Cheesy Pumpkin Scones with Walnuts and Sage

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 . Stage

For the topping, melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often, until the milk solids turn golden brown and the butter smells nutty, 10 to 12 minutes. Pour butter and any browned bits into a small bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. Whisk in the heavy cream and set aside.

3 . Stage

For the scones, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder together in a large mixing bowl. Add grated butter and work into the flour mixture using your fingertips until well distributed and the mixture feels crumbly/mealy. Using a wooden spoon, stir in walnuts, Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, and sage, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Place in the refrigerator until needed.

4 . Stage

Add pumpkin to a separate small mixing bowl. Using a paper towel, dab the pumpkin puree to soak up as much excess moisture as you can. Whisk in heavy cream and egg until the mixture is evenly combined.

5 . Stage

Drizzle the pumpkin mixture over the flour mixture. Stir with a rubber spatula until the flour mixture is thoroughly moistened and a crumbly dough forms; do not overmix.

6 . Stage

Using lightly floured hands, gather the dough and gently knead in the mixing bowl until it just comes together. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and form into a 7- to 8-inch-round disc. Cut the disc into 8 equal wedges. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet.

7 . Stage

Generously brush each scone with the brown butter and cream topping mixture and sprinkle with cracked black pepper as desired. Place 1 sage leaf on top of each scone and press gently to adhere.

8 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until scones are lightly browned, 20 to 23 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.