The Perfect Date and Walnut Scones Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Baking delightful date and walnut scones can transport you to a cozy morning café in scotland.

Crisp edges and soft centers await your culinary adventure.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic pastry.

Nutty walnuts provide a delectable crunch against sweet caramel-like dates.

Each scone promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Warm ovens and simple techniques make this recipe accessible to home bakers.

You’ll love how quickly these treats come together for a memorable breakfast or afternoon snack.

What Makes Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones Shine

• Quickly Create Delightful Treats: These scones offer a simple baking experience perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Packed with Wholesome Goodness: Combining nutritious dates and crunchy walnuts, these scones deliver a satisfying blend of natural sweetness and rich texture that elevates your baking game.
• Perfect for Sharing and Caring: Ideal for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or unexpected guests, these scones bring warmth and comfort to any social occasion with their inviting aroma and rustic charm.
• Versatile Breakfast or Snack Option: Enjoy these scones warm from the oven, paired with butter or jam, making them a versatile treat suitable for morning breakfasts or mid-afternoon snack cravings.

Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Date Walnut Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft white flour that provides the base structure for the scones.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Mixed Spice: A warm blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the scone flavor.

• Dates, Walnuts: Sweet dried fruits and crunchy nuts that bring natural sweetness and rich texture to the scones.

• Butter: A rich dairy product that creates a tender and flaky scone texture.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the dough together, with extra milk for brushing the scone tops.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning the scones' surface.

How to Prepare Mary Berry’s Scones Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat your oven to 220C (200C fan) / 425F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Use your fingertips to gently rub cold butter into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Add Sweet and Crunchy Elements

• Granulated sugar
• Chopped dates
• Roughly chopped walnuts

Step 5: Form Soft Dough

Gradually pour milk into the bowl, using a knife to mix. Gently combine until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Scones

Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat down to approximately 2cm thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut into scone shapes.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Arrange scones on the prepared baking tray. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with extra sugar for a golden, sweet crust.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 18 minutes until scones turn a beautiful golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.

Helpful Hints for Date and Walnut Scones

• Perfectly Golden Browning: Watch scones closely after 15 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden color without burning, ensuring a crisp exterior and soft interior.
• Moisture Magic: Use fresh, plump dates for maximum natural sweetness and prevent dry scones by not overmixing the dough when adding milk.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Lightly toast walnuts before adding to enhance their rich, deep flavor and create a more complex taste profile in your scones.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make these scones suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Sugar Sprinkle Technique: Use raw or demerara sugar for topping to create a delightful crunchy texture and extra sparkle on the scone surface.

Variations to Try With Date Walnut Scones

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals. Use dairy-free milk alternative like oat milk.
• Vegan Variation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace milk with almond or soy milk. Use maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Nutless Option: Eliminate walnuts completely. Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. Perfect for nut allergy sufferers.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Replace dates with dried cranberries or chopped apricots for natural sweetness.

What to Pair With Mary Berry’s Scones

• Pair Sweet Chai Latte: Complement the warm spices in scones with a creamy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the recipe's cinnamon notes and adds comforting sweetness.
• Serve Honey Butter Spread: Create a luxurious topping by whipping softened butter with local honey, enhancing the dates' natural caramel-like flavor and adding richness to each bite.
• Match Caramel Macchiato: Brew an espresso-based drink with vanilla and caramel undertones that harmonize beautifully with the nutty walnuts and sweet dates in the scones.
• Add Maple Cream Cheese: Whip cream cheese with pure maple syrup for a decadent spread that brings out the warmth of the spices and adds a silky texture to the scones.

Storage Tips for Mary Berry’s Date Scones

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place scones in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Thaw frozen scones at room temperature. Warm in preheated oven at 160C/325F for 5-7 minutes until crisp and heated through.
• Heat individual scones for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to avoid overheating, which can make them tough and dry.

Answers About Date and Walnut Scones

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture.

• Is it possible to make these scones gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a similar texture and taste.

• How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on top and a firm, slightly springy texture when gently pressed in the center.

• Can I prepare the dough in advance?

You can mix the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which can enhance the flavors.

Date And Walnut Scones Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scrumptious date and walnut scones from Scottish bakeries bring a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors to your morning table. Buttery, crumbly pastries promise a perfect companion to your favorite tea or coffee, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 250 grams (1 1/2 cups or 8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice

Fruits and Nuts:

• 50 grams (1/4 cup or 2 ounces) stoned and chopped dates
• 75 grams (1/2 cup or 3 ounces) walnut pieces

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

• 50 grams (3 1/2 tablespoons or 2 ounces) butter
• 50 grams (4 tablespoons or 2 ounces) light brown soft sugar
• 1 tablespoon demerara sugar (optional)
• 170 milliliters (1/2 cup or 6 fluid ounces) milk

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Instructions

1. Craft a rustic dough by sifting dry ingredients together, creating a light and airy base for the scones.
2. Integrate cold butter into the flour mixture, using fingertips to break it down into delicate, pea-sized crumbs.
3. Fold in sweet chopped dates and crunchy walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Gradually introduce milk, gently binding the ingredients with a knife until a cohesive, soft dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, tenderly patting it to achieve a uniform 2cm thickness.
6. Carve out elegant circular shapes using a round cutter, ensuring clean, precise edges.
7. Enhance the scones’ appearance by delicately brushing milk across the surface and sprinkling a light dusting of sugar.
8. Position the scones on a prepared baking tray, then slide into a preheated oven at 220C (200C fan) / 425F.
9. Bake for 18 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation that signals perfect doneness.
10. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack, allowing the scones to rest and develop their full flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize texture by adjusting milk amount for perfectly soft or slightly firmer scones.
• Choose whole wheat flour for a nutritious boost and nutty undertone in the recipe.
• Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Ensure dates are finely chopped to distribute sweetness evenly throughout the scone dough.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 261 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg