Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
If you’ve ever thought about the perfect blend of classic Irish baking with a cozy twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe. These scones bring all the rustic charm of traditional Irish soda bread, but with a tender, flaky texture that’s ideal for breakfast, teatime, or a special treat anytime. With hints of orange zest and bursts of juicy raisins, they’re truly a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in a surprisingly delightful way. Trust me, once you try this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for easy weekend baking and impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this recipe is how it relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the fluffiness from the baking powder and soda, the richness from the butter, or that unmistakable tang from the buttermilk that makes these scones uniquely Irish in taste and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and lightness to the scones.
- Baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise for tender, fluffy scones.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create that classic soda bread lift.
- Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tangy notes.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Cold butter: Creates delicate, flaky layers; cold butter is a must for this texture.
- Raisins: Little bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness throughout.
- Orange zest: Adds fresh, citrus brightness to brighten every bite.
- Buttermilk: Provides acidity to react with the baking soda for rise and tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Subtle warmth that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Getting the oven nice and hot ensures that your scones will puff up beautifully and develop that gorgeous golden crust we all crave.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and orange zest. This step is important because it evenly distributes the rising agents and zest, ensuring every bite has that consistent lift and citrusy pop.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter Until Crumbly
Using a pastry blender or two knives, incorporate the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Those small bits of butter are the secret to flaky, tender scones, so don’t rush this part!
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk and Vanilla
Pour in one cup of buttermilk and the vanilla extract, stirring gently until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but workable; overmixing can toughen the scones, so keep things gentle here.
Step 5: Fold in the Raisins
It’s time to bring in the juicy raisins. Fold them in carefully to distribute evenly without breaking the dough apart. Each bite should have a little burst of chewy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the textured crumb.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough gently 5 to 10 times. Scoop out mounds of dough using about a 1/3 cup measure and place them on a baking sheet, leaving room for rise. This step gives the scones their classic round shape and soft center.
Step 7: Score, Brush, and Sweeten
Create a small “X” on top of each scone—it helps them bake evenly and gives that authentic homemade look. Then brush the tops with the remaining tablespoon of buttermilk and sprinkle with a little sugar to add a subtle crunch and sparkle once baked.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the scones for 13 to 15 minutes or until they turn a warm golden brown. The aroma alone is enough to make you impatient, but trust that this is the moment they develop that perfect crust and soft interior.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let your scones cool just enough so they’re warm but not too hot to eat—this makes handling easier and allows flavors to settle. Now, bite into your freshly baked Irish Soda Bread Scones; I promise, the reward is more than worth the wait!
How to Serve Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe is how versatile it is when it comes to garnishes. Try a slather of tangy butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of clotted cream for a truly indulgent experience. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also add an elegant touch that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
These scones pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up. For a full breakfast spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, or on a cheese board with sharp cheddar and smoked meats for a savory twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch, you can slice these scones in half and use them as mini sandwich buns filled with jam and cream or smoked salmon and cream cheese. They also make delightful bread pudding or crumbled over warm stews to add a comforting texture contrast. The options with this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe are as endless as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover scones (though who really does?), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft without drying out, preserving their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
To enjoy your Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe anytime, freeze the fully baked scones by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thawing them gently the night before works best.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or day-old scones in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked warmth and crumbly crust. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works if you’re in a hurry, but the oven really brings back the magic texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute buttermilk in this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a simple substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This mimics the acidity needed to react with the baking soda for proper rise.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Yes, cold butter is key to achieving the flaky texture characteristic of these scones. Using softened or melted butter will result in a denser, less tender crumb.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruits?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make fantastic additions if you want to mix things up. Just fold them in at the same stage as the raisins to ensure even distribution.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones should be a lovely golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped underneath. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready.
What’s the best way to serve these scones fresh from the oven?
Serving the scones warm is ideal, straight from the oven or after a brief cooling. They’re wonderful with butter melting on top, a smear of jam, or simply on their own to savor that fresh-baked goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s uncomplicated, bursting with flavor, and versatile enough to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, these scones will brighten your day in the most delicious way. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and invite a little Irish charm into your kitchen—it’s truly a timeless delight you won’t regret!
Print
Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, featuring buttery, tender textures with bursts of sweet raisins and a hint of fresh orange zest. Perfect for breakfast or tea time, they bake up golden and flaky in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick cold butter
- 1 cup buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for perfectly risen scones.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and orange zest until evenly combined for a balanced flavor base.
- Cut in Butter: Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky scone texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and vanilla extract gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Raisins: Gently fold the raisins into the dough to distribute them evenly without crushing.
- Knead Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough lightly 5 to 10 times to bring it together without making it tough.
- Shape & Portion: Use a 1/3 cup scoop to place mounds of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them adequately for even baking.
- Score & Glaze: Cut a small ‘X’ on top of each scone, brush with the remaining tablespoon of buttermilk, and sprinkle with sugar for a crisp, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Let the scones cool slightly before serving to set their structure and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve the best flaky texture.
- Do not over-mix or over-knead the dough to avoid tough scones.
- Orange zest adds a fresh citrus note that complements the raisins nicely.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for an authentic experience.
- Substitute raisins with currants or dried cranberries if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
