Name: Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin; 1/4 cup milk

Pumpkin Biscuits are my go-to for a fall treat that feels like a big, cozy hug from your oven. These biscuits are irresistibly fluffy, subtly sweet from real pumpkin, and carry just a hint of cinnamon warmth — making them an absolute standout for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering. Whether you’re pairing them with savory dishes like turkey and gravy or spreading them with honey for breakfast, these Pumpkin Biscuits will make your table (and your heart) so much warmer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pumpkin Biscuits is their simplicity — just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create something special. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from structure and crumb to that perfect touch of spice.

All-purpose flour: Gives these biscuits their fluffy structure and helps them rise beautifully.
Baking powder: The secret to those high, tender layers in every biscuit bite.
Cinnamon: Brings a subtle, warm spice that complements the pumpkin and really elevates the flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.
Cold butter, cubed: Creates the sought-after flaky texture — cold is key for light, layered biscuits.
Canned pumpkin: Adds gorgeous color, moisture, and a gentle sweetness that makes these biscuits special.
Milk: Binds everything together and brings extra tenderness to the dough.

How to Make Pumpkin Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) — you want it nice and hot for bakery-worthy rise. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This evenly disperses the leavening and the spice, ensuring every biscuit is full of flavor in each bite.

Step 2: Cut in the Cold Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks (or even your fingertips in a pinch), work the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. These little lumps of butter will melt as the biscuits bake, forming those irresistible flaky layers.

Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin and Milk

Spoon in the canned pumpkin and pour the milk over your flour-butter mixture. Gently stir just until the dough comes together — don’t overmix! Biscuits love a light touch for maximum fluffiness, and the dough should look a little shaggy at this point.

Step 4: Roll and Cut Your Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat (or gently roll) to about 3/4-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter, pressing straight down without twisting, and place your Pumpkin Biscuits onto a baking sheet. Gather the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.

Step 5: Bake to Fluffy Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are just turning golden on top. They’ll puff up with the most tempting aroma — you’ll know they’re done when the tops feel firm and the edges are lightly browned. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate fall experience!

How to Serve Pumpkin Biscuits

Garnishes

A simple brush of melted butter on top just after baking elevates these Pumpkin Biscuits to bakery-level deliciousness. For a little sparkle, try a sprinkle of coarse sugar or an extra dusting of cinnamon. A dollop of honey butter or whipped maple cream adds an irresistible, slightly decadent touch.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Biscuits shine alongside classic fall and Thanksgiving staples — pile them into a bread basket to enjoy with savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, or tangy cranberry sauce. For breakfast, they’re heavenly with scrambled eggs, bacon, or your favorite sausage patties. Their sweet-savory flavor profile makes them a versatile companion to both rich and light dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Pumpkin Biscuits high as the centerpiece of your brunch spread, or split and fill them with ham and spiced apple chutney for unique sliders. Use small biscuit cutters for a bite-sized appetizer version, or serve them in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a charming, homestyle feel. They’re also perfect as a base for fun fall mini sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Pumpkin Biscuits left over, let them cool completely before storing. Pop them into an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and tender, making them easy to grab for a quick snack or lunch.

Freezing

Pumpkin Biscuits freeze beautifully! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you can pull out exactly as many as you need and enjoy homemade biscuits any day of the week. They’ll keep their fabulous flavor and texture for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, just warm the biscuits in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through and pillowy once more. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave (about 15–20 seconds) works well too. If they’re frozen, no need to thaw — just add a couple of extra minutes to the oven time for perfectly warm Pumpkin Biscuits.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can substitute the canned pumpkin with homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure your puree isn’t too watery; if needed, strain it a bit so your dough doesn’t turn sticky. Either way, you’ll enjoy that lovely pumpkin flavor in every bite.

What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?

No biscuit cutter? No problem! Use the rim of a glass or even cut the dough into squares with a sharp knife for a more rustic look. The Pumpkin Biscuits will still bake up just as fluffy and delicious.

Can I add other spices or mix-ins?

Definitely! While cinnamon adds a classic autumnal touch, you can play around with nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for even more warmth. For fun mix-ins, try a handful of chopped pecans or dried cranberries to add texture and a pop of color.

How do I ensure my biscuits are fluffy?

Cold ingredients and minimal mixing are the secrets here. Keep your butter cold until the last minute and handle the dough as little as possible. This technique ensures the butter melts during baking, creating those magical pockets of steam for a light, tender crumb in your Pumpkin Biscuits.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be mindful that you may need to adjust the milk just a touch, since blends can absorb liquid differently. The result will still be sweet, spicy, and perfectly pumpkin-y.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings together everything we love about fall and comfort baking, these Pumpkin Biscuits are the answer. They’re easy, cozy, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any meal. Give them a try — your family and friends are going to fall in love at first bite!