Grease twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups or line with paper bake cups. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt. Make a well in center or mixture.
In another mixing bowl, combine the egg, the melted butter, orange peel, and juice. Add egg mixture all at once to the dry mixture. Stir until just moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in dates. Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each muffin cup 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake the muffins in a 400 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from cups and serve them warm.