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
Scale
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
