The calendar has finally flipped to October 1st, and with it comes the official start of pumpkin season on the blog! I know, I know, I held out while countless other blogs were already swirling in pumpkin spice euphoria. My apologies if the wait was agonizing, but there’s something to be said for savoring each season in its own time. While I admire the enthusiasm of those who started their pumpkin posts early, I personally find joy in waiting for October to truly embrace all things pumpkin. Trust me, it was a test of willpower! Seeing all those gorgeous pumpkin recipes from my fellow bloggers in September was almost unbearable. I nearly caved at least three times, but I managed to resist. However, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t secretly baking up a storm of pumpkin treats behind the scenes, getting ready for this very moment. The intoxicating aroma of pumpkin spice has been filling my home all weekend, thanks to a beloved pumpkin spice candle I’ve been burning. It truly sets the perfect autumn mood!
Embracing the Season: A Deluge of Delicious Pumpkin Recipes
So, was all that anticipation worth it? Absolutely! This October, get ready for a fantastic lineup of pumpkin recipes designed to make up for any lost time. I promise not to overwhelm your taste buds, but I will certainly deliver your fill of delightful autumnal flavors. We’re kicking off the season with a true crowd-pleaser: Starbucks copycat pumpkin scones!
If you’ve ever found yourself staring longingly at those perfectly spiced, generously iced pumpkin scones at Starbucks, then you know the struggle. They sit there, beckoning from the checkout line, whispering, “You know you want me!” And honestly, who could resist? It’s a classic fall temptation. The crisp autumn air, a warm latte, and a sweet, spicy scone—it’s the epitome of cozy indulgence. More often than not, I’d find myself succumbing to their charm, adding one (or maybe two!) to my order, along with a latte, and just like that, my daily coffee allowance was happily spent. But then came the realization: “Ding, ding, ding! Why not recreate these iconic treats at home?”
The Allure of Homemade: Recreating Starbucks’ Iconic Pumpkin Scones
Making these Starbucks copycat pumpkin scones at home is a game-changer. Not only does it save you a pretty penny, but it also gives you complete control over the ingredients and, perhaps most importantly, the icing! I’ll confess, while I adore Starbucks scones, sometimes their icing can be a little *too* generous. Yes, I said it! I think a heavy hand with the icing can sometimes overpower the beautiful pumpkin-y essence of the scone itself. Of course, a delightful drizzle of spiced icing is absolutely essential, but covering the entire top can be a bit much for my personal preference. But hey, to each their own! If you love a thick layer of icing, go right ahead and slather it on. The beauty of baking at home is that you can customize it to your heart’s content.
These homemade pumpkin scones are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience. They capture the cozy essence of autumn with every bite, bringing together the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the warm embrace of pumpkin pie spice. The texture is key for a truly great scone—flaky, tender, and moist, never dry or crumbly. When you pull these golden-brown wedges from the oven, your kitchen will be filled with an aroma so inviting, it’s practically a hug in itself. Imagine enjoying one with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, knowing you created this deliciousness from scratch. The satisfaction is immense, and the taste is unparalleled.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- **Authentic Flavor:** This recipe closely mimics the beloved Starbucks pumpkin scone, delivering that familiar taste you crave.
- **Cost-Effective:** Save money by making a batch at home instead of buying them individually.
- **Customizable:** Adjust the amount of icing, add extra spices, or even toss in some chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours.
- **Perfect for Fall:** An ideal treat to celebrate the autumn season, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive snack.
- **Impressive & Easy:** While they look sophisticated, the steps are straightforward, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Scones
By: Julie Chiou
Baking these is a fantastic way to welcome Fall cooking into your kitchen!
Equipment
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Food processor
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- ½ cup (123 g) canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- 3 tablespoon (44 ml) half and half
- 1 egg
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 7 tablespoon (84 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 6 tablespoon (84 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
For the Spiced Icing Drizzle:
- 1 cup (120 g) + 3 tbsp. powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoon (44 ml) half and half, more if you prefer a runnier icing
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, half and half, and egg until well combined. Set this wet mixture aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Pulse a few times to ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the food processor through the feed tube. Pulse until the butter is well incorporated into the dry mixture, and the texture resembles coarse cornmeal. It’s crucial for the butter to remain cold to achieve a flaky scone.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the food processor with the dry ingredients. Pulse only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently knead the dough 4 to 5 times, just enough to bring it together. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a touch more flour and continue kneading gently.
- Carefully flatten the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough in half, then cut each half into three equal wedges, creating 6 scones.
- Place the scone wedges on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are slightly spaced apart. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
- While the scones are cooling, prepare the spiced icing drizzle. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, half and half, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency with more half and half if you desire a thinner glaze.
- Once the scones have cooled completely, drizzle the spiced icing generously over the top of each scone. Allow the icing to harden for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Scones
- **Keep it Cold:** The secret to light, flaky scones is cold butter. Using a food processor helps keep the butter cold, but if mixing by hand, work quickly.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can make scones tough. Mix just until combined.
- **Pumpkin Puree vs. Pie Filling:** Ensure you’re using plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
- **Even Cuts:** For uniform baking, try to cut your scones into similar sizes.
- **Spice it Up:** Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your taste. A pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Starbucks copycat pumpkin scones are delightful on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:
- Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of apple butter for an extra treat.
- Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea snack.
- **Add-ins:** Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts into the dough before forming the scones for added texture and flavor.
- **Double Icing:** For an authentic Starbucks experience, you can make a thinner base glaze (powdered sugar and milk) to coat the entire scone, and then drizzle the spiced icing on top once the base glaze has set.
- **Cream Cheese Glaze:** For a richer flavor, swap the half and half in the icing for softened cream cheese and a touch of milk, creating a tangy cream cheese glaze.
Notes
This recipe is adapted from Todd Wilbur via Iowa Girl Eats.
Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 73g,
Protein: 6g,
Fat: 15g,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 40g
Please note: This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data, use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.
The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
Conclusion: Your Fall Baking Adventure Awaits!
There’s truly nothing quite like the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked pumpkin scones, especially when they bring a little bit of that beloved coffee shop magic right into your own kitchen. This recipe for Starbucks copycat pumpkin scones is your ticket to a delightful autumn season filled with homemade warmth and flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a special breakfast, a cozy brunch, or simply to treat yourself to a moment of seasonal indulgence, these scones are guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on your fall baking adventure. You’ll be glad you did when you take that first spiced, tender bite. Happy baking!