How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat
If you’ve ever craved that perfect blend of tender, flaky, and warmly spiced sweetness with every bite, this Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat recipe is here to fulfill your pumpkin dreams right in your own kitchen. With rich cinnamon, nutmeg, and a luscious hint of maple glaze, these scones capture the cozy comfort of fall and the unmistakable taste that keeps Starbucks fans coming back. Whether you want a delightful morning treat, a comforting afternoon snack, or simply a way to bring the season inside, this recipe is your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe nails the classic warm spices and pumpkin richness you expect from the original scones.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect Texture: Achieves that ideal balance of a crisp exterior with a tender, flaky crumb inside.
- Customizable: Plenty of room to tweak spices, add-ins, or glaze to match your cravings.
- Year-Round Treat: While perfect for fall, this scone delights any time you want a cozy, pumpkin-flavored snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to recreating the Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat texture and flavor perfectly. Each plays a role in giving you that tender, moist interior and crisp, buttery outside that scones are known for.
- All-purpose flour: The base for your scones, providing structure and crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic pumpkin spice warmers that bring out the autumn essence.
- Ground ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick perfectly paired with pumpkin.
- Cold unsalted butter: Key to that flaky texture—keep it cold for the best results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without being over the top.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, color, and that gorgeous pumpkin flavor.
- Heavy cream: Keeps scones moist and tender while enriching flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Maple syrup: Used in the glaze for a luscious, natural sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the sweet glaze that finishes off the scones perfectly.
Variations for Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own! Playing around with additions or substitutions lets you tailor the scones to your tastes or dietary needs without losing that beloved flavor.
- Add dried cranberries: Toss these into the dough for a pop of tartness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Use a mix of spices: Experiment with cloves, allspice, or cardamom to customize the spice profile.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a similar texture.
- Vegan adaptation: Swap butter for coconut oil and use plant-based milk plus a flax egg instead of cream and regular eggs.
- Chocolate chips: Add mini dark or white chocolate chips to give your scones an indulgent twist.
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by measuring out all your ingredients precisely, especially keeping your butter and cream cold. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking while you mix the scone dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger until evenly combined to infuse the spices through every bite.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which is essential for creating flaky layers.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, ensuring the mixture is well combined and ready to join the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender and light.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat into a round disk about 7 inches wide. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges for classic scone shapes.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the wedges onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Maple Glaze
While baking, mix powdered sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl, stirring until smooth and pourable to drizzle over the warm scones.
Step 9: Glaze and Cool
Once the scones are cooled slightly but still warm, drizzle the maple glaze generously over them, letting it set before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat
- Keep butter very cold: Cold butter creates flaky scones by steaming during baking.
- Don’t overmix dough: Mix until just combined to avoid tough scones.
- Chill dough if needed: If too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping to handle easily.
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
- Brush with cream before baking: Adds a nice golden crust on top.
- Adjust spice amounts: Customize the warmth by adding more cinnamon or nutmeg to taste.
How to Serve Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat
Garnishes
For an inviting look and an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze just before it sets.
Side Dishes
Serve these warm pumpkin scones with a cup of your favorite coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte for the ultimate cozy combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh pumpkin slices and autumn leaves to really capture the fall ambiance at your brunch or gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and tender. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
Freezing
Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm scones in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds to bring back their fresh-baked warmth and softness.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and maintains the moist texture and rich flavor essential for Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of melted butter as a substitute, though heavy cream gives the richest, moistest scones.
Are these scones gluten-free?
The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend to make a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.
Can I make these scones ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake them a day in advance, then warm them slightly before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
How do I store leftover scones to keep them fresh?
Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite like the joy of biting into a freshly baked Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat that you made yourself, with all those wonderful spices and that perfect maple glaze dripping down. This recipe is sure to become a go-to treat whether you’re welcoming fall, hosting friends, or simply craving a cozy homemade indulgence. Grab your ingredients, turn on your oven, and enjoy the magic of pumpkin scones that feel like a warm hug with every bite.
Related Posts
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- Why Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake Is a Must-Try
Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Description
This Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat recipe delivers tender, flaky scones infused with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, perfectly complemented by a sweet maple glaze. Ideal for cozy mornings or seasonal treats, these scones capture the classic Starbucks flavor and texture with easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients precisely. Keep the butter and cream cold. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger until evenly combined.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form the Dough: Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently fold until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Shape and Cut the Scones: Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat into a 7-inch round disk. Cut into 8 equal wedges.
- Bake Until Golden: Place wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally brush with cream. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: While baking, stir together powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Cool: Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and let set before serving.
Notes
- Keep butter very cold to create flaky layers.
- Do not overmix dough to prevent tough scones.
- If dough is too soft, chill for 15 minutes before shaping.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.
- Brush scones with cream before baking for a golden crust.
- Adjust spices to your taste for personalized warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pumpkin scones, Starbucks copycat, fall recipe, pumpkin spice, maple glaze, autumn baking
