Today it’s an oldie but a goodie – Easy Date Scones! A great family friendly favourite!
Here in Australia we can’t go past a good scone. Not only is this date scone recipe great tasting, plus moist and fluffy…but they are truly soooo easy! You and your guests (or just you – no judgement) can be eating warm date scones in 30 minutes flat.
This date scone recipe is based on one that I saw on Australia’s version of Masterchef quite a few years ago.
The most popular recipe here on Chef Not Required is my Easy Date Slice – Melt & Mix. By a mile! I just love dates, they are so naturally sweet and versatile.
So I got to thinking recently about other date recipes, and it hit me. Easy Date Scones! Don’t know why it took me so long to share a scone recipe with you guys, I have been making date scones since I was a teenager!
Quite often scone recipes call for you to “rub” the butter into the flour/sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This recipe bypasses that altogether by using cream instead of butter! No rubbing – just an easy quick mix!
Another plus is that my date scones are egg free.
Date scones, hot out of the oven, smothered in the traditional jam and cream – or my absolute favourite, (a lot of) plain butter melting into all those little scone crevices, with maybe a bit oozing over the side too…
How do like to eat your scones?
Lee-Ann ♥
Easy Date Scones
Easy Date Scones - moist, fluffy date scones. No need to rub the butter into the flour, just a quick mix and they're done! Also egg free!
Ingredients
- 3 cups / 450g self raising flour
- 200 ml pure cream
- 200 ml buttermilk see notes
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 1/2 cups / 200g dried dates roughly chopped
Instructions
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Pre heat oven to 200c.
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In a jug, combine the cream and buttermilk, then set aside.
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Place flour, sugar and chopped dates into a large bowl, and mix to combine.
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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.
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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 / 4/5" disc.
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Take a 6cm / 2 1/2" 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).
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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).
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Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and they sound hollow when you tap them.
Recipe Notes
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*
Instead of 200ml could you please give the measurements in ups. Thank you.p
Hi Pat,
200ml actually equals 7/8ths of a cup (aus) – sorry! Sounds hard to measure! Let me know how they turn out if you give them a try! PS sorry for the late reply, I have been away. L x
actually, a lot of measuring cups have the ml right there. Especially the glass ones. HTH!
Great recipe even though I totally messed up on the buttermilk & cream, threw it all in. 500g buttermilk & 250ml cream 🙈 so added 2 cups flour which did the trick. They still came out light & fluffy.
I just adore scones!
Will try to make these before I visit my mom in the retirement home, since they are her favourite!
Could I substitute dry dates in place of the dates?
Thanks.
Luisa from Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada.
We have had snow and sleet all day long! More to come for tomorrow!!!!
I know it is summer there!
Australia is on our bucket list!
Hi Luisa! I’m a scone fan too! Dry dates will be great, that’s what I used!
Yes, it’s summer here – but I love the cold. I envy your snow! Canada is on OUR bucket list!
I hope your mum enjoys the scones!
L x
Sorry I meant dry figs!
It’s very cold here, -10C!
As we get more mature,the cold is more difficult to handle!!!
Enjoy the warmth!
Wow! -10c???? In this part of Australia I think it’s safe to say we have NEVER got to that temperature! Back to the food…dried figs sound yum!!! I think they would work just fine!
Enjoy your day Luisa, stay warm x
Thanks. I will do one half the batch with figs and the other with dates!
You’re lucky, this is only the beginning for us! The temperatures can dip to as low as -40C with the wind chill,
in the dead of winter! The snow is beautiful, and picturesque, but the temperatures are frigid!
Keep well!
You too, Luisa x
I’ve just discover your site. Really enjoyed reading your story. I’m an NZ’er living in Toronto, Canada.
The scone recipe was your first one I’ve tried. Amazing on 2 fronts: no more rubbing of butter and flour together (it’s why I don’t make scones often) and the light, fluffy results.
Worked the first time I made it which was last weekend to take to a tea party with girlfriends. I was short on time so I transported the uncooked scones on the tray and then cooked them at my friends house. Wow, they were very popular.
Question. How can I modify this for a savoury scone? Do I ditch the sugar and add 1.5 cups of grated cheese?
Hi Sara!
I’m so glad you and your girlfriends enjoyed the scones!
I haven’t made these as savoury scones, but your idea to ditch the sugar and add cheese sounds good, also I would add the cheese gradually until you are happy with the amount. I’d love to know how they turn out!
Thanks for reaching out, I’ve loved your home country of NZ when I’ve visited. Canada is on my bucket list as well!
Enjoy your day, L x