Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe

If you have ever craved the delightfully tender and flavorful scones from Starbucks, then you are in for a treat with this Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe. This recipe lovingly recreates the rich vanilla aroma and the buttery, flaky texture of those famous scones in your own kitchen. Perfect with a cup of coffee or as a sweet breakfast indulgence, this copycat version is simple to make yet utterly impressive, allowing you to enjoy that café experience any time you want without the café price.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful scones, you only need a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of tender crumb and irresistible flavor that makes this Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe so special.

• 2½ cups cake flour: The light and soft texture of cake flour is key for tender scones that are not too dense.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the vanilla flavor.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: The essential leavening to give your scones a light rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and brings out the vanilla notes beautifully.
• ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter creates flaky layers when baked.
• 3 ounces cold heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 cold large egg: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste: The star ingredient for that authentic and intense vanilla flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweetens and thickens the finishing glaze.
• 3 ounces heavy cream (for icing): Makes the icing luxuriously creamy for drizzling or dipping.

How to Make Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven And Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature helps achieve those golden edges and perfectly baked centers. Next, pulse the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor to combine and aerate them for even distribution. This small step is what lays the foundation for the scones’ tender texture.

Step 2: Incorporate The Butter

Now, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and pulse until it resembles a sandy texture with pea-sized bits. When you use cold butter this way, it creates steam pockets during baking, which leads to that signature flaky, layered structure every scone lover dreams of.

Step 3: Make The Dough

Next, pour in the cold heavy cream, egg, and vanilla bean paste. Pulse again until a dough forms and it just begins to pull away from the sides of the processor. Be careful not to overwork it; the slightest overmixing can make the scones tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Shape And Cut The Scones

Divide the dough into three equal portions. Using cold hands, gently roll each portion into a ball, then flatten under parchment paper into a 5-inch disc about ¾ inch thick. Don’t worry about small cracks—this rustic shaping helps keep the dough cold and flaky. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut each disc into six triangles and arrange them spaced apart on your baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake the scones for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are golden and the tops feel firm to the touch. This quick bake at a high temperature locks in the buttery flavor and crumbly texture. Let the scones cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—about an hour—before adding the icing.

Step 6: Prepare And Apply The Icing

Whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla bean paste to make a thick, luscious icing. You can dip the tops of the cooled scones into the icing or simply drizzle it generously over them. The thick vanilla glaze is the final touch that makes this Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe truly irresistible.

How to Serve Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these scones even further, consider sprinkling a pinch of coarse sugar on top of the icing before it sets for a gentle crunch and sparkle. Fresh vanilla bean seeds can also be lightly scattered on top to enhance the scent and appearance, making your scones look as stunning as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your Vanilla Bean Scones with a warm cup of coffee, chai latte, or your favorite tea to complement the rich vanilla and buttery flavors. A small bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of clotted cream can also create a lovely contrast and add extra indulgence for a breakfast or afternoon tea treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve these scones on a tiered cake stand alongside other pastries or jam jars. Wrap individual scones in parchment paper tied with ribbon to gift friends, or set a basket of scones along with coffee mugs for a cozy brunch gathering. This Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them away from moisture to maintain their tender yet crisp texture. If left uncovered, they may become too dry and lose their signature flakiness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled scones tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm the scones in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their flaky texture and soften the icing slightly. Avoid the microwave as it can make the scones rubbery or soggy. A quick oven reheat will make them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but you should adjust the heavy cream amount slightly to 4 ounces to maintain the scones’ moisture and tenderness. Cake flour helps keep them light, so expect a bit denser texture without it.

What can I substitute for vanilla bean paste?

If you do not have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract will work, but the intensity and specks of vanilla beans won’t be quite the same. For the closest flavor, use a high-quality vanilla bean paste.

Why do the scones turn out dry sometimes?

Overworking the dough or baking for too long can cause dryness. Handle the dough as little as possible and watch the bake time closely. The scones should be golden but still tender inside when done.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and coconut cream. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Is it okay to skip the icing?

Absolutely! While the vanilla bean icing adds a lovely sweetness and charm, these scones are delicious on their own. You can also serve them with jam or clotted cream if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Making this Vanilla Bean Scone (Starbucks Copycat Recipe) Recipe at home is a wonderful way to treat yourself to a bakery-quality indulgence any day of the week. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy that perfect balance of buttery texture and pure vanilla flavor right out of your oven. Trust me, once you try these scones, they will become a treasured staple in your baking repertoire and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at every breakfast or tea time.

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