Can You Freeze Scones?

Yes, you can freeze homemade, store-bought or unbaked scones for 3 plus months and still have them maintain super high quality. Simply let them cool, wrap them well, place them in an airtight container and freeze them.

How to Freeze Scones

Scones are a versatile quick bread that have many different flavors and variations. Originally, they were made extra buttery and eaten with clotted cream or jam.

There are many different variations that range from iced, glazed or flavored with flavors such as blueberries or chocolate. They're perfect for eating with coffee or tea or as part of a dessert plate.

Unfortunately, fresh baked scones only last a day or two. So, if you'd like to buy in bulk from your favorite bakery or whip up a whole batch for yourself you may be wondering how to extend their shelf life so they don't go bad before you can finish them.

You're in luck because scones freeze super well. You can get them frozen in just a few minutes and after thawing they'll taste almost as good as fresh. The method used is almost identical to what is needed for freezing naan bread, freezing cornbread or freezing hamburger buns.

Follow the methods below based on if you have baked or unbaked scones to freeze. These methods work for any type of scone from drop scones to plain to glazed to flavored with cheese, buttermilk, chocolate etc.

Baked

Freezing homemade baked scones or store-bought baked scones will follow the same steps below.

• Cool them off. If you have homemade baked scones you want to ensure that they are fully cool before starting the process. If there is any warmth left in the scones this will create condensation build up in your container and will lead to mushy scones when they are thawed.
• Flash freeze. If you choose to wrap your scones in the optional step below then you can skip this step if you want. The purpose of flash freezing is to help them not get smushed in the freezer later and also to keep them from sticking together. To flash freeze, simply place your scones in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer for a few hours until they're frozen.

• Wrap them up. This step is optional and recommended mostly if you're going to try to freeze them for more than a few months. It provides a little extra protection to help them maintain their texture and quality longer in the freezer. Simply tear off a sheet of aluminum foil or plastic wrap that is large enough to completely and securely wrap around the scone. And then repeat for each scone.
• Package them up. Go ahead and toss your wrapped and/or flash frozen scones into an airtight container or a freezer bag.

• Seal them and label them. If you've used a container go ahead and pop the top on it. If you've used a freezer bag, squeeze out any air and then zip it shut. Next, write the date with a marker or pen on the container or bag.
• Freeze them. Toss the bag or container into your freezer.

Unbaked dough

If you want to make a big batch of dough and cook some now and cook some later You can freeze it. Or if you just have time to whip up the dough but not time to bake your scones yet you can straight freeze it as well.

It is important to note that freezing the dough will cause it to not rise as much when you bake them after you thaw. However, the scones will still be extra tasty and good.

• Fresh is best. Make sure that you freeze your uncooked right away as it does not last long at all in the fridge.
• Prepare it. Use your favorite scone recipe and whip up a batch of dough.
• Portion it. I highly recommend going ahead and cutting the actual scones out of the dough. This makes it a lot easier to thaw nd bake later. However, you can just simply portion the dough into balls the size of the batch of scones that you'll want to bake later.
• Flash freeze. While you don't have to do this step, if you're not going to be wrapping them in the next optional step I highly recommend flash freezing so that they don't stick together. Simply place your portioned dough on a cookie sheet and a single layer and place it in the freezer for several hours until frozen.
• Wrap it. This stuff is optional and recommended if you'll be freezing your scones for more than a month or so. It provides extra protection and helps them maintain quality and perfect texture in the freezer for longer. Simply tear off sheets of plastic wrap or aluminum foil that are large enough to fully and securely wrap around each individual scone or ball of dough.
• Package them. Toss your wrapped and/or flash frozen scone dough into an airtight container or a freezer bag. Do make sure that you're not crushing the balls or shaped scones together.
• Seal them and label them. Go ahead and place the lid on your container. Or, if you're using a freezer bag, squeeze out any excess air and then zip it shut. Also, make sure to write the date on the container or freezer bag.
• Freeze them. Toss your container or your freezer bag into your freezer.

Top tips for successful freezing

No matter which method above you decide to use, make sure you apply all the following tips to have the most successful freezing experience.

