Recipe for Starbucks Vanilla Bean Scones Made Easy

Originally posted on March 10, 2022 @ 12:07 am

There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the kitchen, especially when they’re infused with the warm, comforting flavor of vanilla bean. If you’ve ever enjoyed Starbucks’ famous vanilla bean scones and wished you could recreate that perfect balance of flaky, buttery texture with sweet vanilla notes at home, you’re in the right place.

Today, I’m sharing a detailed recipe to make your own Starbucks-style vanilla bean scones that are tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. These scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat paired with your favorite coffee or tea.

Best of all, this recipe is straightforward enough for both beginners and seasoned bakers to enjoy. Let’s dive into the delicious world of vanilla bean scones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest reasons this recipe stands out is its authentic use of real vanilla bean, which imparts a rich, natural sweetness that vanilla extract simply can’t match. The scones are delightfully flaky and moist, striking the perfect balance between crumbly and tender.

Unlike many scone recipes that can turn out dry or overly dense, these come out light and buttery every time. Plus, they’re versatile—you can enjoy them plain or add a drizzle of glaze for that extra touch of sweetness.

This recipe uses common pantry ingredients and simple baking techniques, making it accessible for anyone. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just craving a homemade Starbucks experience, these vanilla bean scones will quickly become a staple in your baking arsenal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: powdered sugar for glaze
• Optional: 2 tbsp milk or cream for glaze

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Pastry blender or fork (for cutting in the butter)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Prepare vanilla bean: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Add the seeds to the dry ingredients. If you’re using vanilla bean paste, simply add it now.
4. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
5. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.
7. Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
8. Prepare for baking: Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops lightly with some heavy cream to encourage browning.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and glaze: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or cream to create a glaze, then drizzle over the warm scones.
11. Serve: Enjoy your homemade vanilla bean scones warm or at room temperature with your favorite spread or beverage.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, make sure your butter is very cold before incorporating it into the dough. This helps create those flaky layers scones are known for.

If you want to add a little twist, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation. Alternatively, a handful of white chocolate chips pairs beautifully with vanilla bean.

For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch instead of heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Don’t overwork the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of tender, flaky treats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vanilla bean scones are a perfect pairing for a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. For an indulgent treat, serve with clotted cream and your favorite jam or honey.

They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches.

If you want to elevate your brunch spread, consider complementing your scones with lighter fare like a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or a comforting bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Conclusion

Making Starbucks-style vanilla bean scones at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This recipe delivers that perfect balance of rich vanilla flavor, buttery flakiness, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a comforting homemade pastry, these scones will not disappoint.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy bakery-quality scones fresh from your oven any time you wish. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and pairings mentioned to truly make this recipe your own.

For more delicious baking ideas, check out our Coffee Cookies Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or try a wholesome Clean Eating Breakfast Vegetarian Recipes for Every Morning. Happy baking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Starbucks Vanilla Bean Scones”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These vanilla bean scones are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweetened with a hint of vanilla. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack with coffee.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT18M”, “totalTime”: “PT33M”, “recipeYield”: “8 scones”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/3 cup granulated sugar”, “1 tablespoon baking powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped”, “1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed”, “1 cup heavy cream”, “1 large egg”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/4 cup coarse sugar (for topping)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla bean seeds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into an 8-inch circle.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cut dough into 8 wedges and place on a baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each wedge.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “16 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}