Date Scones with Fleur de Sel Whipped Butter

By DreiFromBK

These tender scones offer an irresistible mix of sweet and salty thanks to the chopped dates in the batter and the salted butter served alongside.

Ingredients

• butter
• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 tablespoon fleur de sel
• scones
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, plus more for brushing
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
• Jam, for serving

Details

Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

Make the butter In a bowl, beat the butter with the fleur de sel until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Make the scones Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift the 2 1/4 cups of flour with the sugar, baking powder and salt. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the dates and toss to coat in flour. Drizzle in the 1 1/2 cups of cream and stir until a dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 10 minutes.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 5-by-10-inch rectangle. Cut into 8 equal squares and arrange on the prepared sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 375°. Brush the tops of the scones with cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake for about 25 minutes, until golden. Transfer the scones to a rack to cool completely. Serve with the salted whipped butter and jam.