Pumpkin Scones That Beat Starbucks

Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones are the perfect cozy treat to brighten up your fall mornings or any day of the year. With their tender, buttery crumb and delightful pumpkin spice flavor, these scones are like warm hugs on a chilly day. They are easy to whip up and will make your kitchen smell amazing, creating that nostalgic aroma of autumn. As a comforting, family-friendly recipe, these scones are worth making, especially when you want to indulge in a delicious pastry that rivals your favorite coffee shop offering. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your very own pumpkin scones right at home!

Ingredients

To create these Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones, you will need an array of aromatic and flavorful ingredients that come together to form a deliciously rich treat. Gather the following:

• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping, providing a tender base
• 2 teaspoons baking powder for that perfect rise
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, enhancing the scone’s texture
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, balancing sweetness
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm, inviting aroma
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, adding depth to the flavor profile
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, giving a gentle spice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves for an extra layer of warmth
• 1/3 cup (70 g) packed light brown sugar, contributing moisture and a hint of caramel
• 3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar for sweetness
• 1/2 cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed, introducing richness to the scones
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (135 g) chilled pumpkin puree, offering that iconic autumn flavor
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk for added tenderness
• 1 large egg, acting as a binding agent
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, enhancing sweetness
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half for brushing, making the scones golden and glossy

For the glazing:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, for a sweet finish
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons half-and-half, making the glaze perfectly pourable
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, adding flavor
• 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar for the pumpkin spice drizzle
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree, reinforcing the primary flavor
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half, plus extra as needed for consistency
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg and ginger for the spiced drizzle

Cooking Time & Tips For Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

Making Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones can be both quick and delightful. If you’re in a rush, these scones can be prepared in under 30 minutes, given that you have all your ingredients measured and ready. On the other hand, if you want to take your time and enjoy the process, allowing the dough to chill might enhance the flavors even more.

Here are some practical tips to guarantee your scones turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use Chilled Ingredients: Keeping your butter and pumpkin puree cold will help ensure a light and fluffy texture.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together to avoid tough scones.
3. Flour Your Surface: Lightly flouring your work surface before kneading the dough will help prevent sticking.
4. Brush Generously: A generous brushing of half-and-half before baking gives the scones a beautiful golden crust.

Step-by-Step Directions

To get started on your Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones, first, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.

Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine salt, ground spices, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they are evenly combined. The aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg will intermingle, setting the stage for your delightful scones.

Then, add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. This step is crucial for creating that flaky texture.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chilled pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Pour this vibrant orange mixture into your flour mixture and gently fold it until just combined, forming a shaggy dough. Be careful not to overwork it; we want tender scones!

Now, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8-inch round, about 3/4-inch thick. Then, using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Transfer them onto your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with half-and-half for a beautiful glaze.

Bake the scones for about 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are set and the edges are lightly golden. The smell will be irresistible! Allow them to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack for another 10 minutes.

While they cool, whisk together the vanilla glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and thick but spreadable. Once the scones are warm, dip them in the glaze or spread it on top. For an added touch, whisk together the pumpkin spice drizzle ingredients and drizzle it over the white glaze for visual appeal and enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones are such a versatile treat that they can be served for various occasions. These scones are perfect for:

• Breakfast: Pair with your morning coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast option.
• Brunch: Serve at gatherings with friends or family for a seasonal delight.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a scone with a cup of tea while indulging in a calming afternoon break.
• Fall Celebrations: These scones fit beautifully into any autumn-themed party or Halloween gathering, invoking the scents and flavors of the season.

Common Mistakes For Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

To ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time, keep an eye out for these common mistakes:

1. Overworking the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough scones—less is more!
2. Using Warm Ingredients: Warm butter or pumpkin puree can lead to a dense texture; ensure they are cold.
3. Skipping the Oven Temperature: Baking at the recommended temperature is key for that perfect rise.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

Want to make your scones a bit healthier? Here are some alternatives you can try:

1. Whole Wheat Flour: Swap some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture.
3. Natural Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugars to give a healthier sweetness.
4. Add-Ins: Consider tossing in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these scones?
   Yes! Prepare and shape the scones, then flash freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
   You can make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 3 tablespoons of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until thickened.

3. Can I use a different type of squash?
   Absolutely! Any similar pureed squash, like butternut or acorn, would work well in this recipe.

4. How should I store the scones?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   You can experiment with replacing butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg for the egg.

6. What’s the best way to reheat these scones?
   To maintain their flakiness, reheat them in a toaster oven or oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

These Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Scones are a delicious treat that should not be overlooked. With their buttery, tender crumb and irresistible pumpkin spice flavors, they make for a perfect indulgence any time of the year. So why not gather your ingredients today and treat yourself—or share with friends and family? They’re bound to become a favorite and leave everybody asking for the recipe! Enjoy your cozy baking experience!

Pumpkin Scones

Delightful pumpkin scones with a tender crumb and warm spices, perfect for cozy mornings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Fall

Servings 8 scones

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Scone Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping Provides a tender base
• 2 teaspoons baking powder For that perfect rise
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Enhances the scone's texture
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt Balances sweetness
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For a warm, inviting aroma
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds depth to the flavor profile
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Gives a gentle spice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves For an extra layer of warmth
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar Contributes moisture and a hint of caramel
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar For sweetness
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed Introducing richness to the scones
• 1/2 cup chilled pumpkin puree Offering that iconic autumn flavor
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk For added tenderness
• 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup For a touch of natural sweetness
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half For brushing, making the scones golden and glossy

Glazing

• 1 cup powdered sugar For a sweet finish
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons half-and-half Making the glaze perfectly pourable
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Adding flavor
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar For the pumpkin spice drizzle
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree Reinforcing the primary flavor
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half, plus extra as needed For consistency in drizzle
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon For the spiced drizzle
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch ground ginger

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine salt, ground spices, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
• Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture and cut it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the chilled pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
• Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture and gently fold until just combined to form a shaggy dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, pat it into an 8-inch round, about 3/4-inch thick.
• Cut the dough into 8 wedges and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush the tops lightly with half-and-half.

Baking

• Bake the scones for about 13-15 minutes, until the tops are set and the edges are lightly golden.
• Allow them to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack for another 10 minutes.

Glazing

• Whisk together the vanilla glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and thick but spreadable.
• Once the scones are warm, dip them in the glaze or spread it on top.
• For an added touch, whisk together the pumpkin spice drizzle ingredients and drizzle it over the white glaze.

Notes

Use chilled ingredients for a light texture, don’t overmix, and flour your surface to prevent sticking. These scones can be served for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snacks and are perfect for fall celebrations.

Keyword Baking, Better Than Starbucks, Cozy Recipe, Fall Treat, Pumpkin Scones