Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Step 2

Sieve flour, sugar, mixed spice and a pinch of salt into a large bowl. Add the butter and rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Make a well in the centre of the flour.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg and orange zest, then pour into the well of the flour mix. Add the dates and mix lightly to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and roll to 5cm-thick.

Step 4

Using a 7cm-diameter pastry cutter or knife, cut out rounds. Re-roll scraps once and repeat. Place scones onto the tray, brush tops with the egg yolk and dust with sugar.

Step 5

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and serve warm with jam and clotted cream.