Date scones are the perfect blend of light, fluffy texture and sweet, fruity flavor. These scones are generously studded with chopped dates and delicately flavored with orange zest for a refreshing citrusy twist.
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a little butter or clotted cream.
Perfectly Fluffy Date Scones with a Hint of Orange
These delightful date scones are soft, buttery, and lightly spiced, with sweet bursts of chopped dates and a hint of orange zest. Perfect with a touch of butter or clotted cream!
Meta Description:
Enjoy the warmth of homemade date scones with hints of orange zest. These light and buttery scones are filled with chopped dates, making each bite deliciously sweet and fragrant.
Introduction
Date scones are the perfect blend of light, fluffy texture and sweet, fruity flavor. These scones are generously studded with chopped dates and delicately flavored with orange zest for a refreshing citrusy twist. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a little butter or clotted cream.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 500 g (3 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 25 g (2 tbsp) superfine sugar
- 2 heaped tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 50 g (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 25 g (1 1/2 tbsp) lard or additional butter
- 125 g dates, pitted and chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 250–300 ml (1 cup to 1 cup + 3 tbsp) whole milk
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp whole milk
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Place a baking tray in the oven to warm while you make the dough.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and mixed spice.
3. Add Fats
- Step 3: Add the cubed butter and lard (or additional butter) to the dry ingredients. Mix briefly using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Dates and Orange Zest
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped dates and the orange zest, evenly distributing them in the dough.
5. Add Milk and Form Dough
- Step 5: Gradually add milk to the mixture, stirring just until a soft, sticky dough forms. You may not need all of the milk, so add slowly to avoid over-wetting the dough. Avoid over-mixing to keep the scones tender.
6. Shape the Dough
- Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle or circle.
7. Cut the Scones
- Step 7: Use a round cutter (about 2.5 inches) to cut out scones, re-shaping scraps as needed. Dip the cutter in flour to prevent sticking. Arrange scones closely together on the baking tray.
8. Egg Wash and Bake
- Step 8: Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk for the egg wash, then brush the tops of the scones with it. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 85°C or 185°F).
9. Serve Warm
- Step 9: Remove the scones from the oven and serve hot or warm, with butter or clotted cream as desired.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these scones dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter and almond or oat milk. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Q: What is the best way to store leftover scones?
A: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones for up to 3 months and reheat in a low oven before serving.
Q: Can I use a food processor to make the dough?
A: Yes, you can use a food processor to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to over-process, as this can make the scones dense.
