Go Back
–+ servings
Freshly baked date scones with a golden crust, served with butter.

The Best Date Scone Recipe – Melt-in-Your-Mouth

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 12 scones
The Best Date Scone Recipe is a true customer favorite! These melt-in-your-mouth date scones are made with whole, slightly twisted dates for the perfect texture. The combination of cream, milk, and water creates a rich, soft, and flavourful scone, while a final drizzle of cream before baking ensures a golden, delicious crust. Serve warm with salted butter—or enjoy them just as they are!
5 from 9 votes
Print Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups Self-Raising Flour (600grams) or 4 cups Plain Flour (600grams) + 8 tsp baking powder, sifted twice
  • 2 - 4 tbsp icing sugar optional for a sugar-free diet
  • 500 g pitted dates
  • 1 cup cold cream 250ml
  • 1 cup cold milk 250ml
  • 1 cup cold water, added gradually as needed, 250ml
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup extra cream for pouring over the top before baking

Instructions
 

  • 1️⃣ Place the dates in a large mixing bowl. Twist each date gently instead of chopping—this ensures there are no hidden pips (there's almost always one!). Keeping the dates whole with a slight twist enhances the texture and makes these scones incredibly delicious.
  • 2️⃣ Sprinkle over the icing sugar.
  • 3️⃣ Sift the flour into the bowl.
  • 4️⃣ Add the milk and cream and gently mix to combine. Gradually add only enough water to form a very moist, sticky dough. You may not need the full cup of water, as different flours absorb different amounts of liquid. Take care not to overmix.
  • 5️⃣ Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix. (The dough should be quite moist and sticky. If not, add a little more milk.)
  • 6️⃣ Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a 4cm / 1.5-inch high round.
  • 7️⃣ Use a sharp cutter or tin to cut round scones—press down firmly without twisting. (Twisting prevents them from rising properly.)
  • 8️⃣ Place the scones touching each other on a lined baking tray.
  • 9️⃣ Drizzle the extra cream over the top, be generous—this helps create that signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture!
  • 🔟 Bake at 200°C (400°F) fan-forced for 20-23 minutes until golden brown. (Jumbo scones take ~23 minutes, smaller ones ~20 minutes.)
  • Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Serve warm with salted butter and jam (optional).

Video

Notes

  • Baking Tip: The dough should be very moist and sticky, but not runny. Add the water gradually, stopping as soon as the dough comes together. If it becomes too wet, add a small amount of sifted self raising flour rather than working in a large quantity.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: These scones freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container.
  • Date Texture Tip: Keep the dates in large pieces for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Serving Suggestion: Best served warm with salted butter and optionally with jam.
  • Why This Recipe is Special: It was given to me by a lovely lady when I opened my cafe, she said if I make these customers will come back for them, she was so right, the cafe had such a following and these scones were part of the reason why.