Maple date scones

Maple date scones are an easy-to-make, healthier, less-sweet treat for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon snack.

While I like sweet snacks and desserts as much as the next ninja, I generally prefer my baked goods to be a little less on the sweet side.

Which is why I'll choose a scone over a cupcake any day.

(True story: My sister used to love sitting next to me at family birthday celebrations when we were young because I didn't like to eat the frosting. I would eat the cake part of my piece and give the frosting to her -- that's how much I prefer my sweets less sweet!)

And any time I can sweeten a sweet more naturally than simply using refined sugar, I'm all over it.

As their name implies, these maple date scones are sweetened with pure maple syrup, chewy dates and almost no added sugar.

Plus they're made with healthier white whole wheat flour and soy milk. I love the slightly nutty flavor (well, it tastes nutty-ish to me) that soy milk adds to baked goods. I find myself using it as a dairy milk substitute almost all the time now.

And there's no mixer required for this scone recipe. Just one bowl and your own two hands (I find that cutting in butter with your fingers is much more efficient than using a pastry blender... and it gives you an awesome arm workout!).

Warm from the oven, these maple date scones make a really delightful breakfast treat. Completely cooled and tucked into your lunch bag, they're a nice afternoon snack with a cup of tea or a latte.

What's your take on sweets? Sweet as can be or less sweet the way I prefer them? Leave a comment: The Ninj wants to know.

Maple Date Scones

(adapted from Cooking Light)

Ingredients:
2 cups white whole wheat flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup soy milk (substitute low-fat dairy milk or nut milk, if you prefer)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
Turbinado sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Whisk together the first 5 ingredients (flour through salt) in a bowl. Add the butter and, using your fingers, blend it into the flour mixture until incorporated and the mixture looks like coarse meal. In another smaller bowl, whisk together the milk and maple syrup, then add it to the flour mixture, along with the dates. Stir until just moistened.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (dough will be very sticky). With floured hands, knead the dough a few times, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pat it into an 8- to 9-inch circle. Cut the circle into 8 wedges, being sure not to cut all the way through (you're basically scoring the dough). Sprinkle the surface very lightly with turbinado sugar, if using. Bake for about 15 minutes or until nicely golden. Completely cut wedges through before serving.

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