Vanilla Bean Scones

BySimply Happenstance
Jump to Recipe

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-33Vanilla Bean Scones //

My kids and I love the little Vanilla Bean Scones at Starbucks. Unfortunately, we don’t get them too often, because they tend to run out early in the day. They’re delicious (and clearly we aren’t the only ones who think so)!

Having never made scones before, I decided to search for a ‘copycat’ recipe online. Lucky for me, I came across one that The Pioneer Woman posted some time ago. I wouldn’t describe the recipe as quick and easy, friends… rather, I think it’s a bit labor intensive. (Sort of like the work involved in making homemade sugar cookies, cutting them out, frosting them, etc.) There’s lots of love that goes into creating these little gems, but it makes them absolutely irresistible!

I’m sort of at a loss for words in describing them, but in my (“expert” of all-things-sweet) opinion, they’re the perfect flakey scone texture! The glaze compliments the slightly sweet biscuit, sealing in the moisture. However, the star of the scone is definitely the vanilla bean! Did you know that there are usually 25,000 tiny vanilla seeds in one scraped vanilla bean pod? Amazing! Well, all of those mini flecks add the most intense flavor! 

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-1

{Since there are many steps to making these little scones, I thought I’d write less and let the photos do the talking. If you are unfamiliar with how to scrape a vanilla bean, start by watching this short video by Martha Stewart.}

Add the seeds of two scraped vanilla beans to the heavy cream, allowing to sit for several minutes to soak in the flavor. You can also add in the actual scraped pod, to increase the overall vanilla flavor (just remove prior to pouring into the dry ingredients). 

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-2

Mix the dry scone ingredients, using a fork, until combined. Cut the unsalted cold butter into slices/chunks. Using a pastry cutter or two knives (which I used), cut-in the butter, until pea-sized coarse crumbs form. (Watch this video for the how-to!)

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-3

Add one large egg to the vanilla cream mixture, beating lightly with a fork. Pour onto the butter/flour mixture, stirring until just combined. 

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-5

Using a fork, or your clean hands, take a minute to incorporate the wet and dry ingredients. (The dough should still be a bit crumbly.)

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-7

Put the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press it together until it forms a rustic rectangle. Use a rolling pin to roll into a rectangle, until dough is about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick. Use your hands to help with the forming, if need be. 

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-9

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-11

Use a knife to trim into a symmetrical rectangle, then cut the rectangle into 12 symmetrical squares/rectangles. 

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-12 Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-13

Next, cut each square/rectangle in half diagonally, to form two triangles, like so…

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-14

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-15

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-16

Transfer the scone triangles onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes (until edges and bottom are a light golden brown). 

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-18
Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-20
Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-22

Allow scones to cool for 15 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-23
Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-27

{While the scones are cooling, begin making the vanilla glaze.} Split one vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Stir vanilla bean seeds into milk; allow to sit for a few minutes.

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-29

Mix the powdered sugar with the vanilla milk, adding more powdered sugar or milk if necessary to get the consistency to the right medium-thickness. Stir or whisk until completely smooth.

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-30

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-31

Next, carefully drench each cooled scone by dunking into the vanilla bean glaze. Transfer to parchment paper or the cooling rack. Allow the glaze to set completely, about an hour. (If you need it to set quicker, simply refrigerate.)

Side Note // If a scone swimming in icing isn’t your thing, then you can cut the glaze recipe in half, and use it to drizzle over each scone. They turn out beautiful!

