- Egg free
- Nut free
- Peanut free
- Seafood free
- Sesame free
- Shellfish free
- Soy free
- Vegetarian
Date scones are the ultimate homemade comfort food that are perfect for your next afternoon tea with friends or easy solo treat with a caramel-like kick.
- Makes16
- Cook time15 minutes
- Prep time10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups (450g) self-raising flour
- 2 tsp icing sugar mixture
- 50g butter, chilled, chopped
- 1 cup (150g) chopped pitted dates
- 1 1/4 cups (310ml) milk
- Extra milk, to brush
Nutritional information
Check ingredient labels to make sure they meet your specific dietary requirements and always consult a health professional before changing your diet. View dietary information here.
Percentage Daily Intake information on our recipes is calculated using the nutrition reference values for an average Australian adult.
Method
Step 1
Preheat oven to 220°C. Combine the flour and icing sugar in the bowl. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the dates and toss to combine. Make a well in the centre.
Step 2
Add the milk to the flour mixture and use a round-bladed knife to stir in a cutting motion until a soft, sticky dough forms.Step 3
Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until the dough just comes together (don’t overwork the dough). Use your fingertips to gently pat the dough out to a 3cm-thick disc.Use a lightly floured 5cm round cutter to cut 16 discs from the dough, reshaping the dough if necessary.Step 4
Lightly dust a 20cm square cake pan with flour. Arrange the scones, side-by-side, in the prepared pan. Lightly brush tops with extra milk.Step 5
Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 12-14 mins or until the scones are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Turn the scones onto a clean tea towel. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe tip
COOK. STORE. SAVE.
Clever storage: Got leftovers from this recipe for date scones? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Date scones: a nostalgic afternoon tea treat
A charming classic that brings warmth to the tummy like no other, scones are believed to have originated in Scotland in the early 1500s. Originally made with oats and baked over an open fire, today they are made with flour and baked in the oven.
It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that scones became a quintessentially British tradition as the art and enjoyment of afternoon tea rose. This ritual was popularised by the Duchess of Bedford, a close friend of Queen Victoria, who requested tea, biscuits and scones, every afternoon.
Despite being around for centuries, they’ve never gone out of fashion. They have only grown in preference and gained popularity through their versatility in flavours. These easy date scones are deliciously sweet and are a beloved variation of fruit scones, which usually contain sultanas.
Do dates need to be soaked before baking?
Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits and can be used in baking to create a natural sweetness and caramel-like flavour to the baked goods.
When it comes to making our date scone recipe, some people prefer to blend dates into the mixture, while others choose to add chopped dates to provide a burst of flavour in every bite. For this recipe, we opted for chopped dates, however, you can also try blended for a different twist.
If using fresh dates (recommended), don’t forget to push the stone out with your fingers or buy pitted ones. If you find the dates are a bit dry, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes before using.
Are scones served warm or cold?
Date scones are the epitome of homemade baked goodness perfection. These flaky, golden brown treats dotted with soft dates throughout are best consumed warm on the day of baking. Simply top with butter and enjoy with a warm cuppa.
Alternatively, you can try serving them with your favourite homemade jam or marmalade, honey, lemon curd or even a dollop of whipped cream, all of which perfectly complement the sweet caramel-like flavour produced by the dates.
Don’t forget to whip them up for a special treat for Mum at the next Mother’s Day celebration.
FAQs
Date scones
- Makes16
- Cook time15 minutes
- Prep time10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups (450g) self-raising flour
- 2 tsp icing sugar mixture
- 50g butter, chilled, chopped
- 1 cup (150g) chopped pitted dates
- 1 1/4 cups (310ml) milk
- Extra milk, to brush
Description
Date scones are the ultimate homemade comfort food that are perfect for your next afternoon tea with friends or easy solo treat with a caramel-like kick.
Method
Step 1
Preheat oven to 220°C. Combine the flour and icing sugar in the bowl. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the dates and toss to combine. Make a well in the centre.
Step 2
Add the milk to the flour mixture and use a round-bladed knife to stir in a cutting motion until a soft, sticky dough forms.Step 3
Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until the dough just comes together (don’t overwork the dough). Use your fingertips to gently pat the dough out to a 3cm-thick disc.Use a lightly floured 5cm round cutter to cut 16 discs from the dough, reshaping the dough if necessary.Step 4
Lightly dust a 20cm square cake pan with flour. Arrange the scones, side-by-side, in the prepared pan. Lightly brush tops with extra milk.Step 5
Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 12-14 mins or until the scones are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Turn the scones onto a clean tea towel. Serve warm or at room temperature.