Cranberry Date Scones

Cranberry Date Scones Recipe from United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20-25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cranberry Date Scones are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of dates in a tender, buttery scone. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Scones have been a popular baked good in the United Kingdom for centuries, with the first recorded mention of them dating back to the early 1500s. Originally made with oats and cooked on a griddle, scones have evolved over the years to include a variety of flavors and ingredients. The addition of cranberries and dates to scones adds a festive touch, making them perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
0.5 cup sugar
grated zest of 1 large orange
1 tbsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
1.5 sticks (6 oz (170 g)) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 heaping cup fresh or frozen cranberries (5 oz (142 g))
0.5 cup chopped pitted dates
1 cup cold buttermilk
2 tbsp sugar mixed with 0.13 tsp each cinnamon, allspice and mace, for sprinkling

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Line a 15-by-12 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 0.5 cup of sugar, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the cranberries and dates and toss.
Stir in the buttermilk until a stiff dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently just until the dough comes together.
Divide the dough in half and pat each piece into a 7 inch round about 0.75 inch thick.
Sprinkle the tops with the spiced-sugar mixture.
Using a knife, cut each round into 6 wedges.
Arrange the wedges 0.5 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries for fresh or frozen cranberries.
Use raisins or apricots instead of dates.
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cold butter when making the scone dough, as this will help create a flaky texture.

- Do not overwork the dough when kneading it, as this can result in tough scones.

- To prevent the cranberries and dates from sinking to the bottom of the scones, toss them in a little flour before adding them to the dough.

- For extra flavor, sprinkle the tops of the scones with a mixture of sugar and mace before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Cranberry Date Scones warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream. They are also delicious served with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of jam.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the scones to ensure even cooking.

- Use a light touch when kneading the dough to avoid overworking it.

- To check if the scones are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they are ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

- If you don't have mace, you can use cinnamon or nutmeg instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the scone dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply shape the dough into rounds, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry Date Scones on a pretty platter or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Date Scones pair well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk. They also go well with fruit preserves or lemon curd.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Date Scones contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Date Scones contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Date Scones contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Date Scones contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Date Scones are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the cranberries. They also contain iron, calcium, and potassium.

Alergens

Cranberry Date Scones contain wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Cranberry Date Scones are a delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cranberry Date Scones are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With a tender, buttery texture and a sweet-tart flavor, these scones are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cranberry Date Scones. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air had a chill to it that hinted of the approaching winter. I had decided to take a walk through the local farmer's market, browsing through the stalls of fresh produce and homemade goods. That's when I saw her, an elderly lady with a twinkle in her eye and a basket full of scones.

I couldn't resist approaching her stall and striking up a conversation. We talked about the weather, the market, and eventually, we got to talking about baking. She told me that she had been baking for over 60 years and had a recipe for Cranberry Date Scones that she swore by. Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me.

She smiled and nodded, reaching into her apron pocket and pulling out a tiny scrap of paper. On it was scrawled a list of ingredients and instructions that seemed simple enough. She told me that the key to making the perfect scone was to handle the dough gently, not overworking it, and to use only the freshest ingredients. She also emphasized the importance of using real butter, not margarine, for that rich, buttery flavor.

I thanked her profusely and promised to try out the recipe as soon as I got home. That evening, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my kitchen. The scent of baking scones filled the air, and I felt a sense of contentment as I kneaded the dough and shaped it into perfect little triangles.

When the scones came out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I couldn't wait to try one. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the buttery, fruity flavors that exploded in my mouth. It was then that I knew I had found a recipe that would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made these Cranberry Date Scones countless times, perfecting the recipe and adding my own little tweaks here and there. I have shared them with friends and family, who have all raved about how delicious they are. Every time I bake a batch, I think back to that day at the farmer's market and the kind old lady who shared her recipe with me.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of the oven and the aroma of freshly baked scones, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this wonderful recipe. It just goes to show that sometimes, the best things in life can come from the most unexpected places. And for that, I will always be thankful.