Name: Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1/2 cup pumpkin purée; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk or cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves; 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the seasonal pumpkin scones from Starbucks, you’ll be thrilled by how easy and delicious this homemade version is. They’re made with real ingredients, warm spices, and have a soft, cake-like interior with a slightly crisp exterior. Plus, you get to enjoy them fresh out of the oven—no long lines or seasonal limitations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Ground cloves
Cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Pumpkin purée
Heavy cream
Egg
Vanilla extract

For the vanilla glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract

For the spiced glaze:

Powdered sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Ground cloves
Milk or cream

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin purée, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overwork the dough.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a 1-inch thick circle.
Cut into 8 triangular wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the scones are firm and just starting to turn golden at the edges.
Let scones cool completely on a wire rack.
Drizzle cooled scones first with the vanilla glaze, then follow with the spiced glaze. Let the glazes set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 scones.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Maple glaze: Swap the spiced glaze for a simple maple glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Add-ins: Mix in chopped pecans or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Mini scones: Divide dough into two smaller rounds and cut each into 8 mini scones. Reduce baking time accordingly.
Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy cream, and a flax egg substitute.
Whole wheat: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
To freeze, wrap each unglazed scone tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Yes, just make sure it’s well-puréed and not too watery. Canned pumpkin tends to have a more consistent texture.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not necessarily, but chilling can help the scones hold their shape better and result in a flakier texture.

Why did my scones spread too much?

The butter may have been too soft or overmixed into the dough. Use cold butter and handle the dough gently.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to divide the dough into two rounds for easier shaping and even baking.

What’s the difference between a glaze and icing?

Glaze is thinner and sets with a shiny finish, while icing is thicker and more opaque. This recipe uses a glaze for the classic Starbucks look.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the scones and refrigerate them overnight. Bake straight from the fridge the next day.

How do I know when the scones are done?

They should be firm to the touch and just lightly golden on the bottom edges. Don’t overbake to avoid dryness.

Can I use milk instead of cream in the glaze?

Yes, but cream gives a richer texture. Use milk if you prefer a lighter glaze.

Why are my scones dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can dry out scones. Measure carefully and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re done.

Conclusion

These Starbucks copycat pumpkin scones are a cozy, homemade version of a seasonal favorite that you can enjoy any time. With warm spices, tender texture, and sweet glazes, they’re everything you love about fall in one delicious pastry. Serve with a hot drink and savor the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice in every bite.