Date scones

Date scones combine the natural sweetness of dates with a tender, flaky texture, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. These easy scones come together quickly using simple ingredients and a straightforward method.

24 Dec 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

2 cups self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup dates
1 egg
3/4 cup milk (1% fat)
Date scones

Date scones are a delightful treat that combines the rich, natural sweetness of dates with the tender, flaky texture of traditional scones. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a charming afternoon tea, these scones are sure to please any crowd. Let's dive into the process of making these scrumptious date scones!

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Prepare a baking tray by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
3. Rub in Butter:
- Add the butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Prepare Dates:
- Chop the dates into small pieces if they are not already pre-chopped. Add the dates to the flour mixture and mix well to evenly disperse them.
5. Prepare Egg and Milk Mixture:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg. Add the milk to the beaten egg and mix well. This will be your liquid mixture.
6. Combine Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the egg and milk mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
7. Knead Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for a few seconds until smooth. Do not overwork the dough as this can make the scones tough.
8. Shape and Cut Dough:
- Pat the dough out to a thickness of approximately 2 cm (3/4 inch). Using a round cutter (about 5 cm or 2 inches in diameter), cut out scones and place them onto the prepared baking tray. Gather any remaining dough, reshape, and cut until all dough is used.
9. Bake:
- Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and well-risen.
10. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily create delicious date scones that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a cozy treat later in the day, these date scones will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy your homemade scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee!

Date scones FAQ:

What is the baking time for date scones?

Bake the date scones in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and well-risen.

How do I know when the scones are done?

Scones are done when they are golden brown on the top and have risen. You can also check for a dry crumb by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the scones are ready.

Can I store leftover date scones, and how should I do it?

Yes, you can store leftover date scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for self-raising flour in this recipe?

If you don't have self-raising flour, you can make a substitute by combining plain flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of flour used.

Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?

Yes, you can substitute dates with other dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even distribution.

Cooking Tips:

- Ensure your butter is cold before incorporating it into the flour mixture. Cold butter helps create a flakier texture in the scones.

- When chopping dates, you can coat them lightly in flour to keep them from sticking together and to help distribute them more evenly in the dough.

- Avoid over-mixing the dough to keep the scones tender. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

- Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk or beaten egg before baking for a golden, shiny crust.

- Serve the scones warm with butter or cream for the best flavor experience.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 400kcal
Protein 13g
Carbohydrates 77g
Fiber 3.75g
Sugar 16g
Fat 6g

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