Craving that warm, buttery, vanilla-infused Starbucks scone but don't want to pay the price? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe will guide you through making delicious, homemade Starbucks-inspired vanilla scones that are surprisingly easy and way more affordable. Get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of a coffee shop favorite in the cozy atmosphere of your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for a weekend baking project or a quick treat to elevate your weeknight.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy scones.
Step 2: Cutting in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing; pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal. This step creates flaky layers in the scones.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Bringing it Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing will result in tough scones.
Step 5: Shaping the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
Step 6: Baking
Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with your favorite beverage – a cup of coffee or tea complements these perfectly!
Tips for the Best Scones:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is crucial for flaky scones. Make sure your butter, cream, and even your bowl are cold.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough. Gentle folding and patting are all you need.
- Sprinkle generously: The coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Variations:
- Lemon Scones: Add the zest of one lemon to the wet ingredients.
- Blueberry Scones: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the dough.
- Chocolate Chip Scones: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Carbohydrates: 30-35g Protein: 4-5g
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade version of your favorite Starbucks treat. The warm, crumbly texture and delightful vanilla flavor will make this a new staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!