Name: Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice mix; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup vegan butter, cold and cut into small cubes or pieces; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 2 tablespoons almond milk or other milk; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons almond milk; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice mix; 1-2 tablespoons almond milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you’ve been craving those irresistible fall flavors that Starbucks does oh-so-well, you’re in for a treat with this Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones Recipe. I’ve been perfecting this one in my kitchen for a while now, and honestly? These scones nail that tender, spicy, pumpkin goodness you get at Starbucks but are 100% vegan and tastier homemade. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step and share my tips to make sure yours come out just right!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Vegan Texture: A mix of vegan butter and applesauce keeps these scones tender and moist without dairy.
Balanced Warm Spices: Pumpkin pie spice brings that unmistakable cozy flavor that makes pumpkin scones so addictive.
Easy Glazing Options: Two glaze varieties let you customize sweetness and spice, just like in your favorite coffee shop.
Simple Prep & Bake: No fancy equipment needed—just a few bowls and an oven to bake up these beauties in under 30 minutes.

Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones, vegan pumpkin scones recipe, vegan fall bakery ideas, homemade pumpkin scones, dairy-free pumpkin scones - The image shows a close-up of several triangular scones placed on a wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each scone has a golden-brown, slightly rough texture base with a smooth, thick white icing layer covering the top. Over the white icing, there are thin, even lines of light brown drizzle arranged diagonally from one corner to the other. The scones are arranged in a casual pattern, filling the frame with their detailed textures and colorful toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to these pumpkin scones, the ingredients are the real MVPs. Each one plays a special part in creating that signature flavor and texture you expect from a Starbucks copycat. Plus, they’re easy to source, and I’ll share some tips so you pick the best versions.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure to your scones; don’t substitute or the texture changes.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Pumpkin pie spice mix: This blends cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—the blend that creates that warm autumn vibe.
Baking powder & baking soda: Together they help the scones rise perfectly to a soft, crumbly texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet-spicy flavors.
Vegan butter: The cold butter creates those flaky layers we love in scones—make sure it’s chilled!
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Almond milk: Keeps it dairy-free but still creamy; any plant milk works here.
Unsweetened applesauce: A clever vegan swap that adds sweetness and moisture without oil.
Vanilla extract: Brings depth and rounds out the flavors.
Powdered sugar: For the glazes—ensure it’s smooth for the perfect drizzle.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones Recipe my own by switching up the glaze or boosting the spices, and you should too! These scones are a great base for your creativity.

Extra Spicy: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cayenne or extra cinnamon in the dough for a little warmth kick—I tried this for a fall brunch, and it got rave reviews!
Gluten-Free Version: Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; it works surprisingly well but keep an eye on the dough texture—it might need a splash more liquid.
Nut Allergy Friendly: Substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk if nuts are a concern.
Seasonal Fruit Boost: Fold in some dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor—you’ll be surprised how well it pairs with pumpkin!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a large baking sheet and either lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper—this helps your scones bake evenly without sticking. Meanwhile, get all your ingredients out so you’re ready to mix.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients & Cut in Butter

In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now here’s a technique I swear by: add your cold vegan butter cut into little cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the dry mix. You want to end up with coarse crumbs. This is key to flaky scones, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough

Add in the pumpkin puree, almond milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the butter-flour mix. Grab a large wooden spoon and stir until the mixture just comes together into a soft dough—it’ll be a bit sticky, but that’s perfect.

Step 4: Shape & Slice Your Scones

Lightly flour your countertop and hands, then gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together. Press it into a circle about 1 inch thick—think of it like a pumpkin pie crust in shape. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into 8 wedges like a pizza. Transfer these to your baking sheet, spaced a bit apart.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 14 to 16 minutes until the scones are a light golden brown on top. I like to keep an eye on the edges and pull them out just before they get too dark—that way they stay soft and tender, not dry. Let them cool on the pan for at least 15 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glazes & Drizzle

While the scones cool, make your glazes. For the white glaze, just mix powdered sugar with almond milk until smooth, adjusting thickness with more milk or sugar as needed. For the spiced glaze, add pumpkin pie spice to the powdered sugar before whisking in milk. I usually spoon on the white glaze first, then drizzle the spiced glaze on top—it’s such a beautiful and tasty finish!

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Pro Tips for Making Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Keep Butter Cold: Chilled vegan butter is your secret weapon for flaky layers—if it warms up, pop it back in the fridge before mixing.
Don’t Overmix: As soon as your dough comes together, stop mixing to avoid tough scones.
Use a Sharp Knife: This helps get clean wedges without squishing your dough.
Cool Before Glazing: Let the scones rest so the glaze sets beautifully without melting off and creating a mess.

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Garnishes

I tend to keep it simple by just drizzling those two glazes—the classic white and the spiced version. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or crushed pecans on top of the glaze for a little crunch and that cozy scent. It’s such a nice touch and really elevates the experience.

Side Dishes

These scones are fantastic with a mug of hot coffee or your favorite plant-based latte. I also love pairing them with a bowl of spiced apple cider or a fresh fruit salad with citrus and pomegranate seeds for a bright contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, I arrange the scones on a wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and fall leaves. Adding little jars of extra glaze on the side lets everyone dip and drizzle to their heart’s content—it’s super fun and looks darling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay moist for up to 3 days—perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully! Pop them in a freezer-safe bag (glaze-free) and freeze for up to a month. When you want one, just thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm scones in the oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that flaky, fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Depending on the brand, you might want to add a little extra almond milk to achieve the right dough consistency.
Do I have to use pumpkin pie spice or can I make my own?

You can definitely make your own mix! Use 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cloves, ginger, and nutmeg to mimic that classic pumpkin pie spice flavor perfectly.
What if I don’t have vegan butter?

You might substitute with solid coconut oil, but it needs to be chilled so it behaves like butter to maintain the scones’ flaky texture.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the dough and freeze the shaped wedges before baking, then bake fresh when you want. Or bake fully and freeze; just reheat when ready to serve.
How do I store glazed scones?

Store glazed scones in an airtight container at room temperature, but note the glaze might get a little softer over time—fresh glaze drizzle helps revive that crisp texture.

Final Thoughts

This Starbucks Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Scones Recipe has been one of my favorite fall discoveries and goes beyond just a cozy treat—it feels like an experience in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a friend, a weekend brunch, or just craving that pumpkin spice magic at home, this recipe won’t disappoint. Trust me, once you try making your own, you’ll see it’s easier and better than grabbing one at the café. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bake these little pumpkin-flavored delights together—you won’t regret it!