As autumn casts its golden glow and the air fills with the earthy scent of pumpkin spice, I can’t help but reminisce about those cozy coffee shop moments. This is why I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones, a delightful homemade version inspired by the beloved café treat! These scones aren’t just a taste of fall; they’re also budget-friendly and perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, fitting seamlessly into your busy mornings. Picture your kitchen filled with that warm, inviting aroma while these fluffy delights bake to perfection—creating an experience that not only warms the heart but the stomach. Curious to see how easy it is to bring that coffee shop magic right into your home? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why are these scones a must-try?
Delightful Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
Coffee Shop Experience: Bring the joy of your favorite café right to your kitchen with these scones that rival any coffee shop treat.
Easy to Make: No advanced skills needed! This simple recipe makes it easy for anyone to bake perfect scones at home.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare a batch in advance, freeze them, and enjoy fresh scones whenever you want – a time-saver for busy mornings!
Treat yourself to these scones alongside a cup of coffee or spiced chai, just like you would at your favorite café. If you’re in the mood for more pumpkin goodness, check out my Whipped Pumpkin Feta or indulge in my Pumpkin Feta Pasta.
Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Ingredients
For the Scones
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the scones; feel free to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary.
- Packed Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; swap for coconut sugar or white sugar if you prefer.
- White Sugar – Offers extra sweetness; you can omit it for a less-sweet option.
- Ground Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg – Contribute warm, fall spices for flavor; pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute if you don’t have these spices.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Help the scones rise for that perfect fluffy texture; no substitutions here.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors; essential for the recipe, so no substitutions.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates rich flavor and essential tenderness; keep it cold for best results, or use margarine at the expense of flavor.
- Chilled Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and delicious pumpkin flavor; always opt for canned puree, not pie filling for accuracy.
- Cold Milk & Egg – Provide moisture and richness; for a vegan version, you can substitute non-dairy milk and a flax egg.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and natural sweetness; this ingredient is crucial and should not be substituted.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Essential for making the vanilla glaze; no substitutions here.
- Heavy Cream – Adjusts the glaze’s thickness; if you prefer a lighter glaze, milk works just fine.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Enhances the glaze with spiced goodness; no substitutions needed.
Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy café? Gather these ingredients and let’s get baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to ensure your Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones don’t stick while baking. Make sure this is ready by the time your dough is formed, so you can transfer the scones right in!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your chilled pumpkin puree, cold milk, egg, and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Keep it chilled while you prep the dry ingredients, as this helps maintain the texture of the scones.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, both sugars, ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg), baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, forming the flavorful base for your scones.
Step 4: Cut In the Butter
Take your cold, diced unsalted butter and add it to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some small pea-sized bits of butter remaining for flakiness in the Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the chilled pumpkin mixture. Gently mix with a spatula or your hands until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few flour streaks are okay, as this keeps your scones tender.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Fold the dough over itself a few times to combine, then gently shape it into a rectangle, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rectangle into squares or triangles, whichever shape you prefer for your scones.
Step 7: Bake the Scones
Carefully place the scones onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 17-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are firm to the touch. Once done, allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While your scones are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and heavy cream in a small bowl. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, you can gradually add more cream until it reaches the desired thickness.
Step 9: Apply the Glaze
Once the scones are completely cooled, pour the vanilla glaze generously over the top. You can use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. For an extra touch, prepare a spiced glaze with pumpkin pie spice mixed in and drizzle it decoratively over the scones.
Step 10: Let the Glaze Set
Allow the glazed scones to sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This drying time helps the glaze set perfectly, making your Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones look and taste irresistible when you’re ready to serve them!
Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Variations
Feel free to make these delightful scones your own by exploring these fantastic variations!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these flaky treats.
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Vegan-Friendly: Substitute non-dairy milk and a flax egg for a completely vegan-friendly version, allowing everyone to indulge without worry.
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Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor by adding extras like ground cardamom or allspice, transforming classic into something uniquely yours!
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Chocolate Chip Heaven: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet twist; they melt beautifully and add richness to each bite.
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Nuts for Texture: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add a toasty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, tender scone.