• Do it fresh. Scones only lost a couple days when they're fresh so it's imperative to freeze them as soon as possible so that you can do so when they have the maximum freshness and quality.
• Know how long. Make sure you know approximately how long they'll be freezing your scones for. You don't have to know any exact dates but just know is it going to be more or less than a month or two. If it's going to be more time, it's important to get them extra protection by wrapping them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Don't crush them. Jostling things around in the freezer can easily crush or smash items. You want to make sure especially while the scones are just getting frozen that they don't get smushed or crushed otherwise this will make them hard and affect the texture when you thaw them.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Scones

There are several methods you can use to defrost and reheat your scones. The method you choose will depend on how much time you have and if you care about any minor texture changes.

In the fridge

Defrosting scones in the fridge will take the longest time. But, the slow temperature change will help them maintain the best texture and quality.

To use this method, simply remove your scones from the freezer and place them into your refrigerator overnight. In the morning they will be thawed.

If you would like to reheat them you can pop them in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or in the oven for a few minutes at 350°.

On the counter

Defrosting your scones on the counter is the second easiest way to do it to maintain relatively high texture and quality. This method typically takes a few hours and may vary depending on how thick or big your scones are.

To use this method, simply remove your scones from the freezer. If they've been frozen a long time it's recommended to unwrap them if they are wrapped. If they haven't been frozen long and are wrapped, you can certainly leave them wrapped.

Place them at room temperature on your countertop for a few hours until they have thawed. If they have extra ice or moisture in the package, you may place them on a paper towel to help absorb some of it.

Once they have thawed, if you would like to reheat them you can pop them in the microwave for 15 to 30 second intervals or in the oven for a few minutes at 350°.

In the microwave

Using the microwave to defrost your scones is the fastest way to do it. However, you do need to be careful that you don't do it too fast or apply too much heat or they can become dry and hard.

To use this method, simply remove your scones from the freezer and unwrap them if you wrapped them to freeze them. Then, set your power setting on the microwave to 50% or the defrost.

Place your scones on a microwave safe plate in the microwave for 15 second intervals checking them between each heating until they are thoroughly thawed.

If they dry out a little, you can place a microwave safe cup with water in it in the microwave with them while heating.

In the oven

Defrosting them in the oven is a little slower than the microwave but much faster than the counter or the fridge. And it gives you more heat control in the microwave so you're less likely to experience dryness or hard scones.

to use this method, remove your scones from the freezer. Unwrap your scones and place them on a cookie sheet.

Set your oven to 350° and pop your scones in for 5 to 10 minutes. Heating and defrosting time may vary dependent on how big and thick your scones are and your individual oven So watch them well while you're heating.

Unbaked scones

If you froze on baked scone dough, you don't have to defrost orthot before getting it baked. The only exception to this is if you didn't portion and shape the dough and individual scones before freezing.

Simply remove the dough from the freezer and unwrap it. Place it on the cookie sheet and follow whatever scone recipe you used instructions for baking. It may take slightly longer due to the fact that the dough is frozen.

Freezing Scones FAQ

Is it better to freeze scones before or after baking?

It's usually better to freeze scones after baking simply because the last a little longer in the freezer and unbaked scone dough won't rise as well once it's thawed.

Can you make scones ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can definitely make scones ahead of time and freeze them for 3 months or more.

Do fresh scones freeze well?

Yes, fresh scones freeze exceptionally well and will be almost as good as fresh once defrosted.

How long can scones be stored?

Fresh homemade scones typically only last 1 to 3 days. However, store-bought scones can sometimes last up to a week if kept an airtight container in the fridge.

How long can scones be kept in the freezer?

Scones can be kept in the freezer for 3 to 6 months without any real degradation in quality. They can be frozen indefinitely and still be safe to eat, but over time the quality will slowly decrease.

Can you freeze cheese scones, buttermilk scones or drop scones?

Yes, you can freeze cheese scones, buttermilk scones, drop scones or any other flavor a type of scone simply by wrapping them well and placing them in an airtight container for 3 to 6 months in the freezer.