Can I Prepare Lily's Scones In Advance And Then Bake The Next Day?

Our answer

The recipe for Lily's Scones (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) is an old-fashioned recipe that gives light and fluffy scones that are best served freshly baked and still warm. The recipe contains a combination of cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) rather than baking powder, as this gives the scones their extra light texture.

The main problem with using these two in combination is that the bicarbonate of soda acts very quickly once it has been mixed into the dough. If the dough is chilled and left overnight then the scones may not rise as much when baked, as the raising agent will have expired. Instead, we would suggest freezing the scones and baking them from frozen, as freezing helps to suspend the action of the bicarbonate of soda. Put the unbaked scones on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment (parchment paper) and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag and bake from frozen, using the same oven temperature but adding and extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time. The scones will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer, so you could make them slightly further in advance if that is more convenient.