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Different Glazes: Try a maple glaze instead of vanilla for a fun flavor twist. Mix maple syrup instead of heavy cream for a deliciously sweet finish!
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Savory Option: Incorporate grated cheese and chives into the dough for a delightful savory version, great for pairing with soups or savory dips.
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Pumpkin Pie Spice: Want more pumpkin goodness? Use pumpkin pie spice in both the scone and glaze for that classic fall vibe—perfect for cozy mornings!
These variations not only personalize your pumpkin scones, but they also open up a world of flavors to explore! And if you’re ever seeking more pumpkin recipes, check out my Pumpkin Pie Twists or savor a comforting bowl of Pumpkin Beef Bolognese. Happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, sugars, and spices) up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can shape the scone dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which will keep them just as delicious and flaky. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat your oven and bake from chilled; there’s no need to rush! For long-term storage, freeze unglazed scones for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, glaze, and enjoy the heavenly aroma of freshly baked scones, perfect for busy mornings!
Expert Tips for Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Always use chilled butter, pumpkin puree, and milk. This helps create the flaky texture that makes these scones special.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your scones light and tender. Overworking the dough can result in tough scones.
- Chill Shaped Dough: After cutting your scones, chill them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape and enhances texture.
- Perfect Glaze Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your glaze gradually by adding more heavy cream or powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency—it should be pourable yet thick enough to coat the scones nicely.
- Storage Tips: To preserve freshness, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze unglazed scones for up to 3 months for even more convenience!
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for a personal twist on these Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones!
What to Serve with Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones?
Warm your heart and brighten your mornings with delightful accompaniments that elevate your homemade pumpkin scones to a cozy breakfast experience.
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Creamy Spiced Chai Latte: The rich spices in chai complement the warm flavors of the scones, creating a comforting duo for chilly mornings.
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Maple Glazed Bacon: Crunchy, sweet bacon adds a delightful contrast to the soft, flaky scones, making for a heartier breakfast spread. Pairing these contrasts delights the taste buds!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the richness of the scones and enhances your meal’s color and nutrition.
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Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries to add a creamy, tangy element that offsets the sweetness of the scones perfectly.
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Whipped Cream Cheese Spread: A lightly sweetened cream cheese spread adds a delicious, tangy twist to each bite, making your scones even more indulgent and inviting.
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Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Warm cider infused with spices echoes the scone’s flavor profile, creating a nostalgic, autumn atmosphere for your breakfast.
Treat your palate to these delightful pairings and transform your pumpkin scone experience into a memorable feast!
How to Store and Freeze Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
Room Temperature: Store unglazed scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their slight warmth and delightful texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep the scones in the fridge for up to a week; however, be sure to seal them well to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed scones in an airtight container or double-bagged for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating: To enjoy your Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, keeping the love alive in every bite!
Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select pumpkin puree for the scones?
For the best flavor, opt for canned pumpkin puree rather than pie filling, which is often sweetened and spiced. Look for a brand that lists only pumpkin as its ingredient. If you prefer homemade, simply roast a fresh pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth.
How should I store my pumpkin scones once they are baked?
Store your Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week, but be sure to seal them well to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the scones, and how do I do it properly?
Absolutely! To freeze, make sure your scones are unglazed. Place them in an airtight container or double-bag them to avoid freezer burn, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature before applying the glaze.
What can I do if my scones are tough after baking?
Tough scones are often the result of overmixing the dough. Always mix until just combined, and avoid handling the dough too much. Keeping your ingredients cold, especially the butter and liquids, is crucial for achieving that desired flaky texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for these pumpkin scones?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, swap in a gluten-free flour blend. To make it vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes) and use non-dairy milk instead.
Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones That Make Mornings Magical
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Whisk together chilled pumpkin puree, cold milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until combined.
- In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, both sugars, ground spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold, diced unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Create a well in the center, pour in the pumpkin mixture, and mix gently until combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, shape into a rectangle about 1-inch thick, and cut into squares or triangles.
- Bake the scones for 17-18 minutes or until golden brown; let cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour the vanilla glaze over the cooled scones and allow to set for 15-20 minutes.
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