good stuff go to waste and what an awesome way to put it to use. Pinning! Cheers and have a wonderful weekend! XO
Glad you approve of my giddiness, Kathryn! The bacon grease makes these scones bacony-delicious! Thanks so much for the sweet comment, my dear! Cheers to a fabulous weekend! xo
Congrats on your new photo equipment! I love gifting myself with more blog photo or video gadgets. It’s fun! And sunshine forever would be nice, but most of us have to grapple with those rainy day photos. Arg.
These scones are brilliant! And I personally feel that the honey butter should NOT be optional. 🙂
Isn’t giving yourself gifts the BEST?! Sunshine for days would be great, I totally agree, we should sign a petition. 😉 And I totally agree, the honey butter isn’t really an option if you ask me! Thanks so much for the scone love, Mir! Cheers!