Easy Date Scones · Chef Not Required... (2024)

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Author: Lee-Ann Grace

• 3 cups / 450g self raising flour
• 200 ml pure cream
• 200 ml buttermilk see notes
• 2 tablespoon caster sugar
• 1 ½ cups / 200g dried dates roughly chopped

• Pre heat oven to 200c.

• In a jug, combine the cream and buttermilk, then set aside.

• Place flour, sugar and chopped dates into a large bowl, and mix to combine.

• Add cream mixture to flour, and mix to combine using a flat bladed knife. For the final few strokes, I bring the dough together with my hands.

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured bench / board and knead the dough lightly until just smooth - should only need about 30 seconds or about 5 - 10 turns. Pat the dough out into an even 2cm / ⅘" disc.

• Take a 6cm / 2 ½" round cutter, dip it in extra flour and cut out scones. Try not to twist the cutter as you push down and then pull back up through the dough. Nice clean cut edges will help your scones rise (see notes).

• Remove any excess dough from around the scones (try not to squish the edges) then place onto a baking tray - again trying not to handle the edges of the scones. Push together the remaining dough scraps and repeat (see notes).

  See Also

  How to Make Scones | The Perfect Scone Recipe

• Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and they sound hollow when you tap them.

If you don't have buttermilk on hand you can easily make your own, here is the link.

A nice clean cut on the sides of your scones will help them rise nice and straight.

With the dough remaining from my first cut, I like to just "push" the scraps back together and then pat them back out flat with minimal kneading. You don't want to overwork the dough (or add in too much excess rolling flour) or your last scones won't rise as well and won't be as fluffy.

Lastly - I recommend chopping the dates by hand rather than pulsing them in a food processor. Even though the pack says they are seedless - this is not always true! Trust me, I have found some myself. Some of the packs even have a disclaimer that some seeds may be present. If you just put the dates straight into a food processor, any date seeds will go in too!

*Please note that the amount of calories per serve is provided as a guide only, as ingredients and cooking methods can vary greatly*