Are you ready to bring that cozy Starbucks vibe home? My Pumpkin Spice Scone Starbucks Copycat recipe is your ticket to a fall favorite. You’ll make warm, soft scones that burst with pumpkin flavor and spice. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress your friends and family in no time. Let’s dive into the happy world of baking!
Ingredients
Full Recipe Breakdown
To make your own pumpkin spice scones, you need to gather the following ingredients. Each plays a key role in creating that delicious flavor and texture you love.
Dry Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
These dry ingredients create the base of your scones. The flour gives structure. The sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and soda help the scones rise. Pumpkin pie spice gives them that cozy fall flavor. Salt balances all the tastes.
Wet Ingredients List
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The butter adds richness and moisture. Pumpkin puree brings in that signature taste and keeps the scones soft. Heavy cream adds creaminess. The egg binds everything together, while vanilla gives a lovely aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat makes the scones rise well. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and keeps the scones from sticking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Stir the dry ingredients together well. This step is key for an even flavor in your scones.
Combining Wet Ingredients and Making the Dough
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients:
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk them together until smooth. Next, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The dough should feel slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing, as this keeps the scones light and fluffy.
Shaping and Baking the Scones
Now, place the dough on a floured surface. Pat it down into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut it into 8 wedges, or use a round cutter for fun shapes. Arrange the scones on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one.
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes. They should turn lightly golden and be cooked through. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, pumpkin spice scones!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get a light, fluffy scone, start with cold butter. Use a pastry cutter to mix it into the flour. You want a crumbly texture, not a doughy one. Your mixture should look like sand with small lumps of butter. This texture helps the scones rise nicely.
How to Avoid Overmixing
Mixing is key, but too much can ruin your scones. After adding wet ingredients, stir gently. When you see no dry flour, stop mixing. The dough should be a bit sticky. This way, your scones will be tender and soft, not tough.
Best Practices for Serving and Storing
Serve your scones warm for the best flavor. Drizzle a simple glaze on top for a sweet touch. To store, place them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month. Reheat before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Variations
Adding Glaze Options
You can elevate your pumpkin spice scones with a simple glaze. Mix one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk. This adds sweetness and a nice shine. You can also add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the glaze. This gives an extra touch of flavor. Drizzle it over the warm scones for a beautiful finish.
Substituting Ingredients (Gluten-free, Dairy-free)
If you need gluten-free scones, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Many blends work well in baking. For dairy-free options, swap heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk. Use vegan butter in place of regular butter. These changes keep the scone tasty while meeting your dietary needs.
Flavor Additions (Nuts, Dried Fruits)
You can mix in nuts or dried fruits for added texture. Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Dried cranberries or raisins also work well. These additions give a nice contrast to the soft scone. Just fold them into the dough before shaping. This makes each bite more exciting and flavorful.
Storage Info
How to Store Scones for Freshness
To keep your pumpkin spice scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps to seal in moisture. If you store them at room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them. Just remember, refrigeration can change the texture.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze pumpkin spice scones for up to three months. First, let the scones cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date so you can enjoy them later. When ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your scones warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This will make them soft again and bring back that fresh-baked taste. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but the oven is best for texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just cook and mash it first. Make sure it is dry. If your pumpkin is too wet, it may change the scone’s texture. Using fresh pumpkin gives a nice, rich flavor.
How can I make pumpkin spice scones without eggs?
You can replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Use about 1/4 cup for each egg. This keeps the scones moist. You can also use a vegan egg substitute from the store.
What are the best ways to serve pumpkin spice scones?
Serve them warm for the best taste! Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk. Sprinkle more pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flavor. Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
How long will the scones stay fresh?
These scones last up to three days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. For longer freshness, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just reheat them in the oven to enjoy!
In this post, we explored a simple scone recipe with clear steps. We broke down the ingredients into dry and wet categories for easy use. I shared tips for perfect texture and ways to avoid overmixing. You learned about tasty variations to enhance your scones. Finally, I covered how to store and reheat them for freshness.
With these tips, you can enjoy delicious scones any time. Happy baking!
