Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Scones are a delightful twist on the classic British scone, offering a sweet and nutty flavor. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a quick snack, these scones are light, fluffy, and packed with the rich taste of dates and crunchy walnuts.
What are Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Scones?
Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Scones are traditional scones with a flavorful combination of finely chopped dates and walnuts. These scones are slightly sweet and wonderfully textured, making them an ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple to make: Quick preparation with basic ingredients.
- Rich and nutty flavor: Dates add sweetness, while walnuts provide crunch.
- Versatile snack: Enjoy with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
- Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones
- Self-raising flour – 250g, for light and fluffy scones.
- Butter – 50g, chilled and diced, adds richness.
- Caster sugar – 50g, for a hint of sweetness.
- Chopped dates – 75g, provides natural sweetness and texture.
- Chopped walnuts – 50g, adds crunch and flavor.
- Egg – 1 large, for binding.
- Milk – 100ml, to moisten the dough.
- Extra flour – For rolling out the dough.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Round biscuit cutter
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tray
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and add the diced butter.
- Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the caster sugar, chopped dates, and walnuts.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the milk.
- Gradually add the liquid to the dry ingredients, mixing with a knife to form a soft dough. Reserve a little of the liquid for brushing the tops of the scones.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently roll it out to a thickness of about 2.5cm (1 inch).
- Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out scones, re-rolling the dough as needed.
Step 5: Bake the Scones
- Place the scones on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
- Brush the tops with the reserved egg and milk mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the scones are golden and well-risen.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Serve warm with butter, cream, or jam for a delicious treat.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones
- Butter: A classic and simple accompaniment.
- Clotted cream: Adds richness to the scones.
- Honey: Enhances the natural sweetness of the dates.
- Fruit jam: Strawberry or apricot jam pairs beautifully.
- Fresh fruit: Grapes or sliced apples complement the flavors.
- Tea or coffee: A perfect beverage pairing.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones
- Use cold butter: Ensures a light and flaky texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Keep the scones tender.
- Chop dates finely: Distributes the sweetness evenly.
- Check for doneness: The tops should be golden and the scones should feel firm to the touch.
- Serve fresh: Scones are best enjoyed on the day they are baked.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones
- Nut-free option: Replace walnuts with extra dates or raisins.
- Spiced scones: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Cheese scones: Omit the dates and walnuts, and add grated cheddar cheese.
- Chocolate twist: Mix in chocolate chips instead of walnuts.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones
- Airtight container: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freeze for future use: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones
- Oven method: Warm in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes.
- Microwave option: Heat for 10 seconds for a quick refresh.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Date and Walnut Scones Healthier?
- Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Replace caster sugar with natural sweeteners like honey.
- Reduce the butter slightly and use Greek yogurt instead.
Nutrition Value (per scone)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Scones are a delicious twist on the classic scone, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Try it today and enjoy the rich flavors of dates and walnuts in every bite!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Vanilla Custard
- Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Mary Berry Pavlova Wreath
- Mary Berry Strawberry Pavlova
Mary Berry Date And Walnut Scones
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Scones are traditional scones with a flavorful combination of finely chopped dates and walnuts. These scones are slightly sweet and wonderfully textured, making them an ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour – 250g, for light and fluffy scones.
- Butter – 50g, chilled and diced, adds richness.
- Caster sugar – 50g, for a hint of sweetness.
- Chopped dates – 75g, provides natural sweetness and texture.
- Chopped walnuts – 50g, adds crunch and flavor.
- Egg – 1 large, for binding.
- Milk – 100ml, to moisten the dough.
- Extra flour – For rolling out the dough.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tray
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and add the diced butter.
- Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the caster sugar, chopped dates, and walnuts.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the milk.
- Gradually add the liquid to the dry ingredients, mixing with a knife to form a soft dough. Reserve a little of the liquid for brushing the tops of the scones.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently roll it out to a thickness of about 2.5cm (1 inch).
- Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out scones, re-rolling the dough as needed.
Step 5: Bake the Scones
- Place the scones on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
- Brush the tops with the reserved egg and milk mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the scones are golden and well-risen.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Serve warm with butter, cream, or jam for a delicious treat.
