Name: Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes); 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 3 tablespoons milk (divided use); 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for plain glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for plain glaze); 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for spiced glaze); 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for spiced glaze); 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (for spiced glaze); 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (for spiced glaze); 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (for spiced glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for spiced glaze)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 67 reviews

There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, tender scone bursting with cozy autumn flavors, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg, these scones capture the essence of fall in every crumb. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast treat or a delightful afternoon snack, this copycat version brings the Starbucks experience right into your own kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and a measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. There is one bowl with white flour and a metal scoop inside, another with a bright orange mashed ingredient, and a small bowl containing an egg yolk and white. A measuring cup is filled with milk positioned at the bottom right. Near the center, there is a small bowl with dark and light brown ground spices, and another small bowl holds a dark amber liquid. A small pile of light yellow cubed butter is on a piece of parchment paper at the bottom, and two small bowls contain white powdered sugar and baking soda nearby. The scene is well-lit, showing the textures of the ingredients clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making the perfect Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the warm spices that invoke fall, to the pumpkin puree that adds moistness and vibrancy, and the butter that delivers that tender, flaky texture.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your scone dough, providing structure and crumb.
1/3 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture, enhancing the pumpkin flavors.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings classic warmth and depth to the spice blend.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A concentrated spice that gives a delicate pungency.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a bright, zesty note that complements the pumpkin.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Imparts a sweet and nutty aroma essential to pumpkin desserts.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic pumpkin to tenderize the scones.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes): Cold butter creates tender, flaky layers when incorporated properly.
1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient providing earthy sweetness and moisture.
3 tablespoons milk: Binds the dough and adds richness.
1 large egg: Adds structure and helps achieve the right dough consistency.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with subtle sweetness.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze, giving scones that final touch.
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for spiced glaze): Provides the base for the flavorful spiced topping.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for spiced glaze): Adds warmth right on top.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (for spiced glaze): Intensifies the spicy notes.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (for spiced glaze): Freshens the glaze’s flavor.
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (for spiced glaze): Rounds out the spiced glaze beautifully.
2 tablespoons milk (for spiced glaze): Ensures the glaze has the right flow.

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step ensures your scones bake evenly and won’t stick, giving them a perfect golden base.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cut in the Butter

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Then add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers to gently incorporate the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This technique is key to creating the scones’ tender, flaky texture.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This warms up the flavors and makes it easy to incorporate into your dry ingredients later.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry to Form Dough

Pour your pumpkin mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix here; you want the dough just coming together for those tender bites.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones

Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough briefly, about 3 to 4 times, to bring it fully together. Roll it out into an 8-inch circle about one inch thick. Then cut the circle into 8 wedges, like slicing a pizza. This traditional scone shape makes serving a breeze.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are beautifully golden. The warm aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic.

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Glazes

Let your scones cool for about 10 minutes so they’re just warm but not hot. Meanwhile, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk for a simple glaze. For the spiced glaze, combine confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and milk. Spoon or drizzle these onto each scone. The glazes add sweetness and a glossy finish that’s pure indulgence.

Step 8: Let the Glaze Set and Serve

Allow the glaze to set before serving. This will give a slightly crisp, sugary shell that’s the perfect contrast to the soft, spiced interior.

How to Serve Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe

This image shows golden-brown triangular scones with a crumbly texture, arranged closely on a metal cooling rack. Each scone is topped with a smooth, shiny white glaze that has light streaks of brown, dripping slightly over the edges. The cooling rack sits on a white marbled surface visible in the gaps. The scones appear thick and rustic, with rough edges and a slightly cracked surface showing their crumbly interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top right after glazing for a lovely visual touch and intensified spice aroma that will delight the senses as soon as you take a bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these scones with a rich cup of coffee, chai latte, or your favorite herbal tea for a complete fall-themed snack or breakfast. Fresh fruit or a smear of creamy butter complements them beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of clotted cream, honey, or pumpkin butter for a stunning brunch or tea party display. For a fun twist, serve with pumpkin-spiced whipped cream dolloped on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain freshness, keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture. This way, you can enjoy that fresh-baked flavor the next morning with ease.

Freezing

If you want to keep the joy longer, freeze the unglazed scones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or warming.

Reheating

Warm scones gently in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to revive their tender crumb and fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe, making it easy to enjoy pumpkin flavors any time of year.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

While the spice blend is key to authentic flavor, you can simplify by at least using cinnamon and nutmeg. The scones will still be delicious, just a bit milder.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter supports the flaky texture, so it’s best to stick with it. Margarine might work in a pinch, but oils generally make scones less tender and more dense.

How do I make these scones dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter alternative and swap the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture will be almost the same, and the flavors remain delicious.

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Yes! Adjust the glaze by adding more confectioners’ sugar for thickness or more milk for a thinner drizzle. Find the consistency that works best for your preference.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them pre-made. The combination of warm spices, moist pumpkin, tender crumb, and that irresistible glaze is a match made in fall-flavored heaven. Whether it’s a cozy weekend morning or a special gathering, these scones bring that Starbucks magic straight to your home. So go ahead, bake a batch, and let your kitchen smell like autumn.