Rave Reviews for These Pumpkin Scones

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Scone Recipe

As autumn arrives, many people flock to Starbucks not just for their iconic Pumpkin Spice Lattes but also for their equally famous pumpkin scones. These pastries are celebrated for their distinctive soft and tender crumb, generously adorned with a duo of sweet glazes that make them truly irresistible. While a daily trip to the coffee shop might not be practical, my deep love for all things pumpkin spice inspired me to create a homemade version that captures all the magic of the original.

I am thrilled to announce that this copycat Starbucks pumpkin scone recipe is an undeniable triumph! It delivers perfectly flaky, buttery scones, beautifully finished with both a classic vanilla glaze and a spiced pumpkin glaze. Paired with your favorite coffee or tea, these scones offer the ultimate fall pick-me-up, perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or an evening treat.

Looking to complete your homemade Starbucks experience? Wash down one of these delicious scones with our copycat recipes for a Mocha Frappuccino or a Caramel Frappe!

The Secret to Perfectly Tender & Flaky Scones

Achieving bakery-quality scones at home is simpler than you think, especially with these expert tips:

• Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Never scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and can result in a scone that is too dense and dry. Precision here ensures a light, airy crumb.
• Embrace Cold Butter: This is a non-negotiable for tender, flaky scones. Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, which separate the layers of dough, giving scones their characteristic texture. Ensure your unsalted butter is very well chilled and cut into small cubes, or even grated, before mixing.
• Pure Pumpkin Power: Double-check your canned goods! Make sure you grab pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor and texture of your scones.
• Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice: While store-bought pumpkin pie spice works perfectly, consider making your own with our homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe for an extra layer of freshness and customizable flavor. You’ll find it alongside other spices in most grocery stores.
• Heavy Cream for Richness: The best baked goods often rely on a thick, full-fat liquid for unparalleled richness and moisture. Heavy cream adds a beautiful depth of flavor and contributes to the scone’s tender texture.
• Glaze Consistency Matters: When preparing the white glaze, aim for a thick but still pourable consistency. If your glaze seems too stiff, add a very small amount of heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect drizzle-able texture.
• Patience for Perfect Glazes: For distinct, beautiful glaze layers, allow the first white glaze to set completely for 15-20 minutes before applying the pumpkin spice glaze. Adding the second glaze too soon will cause the colors and flavors to blend, though it won’t affect the taste, just the visual appeal.
• Avoid Over-mixing the Dough: Scone dough benefits from a light touch. Mix the ingredients only until they are just combined. Over-mixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, chewy scones rather than light and flaky ones.

How to Make Pumpkin Scones: A Visual Step-by-Step Guide

For those who prefer a visual guide, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to create these incredible pumpkin scones, complete with photos at each critical stage.

1. Prepare Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Set aside.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients & Cut in Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups spooned and leveled all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter into this flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.

3. Add Wet to Dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the prepared wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.

4. Lightly Knead the Dough: Dust your counter lightly with flour and transfer the dough to the surface. Gently knead the dough a few times, just until it forms a cohesive mass. Remember, a light touch is key!

5. Shape and Cut Scones: Shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the wedges on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone. Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fully cooked. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

7. Apply White Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth. Spoon this glaze over each cooled scone. Allow the white glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before adding the next layer.

8. Drizzle Pumpkin Glaze & Serve: In another small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 & 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. Mix in 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth. Transfer to a ziploc bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle the glaze over the scones. Let set for at least 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy your beautiful, homemade pumpkin scones!