How to Freeze Scones: Tips for Freezing and Thawing

Scones, with their delightful crumbly texture and delectable flavors, are a favorite treat for breakfast, teatime, or whenever a sweet indulgence is in order. But what do you do when you have a surplus of scones or want to prepare them ahead of time for later enjoyment? Can you freeze scones? Can you freeze unbaked scones? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best tips for freezing scones and share the best practices to ensure they remain as fresh and scrumptious as when freshly baked. Discover the do’s and don’ts of freezing scones, and freezing unbaked scones so you can savor these mouthwatering treats whenever you please.

What Are Scones

Scones are a type of traditional baked good that originated in the United Kingdom. They are commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or teatime treat. Scones have a crumbly and tender texture, similar to a biscuit, and they can be both sweet or savory, for example, cheese scones. The basic ingredients used in making scones include flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, and milk or cream.

Scones can be flavored with various ingredients such as fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, cheese, or herbs (my favorites include mint or basil). They are typically served with clotted cream, jam (or my favourite Strawberry Preserves), or butter, and are often accompanied by tea or coffee.

Can You Freeze Scones

Yes, you can freeze scones! Scones freeze well and it’s a convenient way to preserve their freshness and enjoy them at a later time. Whether you have freshly baked scones or unbaked scone dough, both can be successfully frozen.

How to Freeze Baked Scones

1. Allow the scones to cool completely at room temperature after baking.
2. Individually wrap each scone with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and moisture absorption.
3. Place the wrapped scones in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
4. Label the container with the freezing date to keep track of their freshness.

How To Freeze Unbaked Scone Dough

1. Shape the scone dough into individual scones following your recipe.
2. Place the unbaked scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
3. Freeze the scones in a single layer for about an hour until they become firm.
4. Transfer the partially frozen scones into a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
5. Label the container with the freezing date and any specific baking instructions.

How Long Can You Freeze Scones

Frozen scones last in the freezer for up to 2 months when properly stored and unbaked scone dough can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Why Freeze Scones

Freezing scones offers several benefits, making it a practical and convenient choice for both home bakers and scone enthusiasts. Here are some reasons why freezing scones can be advantageous:

1. Preserve Freshness: Scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are at their peak flavor and texture. Freezing scones allows you to preserve that just-baked freshness and enjoy them at a later time.
2. Reduce Waste: If you have a large batch of scones or leftover scone dough, freezing is an excellent way to prevent waste. Instead of letting them go stale or be discarded, you can freeze the scones and enjoy them gradually.
3. Convenience: By freezing scones, you can have a stockpile of these delightful treats readily available. Whether it’s for breakfast, teatime, or a quick snack, you can quickly defrost and reheat frozen scones whenever the craving strikes.
4. Time-Saving: Preparing scone dough can be time-consuming, especially if you want to have fresh scones frequently. Freezing unbaked scone dough allows you to have the dough ready in advance, making it easy to bake fresh scones quickly.
5. Meal Planning: Freezing scones can be a valuable part of meal planning or preparation for special occasions. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a tea party, freezing scones in advance can simplify the cooking process.
6. Variety: With frozen scone dough, you can experiment with various flavors and fillings. You can freeze different dough variations and have a variety of scones to enjoy.

Overall, freezing scones is an excellent way to prolong their shelf life, reduce waste, and maintain their delightful taste and texture. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or simply love scones, freezing is a convenient option that ensures you can indulge in these delicious treats whenever you please.

How to Defrost Scones

To defrost scones and ensure they retain their freshness and taste, follow these simple steps:

Room Temperature Defrosting (Unbaked Scone Dough)

If you have frozen unbaked scone dough and want to bake them fresh, transfer the dough from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw overnight or for about 8-12 hours. Thawing the dough slowly in the refrigerator helps maintain its texture and prevents any potential uneven baking.

Room Temperature Defrosting (Baked Scones)

For frozen baked scones, remove them from the freezer and place them on a plate or a wire rack at room temperature. Let the scones thaw for about 1 to 2 hours or until they are completely defrosted. Small to medium-sized scones should thaw within this time frame, while larger scones may take a bit longer.

Oven Defrosting (Baked Scones)

If you’re in a hurry and want to reheat the scones right away, you can use the oven for defrosting. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, usually around 200°F (93°C). Place the frozen scones on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven. Bake scones for about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overheat them, as it can dry out the scones.

Important Note on Defrosting Scones

Remember that scones should be defrosted properly to maintain their texture and taste. Avoid using a microwave for defrosting, as it can make the scones soggy or unevenly heated. Whether you’re thawing unbaked scone dough or fully baked scones, allowing enough time for defrosting ensures that you can enjoy these scrumptious treats at their best!

Baking and Reheating Frozen Scones

Baking and reheating frozen scones is a simple process that allows you to enjoy these delightful treats at their best. Whether you have frozen unbaked scone dough or fully baked scones, here’s how to bake and reheat them to perfection:

Baking Frozen Unbaked Scone Dough

1. Thaw the Dough: Remove the frozen scone dough from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours until it is completely thawed.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your scone recipe. It’s usually around 400°F (200°C).
3. Shape the Scones: Once the dough is thawed, shape it into individual scones following your recipe’s instructions.
4. Bake: Place the shaped scones on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for the time indicated in your recipe or until the scones are golden brown and fully cooked. This typically takes around 15-20 minutes.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the freshly baked scones to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings, such as clotted cream, jam, or butter.

Reheating Frozen Fully Baked Scones

1. Thaw the Scones: Take the frozen scones out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Wrap in Foil: Individually wrap each scone with aluminum foil to retain moisture during reheating.
4. Reheat: Place the wrapped scones in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the scones.
5. Serve: Once reheated, remove the foil and let the scones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as if they were freshly baked!

By following these simple steps, you can bake and reheat frozen scones with ease, ensuring that you can enjoy their scrumptious taste and crumbly texture anytime you desire.

Can You Refreeze Scones

It is generally not recommended to refreeze scones once they have been thawed. When you thaw frozen scones, ice crystals can form and cause changes in the texture and quality of the scones. Refreezing can further degrade the taste and texture, resulting in a less enjoyable eating experience.

To avoid the need for refreezing, it’s best to freeze scones in individual portions or smaller batches, so you can thaw only what you plan to consume. This way, you can preserve the quality of the remaining frozen scones and prevent unnecessary waste.