Name: Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones for Cozy Fall Mornings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can add a richer taste); 1 teaspoon Fine-Grain Sea Salt (essential for enhancing flavors); 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (acts as a leavening agent); 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (works alongside baking powder); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adds warm spice flavor); 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1/2 cup Solid Coconut Oil (can substitute with dairy-free margarine); 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree (ensure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling); 1/2 cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk (any non-dairy milk works for a lighter version); 1 large Egg (can substitute with a flax egg for vegan option); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (essential for icing); 2 tablespoons Water (to thin icing); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (substitute with vanilla bean paste or powder if desired); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Turmeric

There’s something magical about the scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the air as the leaves start to turn. I found myself craving that cozy, beloved coffee shop taste, so I decided to whip up a batch of homemade Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones! These scones are not only dairy-free and packed with pumpkin goodness, but they’re also a breeze to make—perfect for those busy mornings or spontaneous fall gatherings. You’ll love how they pair wonderfully with your morning brew, making them the ideal alternative to fast food. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this delightful treat that captures all the autumn vibes. Curious how to bring this taste of fall into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Scones Better?

Unmatched Flavor: The perfect blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth, making each bite a celebration of fall.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these scones ready in no time, making your mornings less rushed!

Dairy-Free Delight: Enjoy the indulgence of creamy coconut milk and rich pumpkin puree without the dairy, perfect for any dietary preference.

Endless Variations: Get creative by adding chocolate chips or experimenting with spices for a unique twist— tailor them to your taste!

Perfect for Sharing: Whether for brunch, a coffee date, or just because, these scones are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Experience the joy of baking with these easy scones and bring that Starbucks flavor home!

Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Ingredients

For the Scone Base

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Granulated Sugar – Balances the flavor beautifully; brown sugar can add a richer taste.
Fine-Grain Sea Salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors; don’t skip this ingredient!
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for fluffiness.
Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder for a perfect rise.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds the warm spice flavor that enhances the pumpkin.
Freshly Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves – Create a cozy autumn spice blend for depth.

For Moisture and Richness

Solid Coconut Oil – Adds fat for tenderness; substitute with dairy-free margarine if needed.
Canned Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and strong pumpkin flavor; ensure you use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk – Introduces creaminess to the scones; any non-dairy milk will work for a lighter version.
Large Egg – Serves as a binder for the scones; a flax egg can be used for a vegan alternative.

For the Icing

Powdered Sugar – Essential for making the vanilla icing.
Water – To thin the icing to your desired consistency.
Vanilla Extract – Adds delicious flavor to the icing; substituting with vanilla bean paste or powder is an option.
Ground Cinnamon & Ground Turmeric – Infuse the cinnamon icing with color and warmth.

Now you’re ready to whip up some delightful Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready to catch the delightful pumpkin scones. This step sets the foundation for perfect baking, creating a non-stick surface that allows your scones to bake evenly.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, fine-grain sea salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the warm spices—ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Whisk thoroughly until there are no lumps, creating a homogenous mixture that will lend amazing flavor to your Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones.

Step 3: Incorporate Coconut Oil
Add the solid coconut oil to the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial, as it helps to incorporate the fat evenly, ensuring your scones turn out tender and flaky.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, full-fat coconut milk, and large egg until well blended. This creamy mixture will add moisture and richness to your scone dough, bringing forth the essence of pumpkin that makes these Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones truly special.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is key to keeping the scones light and airy. The dough should be somewhat shaggy but cohesive, signaling it’s ready for shaping.

Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a roughly 7-inch square that is approximately 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into rectangles or triangles. This shaping helps achieve those classic, inviting scone shapes that your family will love.

Step 7: Bake the Scones
Transfer the cut scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffed and lightly browned on top. The delicious aroma of spiced pumpkin will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the delightful treats!

Step 8: Cool and Prepare Icing
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. As they cool, you can prepare the vanilla icing by whisking together powdered sugar, water, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Once the scones are cool, glaze them with the vanilla icing. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle them with a cinnamon and turmeric mix for color and warmth. Set these delectable Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones out for everyone to enjoy, making your home feel like a cozy autumn café!

Make Ahead Options

These Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy mornings a breeze! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. On baking day, combine the mixtures and shape the dough, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even baking. To maintain their delightful texture, avoid freezing the unbaked scones as they are best fresh. A light reheat in the oven for about 5 minutes will revitalize the warm flavors before serving, ensuring you and your family enjoy scones that taste just as delicious as the day they were made!

