Starbucks Petite Vanilla Bean Scones

What Makes Vanilla Bean Scones So Delicious?

• Real whole vanilla beans create a soft, warm flavor!
• The heavy cream makes these scones moist and tender.
• Homemade scones always taste better than anything from the pastry case!

Ingredients

Scones

All-purpose flour - 2 and ½ cups - APF is perfect for this recipe. It is versatile and bakes perfectly. Always fill the measuring cup with a little overflowing. Gently tap the cup to fill and void, then use a knife to level the top. This method will give you a consistent measurement.

Salt - 1 teaspoon - I recommend using a standard table or sea salt.

Baking Powder - 1 tablespoon - To achieve a lift.

Sugar - ⅓ cup - Regular granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe.

Egg - 1 large - Look for large eggs at the store. They are the most common.

Heavy Cream - ½ cup - It is vital to use heavy cream in this recipe. Changing this ingredient will result in scones that spread out.

Pure Vanilla Extract - 1 tablespoon - I used clear vanilla extract to keep the scone on the lighter side. However, clear or standard will have the same flour.

Cold Butter - ¾ cup - Cold and cubed - ALWAYS ensure the butter is cold. When I make this recipe, I cut the butter first and then keep it in the refrigerator until I am ready to add it to the flour.

Glaze

Confectioners' Sugar (powdered sugar) - 1 and ½ cups - Spoon and level before mixing.

Milk - 2 tablespoons - You can use any milk with this mixture. If you use heavy cream, plan on adding 1 - 2 more tablespoons.

Vanilla bean - ½ half - I recommend using real vanilla beans. You can also use vanilla bean paste.

Butter Tips

In pastry making, butter is cut into small cubes and mixed with dry ingredients. The fat in the butter melts to create air pockets. When this happens, flaky layers are created.

As a baker, you always want to use cold butter. I recommend starting with frozen butter and a sharp knife. Cut the butter into small cubes. I find that cubes bake better than grated butter.

When working with butter, use either a pastry blender (sometimes called a pastry cutter), two forks, or your fingertips. Using your whole hand will create heat resulting in the butter cooling faster.

Instructions

The time needed: 30 minutes.

How to Make Scones

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 400F/200C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Use a whisk to combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add butter using: Your fingertips or a pastry blender, and incorporate the butter into the flour. The largest size of butter should be equal to a green pea. The flour will be loose and seem unincorporated in places. This is the desired outcome. Overmixing will result in a flat scone.
4. Mix Wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Using a wooden spoon, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until barely combined.
6. Shape: Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface. Divide into three equal sections. Gently pat each section into a round shape about an inch high. Cut into six equal triangles. Place on the baking (cookie) sheet and arrange scones about 2 - 3 inches apart in the same round shape. Bake at 400f/200c for 20 - 24 minutes or until golden brown. Place on a cooling rack.
7. * Bake at 400f/200c for 20 - 24 minutes or until golden brown. Place on a cooling rack.
8. Glaze: Mix all the glaze ingredients together. Drizzle on top of the scones once they have cooled, about 10 minutes.

Picture Steps

Alternatives and Substitutions

Food Processor - Some people prefer to blend the butter into the flour mixture using a food processor. If you choose this method, place the flour mixture and butter in the food processor and give 2 - 3 quick pulses. There should remain chunks of butter and loose flour.

Vanilla Bean Paste - Substitute vanilla bean paste for vanilla beans at a 1:1 ratio.

Plant-Based/Vegan Butter - This is my preferred type of butter. Swap at a 1:1 ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Petite Vanilla Scone? Starbucks developed and sold the petite vanilla scone as part of its rotating menu. It is ⅓ of the size of a traditional scone and, therefore, petite. Vanilla is added to the scone, and vanilla beans are added to the glaze.

What Are Vanilla Bean Seeds? The vanilla bean is a long thin pod native to Mexico. The seeds in the pods hold the flavor. Vanilla extract is the extraction of the seeds turned into a liquid. Most bakers prefer liquid vanilla due to its ease and cost.

Are Scones Unhealthy? Scones do have a high amount of calories and fat. With that said, I can't bring myself to say they are unhealthy. I believe, in this instance, that it is up to personal interpretation.

What is the Secret to Good Scones? There are two secrets. 1. Always use good quality ingredients. 2. Keep all dairy cold before mixing it into the other ingredients. Warm dairy, especially butter, will cause the scones to flatten out.