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–+ servings

The Ultimate Easy Scone Recipe + 5 Delicious Variations (Freezer-Friendly!)

This simple, budget-friendly scone recipe is perfect for school lunchboxes or afternoon tea. Try five easy scone variations and discover the trick to baking from frozen for fluffy, perfect results.
Print Recipe
Five flavours of scones on a china plate.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:17 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 75 g cold butter grated
  • 1¼ cups milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 180°C fan-bake (unless baking from frozen – more on that below!).
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Grate the butter into the flour. Stir with a knife to combine.
  • Pour in the milk and gently mix until just combined.
  • Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and shape or cut as desired. Add a wash of plain milk over the tops of the scones before baking.
  • Bake for around 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
  • Serve warm or allow to cool before storing.

Notes

💡 Flavour Variations – Just add to the basic dough!
  • Cheese & Onion Scones:
    Add 1 cup grated cheese and 1/4 cup finely diced onion for a savoury twist.
  • Sundried Tomato, Cheese & Herb Scones:
    Mix in 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes, 1/2 cup grated cheese, and 1 tsp dried herbs (like oregano or basil).
  • Pizza Scroll Scones:
    After making the dough, roll it into a rectangle. Add 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced ham, 1/2 cup grated cheese, and 1 tsp Italian herbs. Roll up, slice into scrolls, and bake.
  • Lemon Scones with Lemon Icing:
    Add 3 Tbsp caster sugar and the zest of 1 lemon. After baking, drizzle with icing made from 1/2 cup icing sugar, lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice.
  • Date Scones:
    Add 3 Tbsp caster sugar and 1/2 cup chopped dates for a sweet morning tea option.
🧊 Freezer Tip: Bake from Frozen!
You can shape the scones and freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake:
  • Place frozen scones onto a tray.
  • Put them into a cold oven.
  • Set oven to 170°C Fan-bake and bake for about 27 minutes.
    This slow warm-up gives the scones a beautiful, fluffy rise and perfect texture.
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Farmers Wife Homestead