Date Scones
Sweet and buttery date scones with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or tea. They offer a delightful combination of flaky pastry and sticky dates, ideal for brunch lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the self-rising flour and salt together.
- Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.
- Stir in the finely chopped dates and sugar.
- Beat the egg and add it to the dry ingredients, then add enough milk to form a soft dough.
- Place the dough on a floured surface and knead lightly.
- Pat out the dough to approximately 1 cm (1/2 inch) thickness.
- Use a 5 cm (2 inch) floured cutter to cut out rounds of dough.
- Place the rounds onto a lightly greased baking tray.
- Glaze the tops with milk.
- Bake in a very hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white. You can also substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for some of the dates if desired. Ensure the butter is cold for a flaky texture, and don't over-knead the dough to maintain the scones' lightness. If self-rising flour isn't available, use all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful date scones warm with butter or clotted cream for a decadent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for brunch or afternoon tea. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or the Cheese And Tomato Tart(Feuillete De Chevre) for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, place scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they remain fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Scones contains roughly 296 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% 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 other types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chopped dried apricots, figs, or even cranberries for the dates. Just keep in mind that the sweetness may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly if necessary.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour while kneading. Add a small amount of flour gradually until the dough is manageable, but be careful not to add too much, which can make the scones dense.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, roll it out and cut it into rounds as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
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).