Make-ahead Scones Recipe

We have updated this recipe for Make Ahead Scones since we first made them in 2010.

My first recipe I tried from my sweepstakes reward, Make-ahead Meals for the Busy Moms was Cranberry Scones. I have actually never made scones before so I was thrilled to give it a try.

vertical shot of baked scones on a white plate

MAKE AHEAD SCONES RECIPE

Make ahead scones pin

I remade these on a snow day, and realized just how easy it is to make fresh scones.  In the time it takes to preheat the oven, the scone dough is complete.

CAN I DOUBLE THE SCONE RECIPE?

This recipe makes about 8 Scones and we don’t see why you could not double the recipe.  Since you can make them ahead of time and freeze you can make half for that day and then have another full recipe to enjoy in the future. 

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN I MAKE SCONES?

how to freeze unbaked scones on parchment paper

The great part about these is that you can make these scones the night before f

or a yummy treat the next morning with little effort, or a far as 2 months ahead.

top view of make ahead orange cranberry scones baked on a white plate

WHEN SHOULD I ADD THE EGG WASH TO THE SCONES?

topping scones with egg wash before baking

DO NOT ADD THE EGG WASH BEFORE FREEZING.  Only add the egg wash and sugar when you ready to bake them. 

Since I have never made them before I strictly followed the directions. I will definitely make these again, I still have 4 in my freezer for Valentines Day Breakfast.

WHAT CAN I ADD TO A PLAIN SCONE RECIPE

  • ORANGE ZEST AND DRIED CRANBERRIES

The Second time I made these I did add a little orange zest and try rolling them out and using a biscuit cutter or heart shape cutter!!

 

how to make scones sugar on top

Larger sanding sugar to sprinkle on top. This gives the baked scones a bakery look.

  • Fresh or Dried Blueberries
  • Chocolate Chips

I have seen the Barefoot Contessa scones so I know they should have chunks of butter in the batter.

What You Need for Make ahead Cranberry Scones Recipe

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup High Fat Milk or Cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch squares
  • 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries. If using
  • 1 tsp grated orange rind (if using)
  • 2 tsps flour (to dust counter tops)
  • Egg Wash  1 egg plus 1 tablespoon whole milk blended, 1 tbs. sugar

how to shape orange cranberry scones

What is your favorite SCONE RECIPE? What do you like to add to them?

close up cranberry orange scones

side view of baked scones

Make-ahead Scones Recipe

Yield: 8 scones
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

These make ahead scones can be filled with your desired filling but can be made up to 2 months ahead of time. Freezer or fridge. Make these the night before for an easy breakfast treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup High Fat Milk or Cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch squares
  • 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries. If using
  • 1 tsp grated orange rind (if using)
  • 2 tsps flour (to dust counter tops)
  • Egg Wash  1 egg plus 1 tablespoon whole milk blended, 1 tbs. sugar

Instructions

    1. In a small bowl, combine 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk and vanilla and orange zest: set aside.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. with the mixer on low-medium speed, add the butter and mix until the mixture has very small crumbs.
    3. Add the wet ingredients on low speed. Stir in the cranberries .
    4. Lightly dust the countertop with 2 tsps of flour. Place the dough on top of the flour and knead the dough a few times.
    5. Flatten the dough into a circle that is 1 inch thick. cut the dough like a pie, 8 equal wedges.
    6. Place the wedges on a sheet pan and cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 3 -4 hrs. Place the frozen scones into a freezer bag and include the following baking instructions. ( you can also just wrap the scones and place in the fridge overnight for next day baking!!)
    7. TO BAKE AFTER FROZEN Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the frozen scones on top and thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. burst the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
    8. Bake for 20 minutes at 375'F. the scones are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temp.

Notes

Can be frozen up to 2 months

Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 283Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 98mgSodium 232mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 1gSugar 11gProtein 6g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on stayingclosetohome.com should only be used as a general guideline.

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