Name: Date Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 360 g plain flour (all purpose flour) (2 ¾ cups / ~12 ½ oz); 50 g caster sugar (¼ cup / ~1 ¾ oz); 4 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 60 g unsalted butter (cold and grated) (2 oz / ½ stick); 1 cup medjool dates (pitted and chopped) (150 g / ~5 ¼ oz); ¾ cup whole milk (cold) (180 ml); 1 large egg (separated)

Print Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Date Scones Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, tender scones are studded with juicy chopped Medjool dates, offering a delightful balance of soft crumb and natural caramel-like sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, teatime, or an anytime snack, these scones boast a subtle cinnamon hint and a buttery finish that will quickly make them a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you try this Date Scones Recipe, you’ll be baking them again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl filled with white flour placed near the center. Around it, from top left going clockwise, are a creamy beige container with a white liquid, a clear glass bowl with white powder, a small white plate holding a slab of yellow butter, a single brown egg resting on the surface, a small white bowl containing white salt and a brown spice, a small clear glass of white sugar, and a group of dark brown dates with a glossy, wrinkled texture in the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these date scones lies in their simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the perfect texture, delightful flavor, and inviting color that makes this recipe so special. Here’s what you’ll gather before starting your baking adventure:

Plain flour (360 g): The foundation providing structure and a light, tender crumb.
Caster sugar (50 g): Adds the subtle sweetness that complements the natural sugar in dates.
Baking powder (4 teaspoons): Your secret weapon for that airy lift and fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): A warm spice that layers a gentle depth of flavor without overpowering.
Fine sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
Unsalted butter (60 g, cold and grated): Brings richness and a deliciously flaky bite to each scone.
Medjool dates (1 cup, pitted and chopped): Sweet, tender, and packed with chewy texture and caramel notes.
Whole milk (¾ cup, cold): Provides moisture for the dough’s softness and aids browning.
Large egg (1, separated): The egg white mixes into the dough for tenderness, and the yolk makes a golden glossy finish on top.

How to Make Date Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 180C (350F) and line a baking sheet with baking paper. This simple prep ensures your scones bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. This blend sets the flavorful base on which your scones will beautifully rise and taste amazing.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Add the cold, grated unsalted butter into the bowl and mix with a fork. Don’t rush this part: breaking up the butter into little bits helps create that signature flaky texture everyone loves in scones.

Step 4: Add the Dates

Next, toss in the chopped Medjool dates. These sweet, juicy gems spread delightful pockets of flavor and soft chewiness across every bite, perfectly offsetting the buttery dough.

Step 5: Prepare the Wet Mixture

In a separate jug, whisk together the cold whole milk and the egg white (reserve the yolk). This liquid combination will bring your dough together while keeping it tender.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the milk and egg white mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a fork until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix — the dough should just come together.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together into a thick round about 4 centimeters (1 ½ inches) tall. This thickness ensures your scones bake up light and fluffy rather than dense.

Step 8: Cut Out Your Scones

With a 6 cm round cutter, press into the dough to cut out your scones. Gently reshape scraps as needed to make eight rounds in total, taking care not to overhandle the dough to keep it tender.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Place the scones on your lined baking sheet. Then, whisk the reserved egg yolk with a dash of milk and lovingly brush the tops — this step gives your scones that irresistible golden, glossy finish.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the scones turn a pale golden brown on top. Your kitchen will fill with that warm, inviting aroma that signals a baking success!

Step 11: Enjoy Immediately

The best way to enjoy these date scones is fresh from the oven, ideally with butter, jam, or clotted cream. Their warm softness and sweet flavors simply melt in your mouth.

How to Serve Date Scones Recipe

The image shows a baking tray with eight round dough pieces arranged in two rows on a sheet of parchment paper. Each dough piece is pale beige with small darker brown spots, indicating bits mixed inside, and they are slightly thick and textured. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark cloth partially visible to the bottom right. The dough pieces look ready for baking, evenly spaced and all roughly the same size. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple toppings often elevate the Date Scones Recipe to new heights. A generous spread of creamy butter, a dollop of rich jam, or freshly whipped cream are classic go-tos that complement the natural sweetness of the dates perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your scones with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a classic teatime experience. They also shine alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or light yogurt for a balanced, refreshing breakfast.

Date Scones Recipe: Creative Ways to Present

Try serving date scones sliced in half and layered with mascarpone and a drizzle of honey for a fancy brunch treat. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sparkle and spice. These little touches make your Date Scones Recipe feel special and invite everyone to feast with their eyes as well as their tastebuds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the scones soft and preserves their delicate crumbiness.

Freezing

Date scones freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in cling film and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month—perfect for making ahead of busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To revive your scones, thaw frozen ones at room temperature, then warm them in a moderate oven (around 160C/320F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and ensures the dates melt slightly into the dough.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates in this Date Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! While Medjool dates are recommended for their softness and sweetness, other varieties like Deglet Noor will work too. Just make sure to chop them finely so they distribute evenly in the dough.

Can I substitute butter with a different fat?

Butter is key for that rich flavor and flaky texture, but you could experiment with cold coconut oil or margarine if needed. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might shift slightly.

Is it possible to make these scones gluten-free?

Yes! Replace plain flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Since gluten affects texture, choose a blend designed for baking and watch your baking powder quantity carefully for best rise.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to the recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while dried cranberries or raisins introduce new flavor notes. Just be cautious not to overload the dough — keep add-ins to around 1 cup total.

How long do Date Scones last when freshly baked?

For optimal taste and texture, enjoy the scones within the first day. They remain fairly fresh for up to two days if stored properly, but their tender crumb is best right out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking and sharing these warm, golden delights. This Date Scones Recipe is straightforward enough for a beginner, yet delivers the nuanced flavor and texture that makes it a timeless classic in any kitchen. I encourage you to try baking this recipe soon and watch how it becomes a favorite for friends and family alike. Happy baking!