Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfectly spiced, tender pastry from your favorite coffee shop, then this Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe is your new best friend. These scones capture all the warm, cozy flavors of fall with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a lovely hint of ginger and cloves, but with a flaky texture that just can’t be beat. They’re buttery, lightly sweet, and topped with a luscious glaze that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds) before you know it. Honestly, it’s like bringing the coffee shop into your own kitchen, and once you try this recipe, there’s no going back!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these scones just right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that blend together to deliver incredible taste and texture. The spices bring that unmistakable pumpkin flavor to life, the coconut oil adds tenderness and flakiness, and the pumpkin puree gives it that beautiful color and moist crumb.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the scones, be sure to measure properly for perfect texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the spices.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for a light, airy crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps lift and rise, especially with the pumpkin’s acidity.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that ties it all together.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth to the profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a subtle kick to offset the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A hint of earthiness that makes these scones unforgettable.
• 1/3 cup solid coconut oil: Replaces butter with a delicate flavor and ensures flakiness.
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: For moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous fall orange hue.
• 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk: Rich, creamy, and perfect for tenderizing the dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together with just the right structure.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweet and smooth for that glossy top glaze.
• 2 tablespoons water (for icing): To adjust glaze consistency perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth to the icing.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (for cinnamon icing): A subtle twist, enhancing color and flavor.

How to Make Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and all your spices. This blend of dry ingredients is what gives the scones their signature cozy warmth and balanced sweetness.

Step 2: Cut the Coconut Oil Into the Flour

Add the solid coconut oil to your dry mix and use a pastry blender, two butter knives, or even your fingers to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This part is crucial—those little nuggets of fat create the flaky layers we all crave in a scone.

Step 3: Whisk the Pumpkin Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and egg until smooth and well combined. This wet mixture infuses moisture and flavor while helping the dough come together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula just until the dough begins to form. Then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it all together. Shape the dough into a 7-by-7 inch square about 1 inch thick. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky; just add flour sparingly as needed to manage handling.

Step 5: Cut and Bake the Scones

Cut the square in half, then each half into three rectangles, for six scones total. Transfer them to your baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until they puff up, turn lightly golden, and the edges look a bit dry in the cracks—this is your scone gold standard.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla and Cinnamon Icing

While the scones cool completely on a wire rack, mix the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable for the vanilla icing. Scoop out three tablespoons of this to mix with cinnamon and turmeric, creating a beautifully spiced cinnamon icing to drizzle. Use a pastry brush to lavishly coat your scones with the vanilla glaze, then drizzle the cinnamon version on top for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the glaze or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans can add charming texture and even more warmth to your scones. Freshly grated nutmeg on top just before serving also makes the flavors pop and looks stunning.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin scones pair beautifully with a rich latte or chai tea for a blissful autumn indulgence. For a more filling treat, serve with a side of whipped butter or cream cheese spread infused with a hint of maple syrup to balance the spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a pretty brunch spread, arrange these scones on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of jams, clotted cream, or pumpkin butter. Wrapping individual scones in parchment tied with festive twine makes them perfect for gifting or bringing along to a cozy gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The scones stay moist and flavorful, though you’ll likely find they disappear quickly thanks to their addictive taste.

Freezing

If you want to save these for later, freeze unglazed scones in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and glaze whenever a pumpkin craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm scones in a 350-degree oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and lightly crisp on the outside. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature first. You can refresh the glaze or add a quick dusting of powdered sugar for that freshly made experience.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

Absolutely! Butter will give a slightly different flavor but still yield a tender, flaky scone. Use chilled, solid butter and cut it into the flour the same way you would for coconut oil.

Is canned pumpkin puree necessary?

Canned pumpkin puree is preferred for consistency and moisture, but if you have fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the dough from getting too wet.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg or other plant-based egg replacer, and use dairy-free alternatives for the icing. The coconut oil and milk make these scones easy to adapt while still staying delicious.

Why do you add both baking powder and baking soda?

The combination works together to give the scones a perfect rise and crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidic pumpkin, while baking powder provides lift, ensuring they’re light and tender instead of dense.

How do I keep the glaze from getting too runny?

If your glaze is too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar one teaspoon at a time until it’s thick enough to spread without dripping. Conversely, add tiny drops of water if it gets too thick. Patience and small adjustments make all the difference here!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve baked these Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe at home, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again. The intoxicating blend of spices, the tender crumb, and that perfectly sweet glaze make these a fall favorite for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these scones a comforting staple in your baking repertoire!

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