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-34

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-35
Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-38

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-39

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-40

Vanilla Bean Scones - a copycat recipe of the ones we all love from Starbucks!
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Vanilla Bean Scones

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Total Time46 minutes
Course: Breakfast/Snack
Servings: 24
Author: A Pioneer Woman Recipe made on Simply Happenstance

Ingredients

  • SCONES //
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 sticks 1/2 pound unsalted butter, chilled
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cups heavy cream
  • 2 whole vanilla beans scraped
  • GLAZE //
  • 5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 whole vanilla bean
  • dash of sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Split the vanilla beans down the middle lengthwise and scrape out all the vanilla seeds inside. Stir the scrapings into the cream. Set aside for 15 minutes.
  • Sift together flour, 2/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cut cold butter into pats, then use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour. Continue for a few minutes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Using a fork, lightly beat the egg into the vanilla cream mixture. Pour onto the flour mixture; stir gently with a fork just until it comes together. (If you're having trouble combining, use clean hands to help.)
  • Put dough onto a lightly floured surface and press it together until it forms a rough rectangle. (Mixture will be pretty crumbly.) Use a rolling pin to roll into a rectangle about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick. Use your hands to help with the forming if necessary.
  • Use a knife to trim into a symmetrical rectangle, then cut the rectangle into 12 symmetrical squares/rectangles. Next, cut each square/rectangle in half diagonally, to form two triangles.
  • Transfer to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes (until edges and bottom are a light golden brown). Allow to cool for 15 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • VANILLA GLAZE
  • While scones are cooling begin making the glaze.
  • Split one vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Stir vanilla bean seeds into milk; allow to sit for awhile. Mix powdered sugar with the vanilla milk, adding more powdered sugar or milk if necessary to get the consistency the right thickness. Stir or whisk until completely smooth.
  • One at a time, carefully dunk each cooled scone in the glaze, turning it over, if desired. Transfer to parchment paper or the cooling rack. Allow the glaze to set completely, about an hour. Scones will keep several days if glazed. Enjoy!

Notes

A Pioneer Woman Recipe // https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/petite-vanilla-bean-scones/

I hope that you enjoy these dainty vanilla scones with a good cup of coffee over breakfast, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea! Or… even better, maybe you’ll whip up a batch as a little Valentine’s Day treat for your sweet ones! 

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-44

 sarasignature3 copy

132 Comments

  1. I can personally let you know that these little tasty treats are buttery, sweet, and so delicious!
    Sweet Sara brought some by and it brought big smiles and begging for more from my little ones:) thank you for sharing. You truly have a gift for baking!

    Reply

    1. Hello, Amanda! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! Hope you try out the recipe! Your blog is gorgeous, BTW! After reading your ‘about’ section, I’ve decided we have so much in common! Love my psych background… but I’m also crazy about graphic design and just creating pretty things! I hope to do more of that in 2015! Thanks, for stopping by! xo, Sara

      Reply

  18. I’m now a loyal reader and frequent visitor. Your blog is a genuine discovery for me, consistently delivering high-quality content and profound depth on subjects I care deeply about. Thank you for cultivating such a valuable online space.

    Reply

  28. إذا كنت تبحث عن تجربة مميزة في دردشة الخليل توفر لك التواصل مع الأصدقاء والتعارف مع أشخاص جدد من مختلف أنحاء فلسطين، فإن منصتنا تقدم لك كل ما تحتاجه. يمكنك الآن الانضمام بسهولة إلى شات فلسطيني اونلاين والاستمتاع بمحادثات آمنة وسريعة. استكشف الغرف المتنوعة وشارك في النقاشات الممتعة عبر دردشة فلسطين للجوال. جرب الخدمة الآن من خلال هذا الرابط: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chat.chatpaestine&pli=1

    Reply

  83. Just signed up for PHJL8! The welcome bonus is nice. Going to try a few slots and see how it goes. Hopefully, I’ll hit the jackpot! Check it out for yourselves: phjl8

    Reply

  87. I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

    Reply

  99. I enjoyed how approachable this article feels. The topic is explained in a straightforward manner without unnecessary complexity. It’s refreshing to read something that feels informative and honest, rather than exaggerated or overly optimized for attention.

    Reply

  100. A well-thought-out and informative post. The explanations are clear, and the overall tone is calm and professional. It’s easy to see that the author put effort into making the content useful and readable.

    Reply

  105. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

    Reply

  117. naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

    Reply

  124. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating