Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

The Ultimate Fall Treat: Cheaper, Vegan, and Just as Delicious as the Original

When it comes to fall, it’s easy to be obsessed with pumpkin everything! From the first crisp day of the season, the warm, comforting flavor of pumpkin spice fills our kitchens and our hearts. There’s something so nostalgic about it, a scent that instantly transports you to hayrides, cozy sweaters, and gathering with loved ones.

And of course, no fall is complete without a trip to a certain famous coffee shop for their iconic pumpkin scones. They’re a true seasonal indulgence, but let’s be honest—they're not exactly cheap, and they're definitely not made with plant-based ingredients. So, as a lover of all things pumpkin and a firm believer in enjoying your favorite treats without compromise, I knew I had to create a solution.

This is a copycat recipe for the pumpkin scones they have at Starbucks, but with two major upgrades: it's a fraction of the price, and it's completely vegan. You can't beat that! This recipe is not necessarily the "dietitian" part of me speaking, but rather the vegan who absolutely loves pumpkin. As a dietitian, I believe in the power of whole foods and nutrient-dense meals, but I also know that a healthy, balanced life includes a sprinkle of joy and a big dose of deliciousness. It's about finding that sweet spot where a treat can be celebrated without guilt.

That being said...here is the recipe.

Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted vegan butter, cut into cubes (chilled)

• 3 Tbsp unsweetened soy milk

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water (flax egg)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 Tbsp unsweetened soy milk

Spiced Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 Tbsp unsweetened soy milk

• 1/4-1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt.

2. Next, add the cold, cubed vegan butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix until the dry ingredients look like coarse crumbles.

3. In a separate small bowl, prepare your flax egg by whisking the ground flaxseed and water together. Let it sit for a minute to thicken.

4. To the flour mixture, add the pumpkin puree, soy milk, flaxseed + water mixture, and vanilla extract. Gently mix the dough just until it is all mixed in and forms into a round ball. Be careful not to overmix!

5. Flour a clean surface and place the dough on it. You can use a rolling pin or flatten it out with your hands. Make the dough into a circle about 8-10 inches in diameter.

6. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8-10 triangular pieces, like a pizza.

7. On a baking sheet, line it with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This makes it much easier to take them off and makes cleanup a breeze. Place the cut-out scones on the baking sheet.

8. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

9. While the scones are baking, prepare the glazes. In one small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and soy milk for the regular glaze. Whisk until it is smooth.

10. In a second small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, soy milk, and pumpkin spice for the spiced glaze. Whisk together until it is smooth. Set both glazes aside.

11. Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze on top. First, drizzle the regular glaze over each scone, followed by the spiced glaze.

12. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoying Your Scones: A Moment of Pure Fall Joy

These scones are at their absolute best when they're still slightly warm, straight from the oven. The soft, tender interior and the sweet, spiced glaze create a perfect symphony of flavors. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea and a good book for a quiet moment of self-care. They're also perfect for sharing with friends and family—the ultimate act of fall hospitality.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will bring them back to life, making them feel freshly baked all over again.

Enjoy this little slice of autumnal heaven. It's a sweet, cozy reminder that a healthy, joyful life includes savoring the simple pleasures of the season!