Expert Tips for Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix until just combined; overworking the dough can lead to tough scones.

Check Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour to achieve the right texture.

Solid Coconut Oil: Ensure the coconut oil is solid for optimal flakiness—this is key to the delightful texture of your scones.

Double Glaze Trick: For that Starbucks-style indulgence, apply a layer of vanilla glaze first and then drizzle with cinnamon icing.

Storage Savvy: Store leftover scones at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze without glaze to enjoy later!

Storage Tips for Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

Room Temperature: Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but be aware that they may become slightly drier.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unglazed scones in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze after reheating.

Reheating: Warm scones in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!

What to Serve with Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

Elevate your cozy mornings with delightful pairings that complement the warm, spiced flavors of these homemade scones.

Creamy Chai Latte: The aromatic spices enhance the pumpkin’s warmth, creating a comforting drink pairing for your scone experience. Imagine sipping this fragrant beverage while savoring your scones—pure bliss!
Maple Glazed Bacon: The sweet and savory combo of crispy bacon brings an extra layer of indulgence that makes for a sophisticated brunch spread. This pairing is a hit for all breakfast lovers!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: This hearty bowl adds a wholesome touch to your meal, with flavors that sync beautifully with the scones. Its warmth and texture create a balanced breakfast experience sure to delight any palate.
Honey Crunch Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add a refreshing burst that lightens your meal, harmonizing with the sweet pumpkin notes. Drizzle a little honey for added sweetness that makes this salad sing!
Spiced Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced tea will round out the flavors, enhancing the autumn experience with every sip. Take a moment to sip and relax with your scone, enjoying the fall ambiance.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie: For an extra pumpkin fix, blend up a creamy smoothie with banana, pumpkin, and spices. It’s a filling option that beautifully echoes the flavors in your scones, adding a nutritious boost to your breakfast.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Indulge your sweet tooth by pairing the scones with a small slice of coffee cake. The crunchy topping and moist texture will give depth to your breakfast spread while complementing the scone’s flavors.
Vanilla Almond Milk: Light and refreshing, a glass of vanilla almond milk is not only dairy-free but also offers a sweet contrast to the scone’s spices. Its creaminess perfectly balances the fall flavors, making it a delightful choice.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For those who love a bit of indulgence, a dollop of coconut whipped cream can elevate your scones into a dessert. The lightness and sweetness mirror the flavors beautifully, making each bite even more decadent.

Let these delicious pairing ideas inspire your next autumn breakfast!

Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Variations

Feel free to make these scones your own with fun twists and substitutions that tickle your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk with almond milk or oat milk for a different flavor profile while keeping them creamy and delicious.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, adjusting the moisture level for a perfect texture.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a satisfying crunch and extra richness to each bite.
Spice It Up: Swap the traditional spices with cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor twist that’s surprisingly delightful.
Chocolate-Lover’s Dream: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for an indulgent treat perfectly pairing with the pumpkin.
Sweet Cinnamon Swap: Replace the vanilla icing with a spiced cream cheese frosting for a tangy-sweet finish that’s utterly addictive.
Lower Sugar Option: Reduce the sugar by one-third in both the scone and icing for a less sweet version that’s still packed with flavor.
Flavor Burst: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest into the batter for a bright, citrusy twist that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Whichever variations you choose, you’ll find endless possibilities to make these easy scones uniquely yours!

Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing canned pumpkin puree, ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Look for brands that list “pumpkin” as the sole ingredient for the freshest flavor. If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, select small sugar pumpkins. They’re sweeter and have a creamier texture. Cut, roast, and puree them until smooth!

What’s the best way to store leftover scones?
You can store your Better-Than-Starbucks Pumpkin Scones at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, but keep in mind they may dry out slightly. For the best taste, I recommend enjoying them at room temperature!

Can I freeze these scones for later enjoyment?
Very much! To freeze the unglazed scones, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and seal tightly, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm in your oven before glazing.

What should I do if my scone dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky when preparing your scones, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle in a little more all-purpose flour, a tablespoon at a time, while gently folding it in. Keep mixing until the dough holds together without being excessively wet—this will help ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Are these scones safe for people with allergies?
You’ll be pleased to know that these scones are dairy-free, making them suitable for anyone avoiding dairy products. However, they do contain gluten and eggs. For an egg-free version, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for the same binding effect. Always check the labels on your coconut products to ensure no allergens are included!