Can you defrost scones?

In this guide, we will discuss the question, “can you defrost scones?”. We will also discuss how to defrost and freeze scones for instant serving so you can have them on the table quickly whenever craving hits. 

Can you defrost scones?

Yes. You can defrost scones. However, you have to keep in mind that it is only applied if the scones were already baked before freezing. The unbaked scones dough does not need defrosting, and you can directly bake it in the oven. 

Defrosting unbaked scones dough is not recommended since it will make the scones fail to rise. To better understand freezing and defrosting scones for instant serving, we will discuss the following details:

  • How to freeze scones?
  • How long can scones be kept in the freezer?
  • How to defrost scones properly?
  • Why can’t you defrost unbaked scone dough?
  • Should you freeze baked or unbaked scones?

How to freeze scones?

To freeze baked scones, make sure they cool down completely at room temperature beforehand. This will prevent moisture condensation from warm food, making it soggy after thawing. 

Then, it would be best if you wrapped them up individually with moisture-proof wraps such as cling wrap or aluminum foil. 

After that, pack the wrapped scones in a container with an air-tight lid. You can also collect the wrapped scones in a zip-lock plastic bag, press out as much air as possible, and seal them tightly before freezing. 

A tight wrap helps maintain the moisture level high for a certain time. Lastly, keep the scones in a freezer with -18OC temperature or below.  

To freeze unbaked scones dough, you can shape the dough into scones and wrap them individually using parchment paper to keep them from sticking to each other when freezing. 

After that, the wrapped scones can be sealed inside a zip-lock bag and frozen. The other alternative is to collect the dough in the freezer bag without shaping it into scones. 

How long can you freeze scones?

Both baked and unbaked scones can be kept in the freezer without noticeable changes for up to four months. Freezing provides a significantly extended shelf life and has been widely used for the long-term preservation of various foods. 

Freezing transforms the physical state of a material by changing water into ice when energy is eliminated in the form of cooling below freezing temperature. The freezing of foods slows down but does not stop the chemical reactions that regulate the damage to foods. 

There is a slow continuous change in organoleptic quality during storage, yet it does not become noticeable for some time.

How to defrost scones?

To defrost baked scones, leave the scones wrapped and thaw them at room temperature for two to three hours. After they soften, you can heat the scones in an oven preheated to 180OC or 350 Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes to serve them warm. 

You can also heat them in a microwave for 10 seconds at a high temperature. If you only have an air fryer at home, preheat it to 160OC or 320 Fahrenheit, then put the scones into it for about 3 to 5 minutes. 

After baking and freezing, starch from the scones gradually crystallizes and loses its water content. Freshness can be restored by heating and reabsorbing starch crystals.

How to defrost scones with an oven?

To defrost scones with an oven, unwrap the frozen scones and directly place them in a cold oven. Then turn on the oven to 180OC or 350 Fahrenheit for 17 minutes. The scones will come out warm and fluffy inside but crunchy on the outside.

How to defrost scones with a microwave?

You can defrost scones in the microwave for 30 to 90 seconds on high until softened. Make sure to remove any plastic wrap before you microwave.

How to defrost scones with an air fryer?

To defrost scones, firstly unwrap any packaging or sealer. Next, place the frozen scones inside a cold air fryer, and set the temperature at 160OC or 320 Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. 

Why can’t you defrost unbaked scone dough?

A critical factor in the rise and flakiness of scones is the cold butter in the dough that melts and makes steam when heated. If the unbaked scone dough is defrosted, the butter will melt and incorporate into the dry ingredients, so the pockets of butter and steam will be gone.

Should you freeze baked or unbaked scones?

It would be better to freeze unbaked scones dough so you can enjoy the freshly baked scones. Defrosting and reheating baked scones takes longer and is trickier than baking the dough. You can risk the crispiness of the baked scones if not done correctly. 

Other FAQs about Pastry that you may be interested in.

Does marzipan go bad?

Can macarons go in the fridge?

Do I put the fudge in the refrigerator to set?

Conclusion

In this guide, we have discussed the question, “can you defrost scones?”. We have also discussed how to defrost and freeze scones for instant serving so you can have them on the table quickly whenever craving hits. 

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092422449800003X
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248588718_Frozen_bread_dough_Effects_of_freezing_storage_and_dough_improvers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643895800174
https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/documents/fcs-docs/Freezing_Baked_Goods.pdf

http://www.cold.org.gr/library/downloads/Docs/Handbook%20of%20Food%20Preservation.PDF

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