Copycat Starbucks Petite Vanilla Scones: Better Than the Original!

The first time I bit into a Starbucks Petite Vanilla Scone, it was a rainy Sunday morning when I desperately needed comfort. That perfect balance of buttery pastry and sweet vanilla glaze instantly became my weekend ritual – a small luxury I looked forward to all week. After countless test batches in my kitchen, I’ve perfected a copycat recipe that many friends swear tastes even better than the original. These delicate, vanilla-infused treats can transform an ordinary morning into something special any day of the week.

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to these scones lies in their delicate texture and rich vanilla flavor. By using cake flour instead of all-purpose and incorporating real vanilla beans, you’ll achieve that authentic Starbucks taste and texture that makes these treats so irresistible.

Ingredients

• Cake flour – Creates a more delicate, tender crumb than all-purpose flour for that perfect scone texture
• Granulated sugar – Provides just the right amount of sweetness to complement the vanilla flavor
• Baking powder – The leavening agent that gives these scones their slight rise
• Sea salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Cream cheese – Adds richness and creates a tender, moist texture
• Heavy cream – Provides essential fat content for proper texture and richness
• Vanilla extract – Infuses the dough with warm vanilla flavor

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet coating that sets beautifully
• Sea salt – Balances the sweetness of the glaze
• Milk – Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency
• Vanilla extract – Adds flavor and creates those signature vanilla bean specks

Step-by-Step instructions

For the Scones:

1. Set a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F.
2. Whisk the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and sea salt together in a medium bowl.
3. Add the cream cheese and work it in with your fingertips until no little “pebbles” remain and the flour seems slightly mealy but not gummy.
4. Whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla in a separate small bowl.
5. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the cream mixture.
6. Stir gently to combine (using a knife helps prevent overmixing).
7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2-3 times until fairly smooth.
8. Form the dough into a rectangle 6″ x 5″ and about ¾” high.
9. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise into thirds, for a total of six rectangles.
10. Cut each rectangle diagonally into 2 small triangles (12 total).
11. Arrange the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
12. Bake for 13-15 minutes until lightly golden brown.
13. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

For the Glaze:

• Let the glaze set up for at least two hours before serving.
• Whisk together the powdered sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla until you have a thick but pourable glaze.
• Place the cooled scones on a cooling rack set over a cookie sheet or parchment to catch drips.
• Spoon a generous amount of glaze over each scone to completely cover the tops.
• Allow the glaze to set up for 15 minutes.
• Rewhisk the remaining glaze and repeat the glazing process for that perfect Starbucks look.

Storage and Reheating

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freeze unglazed scones for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Reheat briefly in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to recreate that fresh-baked taste.

Meanwhile, be sure to check out some of my favorite Starbucks Coffee Drinks:

• Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
• Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
• Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha
• Starbucks Horchata Frappuccino
• Starbucks Cafe Mocha