Buttermilk Scone Hearts
Delightful heart-shaped buttermilk scones with sweet dates and zesty orange peel, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime gatherings, offering a tender crumb and flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt until thoroughly blended.
- Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Stir in the chopped dates or currants and grated orange peel.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture; add the buttermilk all at once.
- Stir the mixture with a fork until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
- Pat or roll the dough into a 1-inch thick sheet.
- Cut into heart shapes with a cookie cutter or shape by hand.
- Place the hearts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with approximately 1 tablespoon of cream or milk.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm or cooled, enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes. These scones are versatile; try adding chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
Serving Suggestions
These buttermilk scone hearts are delightful served with butter, jam, or clotted cream. They make a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside a fruit salad or a warm beverage. For a special touch, serve them with a side of Lime Yogurt Salad or alongside a slice of Dewberry Coffee Cake for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scone hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttermilk Scone Hearts contains roughly 280 calories, with 7g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 582mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of dried fruit instead of dates or currants?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can be great alternatives. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the scones, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and your hands while kneading. Be cautious not to add too much, as this can make the scones dry. A little flour will help achieve the right consistency for cutting shapes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After shaping the scones, place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked scones and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).