Recreate a bakery-style favorite at home with these Starbucks copycat vanilla bean scones. Petite, tender and full of real vanilla flavor, these scones pair perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea. The dough comes together easily and bakes into moist, flaky bites with the right balance of sweetness and texture. A simple vanilla glaze finishes them off, making these scones ideal for brunch, sharing with friends, or a sweet snack any time of day. If you love Starbucks’ scones, this copycat version is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love It
These Starbucks copycat vanilla bean scones are buttery and tender with a sweet vanilla glaze. They’re straightforward to make and taste like a bakery treat.
Easy to make: Uses simple pantry ingredients and no special tools.
Perfectly portioned: Petite size makes them great for snacks or sharing.
Classic vanilla flavor: Real vanilla and cream deliver an authentic taste.
Bakery quality at home: Make your favorite coffee shop scones without the line.
You might also like pineapple scones, cinnamon scones, cheddar bacon scones, and white chocolate and raspberry scones.
Petite Vanilla Bean Scones Ingredients
A full list of quantities is available in the printable recipe card below.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough for structure.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
Baking powder: Gives lift for a tender crumb.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed for flakiness.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and moisture.
Vanilla extract: For classic vanilla flavor—use pure extract if possible.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze.
Milk: To thin the glaze to the right consistency.
Vanilla bean paste: Delivers visible vanilla specks and deeper flavor; vanilla extract works if you don’t have paste.
How to Make Starbucks Vanilla Bean Scones
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and times.
Make the dough: Whisk dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
Shape and cut: Divide the dough in half, flatten each portion into a disk about 1½ inches thick, and cut each disk into 8 wedges.
Bake: Arrange wedges on a lined baking sheet and bake until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a rack.
Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla bean paste. Adjust with a little water or extra powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
Glaze: Dip cooled scones in the glaze or drizzle over the top and let set on the rack.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Almond flavor: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract and top with sliced almonds.
Vanilla bean paste: If you don’t have paste, regular vanilla extract will still work but won’t produce the speckled appearance.
Serving Suggestions
Hot drinks: Enjoy with coffee, a lavender matcha latte, or a rich hot chocolate.
Cold drinks: Try with an iced latte or a cold lemonade.
Breakfast or brunch: Serve alongside casseroles, baked eggs, or fresh fruit for a satisfying spread.
How to Store
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked dough or baked glazed scones in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Top Tips
Keep butter and cream cold: Cold ingredients create flakier scones.
Don’t overmix: Stir until the dough just comes together.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Cool before glazing: Glaze cooled scones so it sets properly.
Starbucks Petite Vanilla Bean Scones FAQs
Yes. Increase the baking time as needed for larger scones until they are cooked through and lightly golden.
Yes. Cut the cold butter into the flour by hand with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then proceed with the recipe.
Yes. Shape and slice the dough into wedges, cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
Starbucks Vanilla Bean Scones Recipe
Starbucks Copycat Vanilla Bean Scones
Equipment
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Sharp knife
-
Cutting board
-
Baking sheet
-
Whisk
-
Mixing bowls
-
Food processor (optional)
-
Cooling rack
-
Rolling pin (optional)
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 2 ½ Cups all-purpose flour
- ½ Cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ Teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ Teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Stick unsalted butter, ½ cup, chilled and cut into cubes
- ½ Cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 Cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla bean paste with seeds
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons water, if needed
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it well.
Make the Dough
-
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
-
Add the flour mixture and chilled butter cubes to a food processor and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. (Or cut the butter in by hand.)
-
Slowly stream in the chilled cream and vanilla on low, blending until a dough forms.
Shape the Scones
-
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two equal portions.
-
Flatten each portion into a disk about 1½ inches thick using your hands or a rolling pin.
-
Cut each disk into 8 equal wedges.
Bake the Scones
-
Arrange wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden on the bottom.
-
Transfer scones to a cooling rack and let cool completely before glazing.
Make the Glaze
-
Whisk powdered sugar, milk and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl until smooth.
-
If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of water and whisk until it reaches the desired consistency.
-
If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar.
Glaze the Scones
-
Dip cooled scones into the glaze or drizzle it over the tops, then return to the rack to set.
Notes
Don’t overmix: Stop mixing once the dough holds together.
Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Cool before glazing: Ensure the glaze sets without melting.
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
You don’t need a café to enjoy Starbucks-style vanilla bean scones. With a few pantry staples and straightforward steps, you can bake soft, sweet scones that rival the originals. Serve them with coffee at breakfast, offer them at brunch, or keep them on hand for a quick homemade treat. This recipe highlights real vanilla in every bite and makes a delightful crowd-pleaser.
Other Recipes to Try
- Vanilla Fudge is simple to make at home with only a couple of ingredients.
- Try S’more Scones if you enjoy s’mores flavors.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Scones are perfect for the holidays.
- Find more easy and delicious scone recipes to bake next time.
