If you’re in the mood for a comforting bake that’s equal parts rustic and utterly scrumptious, Irish Soda Bread Scones deserve a spot in your kitchen repertoire. These scones take all the best qualities of classic Irish soda bread—tender texture, a light tang from buttermilk, and a golden crust—and transform them into perfectly portioned, morning-friendly gems. Whether you’re brewing tea for two or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, these scones are easy to make, beautifully golden, and studded with plump raisins (or currants) for a touch of natural sweetness. One bite, and you’ll see why Irish Soda Bread Scones are truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the many joys of these scones is how the simplest ingredients come together to create a cozy treat with irresistible flavor. Each component brings its own special touch to the table—think richness from butter, a gentle tang from buttermilk, and natural bursts of sweetness from raisins—that combine for maximum comfort and taste.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and softness; sift if you want extra lightness in your scones.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount to give each scone a hint of sweetness without overshadowing the classic soda bread flavor.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda to add loft and make these scones beautifully fluffy.
- Baking soda: Essential for the signature tang and to help the scones rise when combined with buttermilk.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in every bite.
- Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: The secret to flaky layers—make sure it’s icy cold before you start.
- Raisins or currants: Lend juiciness and pockets of sweetness; feel free to swap with your favorite dried fruit.
- Buttermilk: Gives these Irish Soda Bread Scones their gentle tang and tender crumb; no buttermilk? Add a splash of lemon juice to whole milk as a quick substitute.
- Large egg: Brings the ingredients together and helps the scones brown beautifully in the oven.
- Caraway seeds (optional): For a subtle, earthy note that’s traditional in Irish baking—try them at least once if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread Scones
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This step may seem simple, but it’s crucial. By lining your pan, you’ll guarantee the scones won’t stick and cleaning up afterward will be a total breeze. Preheating also gives your scones that instant burst of heat needed for a lofty rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking not only evenly distributes these ingredients but also introduces a little air, helping your Irish Soda Bread Scones turn out lighter and fluffier. These dry elements create the backbone for perfect scones, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Now, grab your cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work it into the flour mixture until it all resembles rough crumbs. The key is keeping the butter cold; those little flecks steam in the oven, creating epically tender layers. If your kitchen is warm, pop the bowl in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
Step 4: Add Fruit and (Optional) Caraway
Gently stir in your raisins or currants, and if you love a touch of old-country Irish flavor, sprinkle in some caraway seeds. The dried fruit dots every bite with bursts of juiciness, while caraway lends an unexpected savory twist. Toss these in just enough to coat with flour—it keeps them from sinking to the bottom as the scones bake.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. This mixture will enrich the dough, add flavor, and help bind everything together. Buttermilk’s slight tang complements both the richness of butter and the sweet raisins, making these Irish Soda Bread Scones unmistakably delicious.
Step 6: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if the dough looks a little shaggy—that’s exactly what you want for tender scones. Avoid overmixing, as it can make your scones tough instead of cloud-soft.
Step 7: Shape and Cut
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it only four or five times—just enough to hold together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the round into 8 wedges. This rustic shape gives each scone crispy golden sides and a soft interior.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your scone wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Slide them into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until they’re puffed, golden, and almost impossible to resist. The aroma alone is a sure sign you’re in for something special!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the Irish Soda Bread Scones to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Warm scones are especially delightful with butter or jam, but make sure not to burn your fingers (or your eager taste testers).
How to Serve Irish Soda Bread Scones
Garnishes
These scones shine with simple garnishes—spread warm scones generously with Irish butter, or go for a dollop of fruit preserves for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar can take them from breakfast staple to elegant afternoon treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your Irish Soda Bread Scones with a cup of hot tea or strong coffee for the ultimate breakfast or brunch. They’re also at home alongside a creamy soup or a robust breakfast platter featuring eggs and fresh fruit. In fact, they make an excellent sidekick to both sweet and savory spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping spread, serve the scones on a rustic wooden board, nestled among small bowls of jam, whipped cream, and marmalade. Or slice them horizontally and fill with clotted cream and berries for a cheeky nod to classic cream teas—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these Irish Soda Bread Scones!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing the cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve the perfect crumb, wrap each scone in parchment or wax paper before tucking them away.
Freezing
Irish Soda Bread Scones freeze beautifully! Cool them completely, then wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and stash in a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen, they’ll last for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature or give them a light reheat to bring back their just-baked glory.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a scone in a 350°F (175°C) oven for five to ten minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 10–15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but reheating in the oven will restore their crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I make Irish Soda Bread Scones without raisins or currants?
Absolutely! If you prefer your scones plain, or want to swap in different dried fruit like cranberries or chopped apricots, go right ahead. You can even toss in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
What does buttermilk do in this recipe?
Buttermilk is key to achieving that signature tang and tender crumb found in authentic Irish Soda Bread Scones. Its slight acidity reacts with the baking soda to help the scones rise and creates a subtle complex flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture and slightly nutty taste. Going 100 percent whole wheat will yield heavier scones, so try a blend first to see what you like best.
How do I keep my scones from getting tough?
The secret is not to overmix or overknead the dough. Stir just until combined and handle as little as possible—that way, your Irish Soda Bread Scones will turn out beautifully soft every time.
Are these scones best eaten warm or room temperature?
They’re spectacular warm out of the oven with a pat of butter melting in. However, they stay delicious at room temperature for breakfast or tea, so you can absolutely enjoy them either way.
Final Thoughts
Irish Soda Bread Scones are proof that a handful of ingredients, a gentle touch, and a bit of tradition can yield the most wonderful results. I hope you’ll bake up a batch soon and see firsthand why these scones win hearts at any table—enjoy every last crumb!
Print
Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, perfect for a cozy breakfast or teatime treat. Tender and slightly sweet, they are quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Stir in raisins or currants (and caraway seeds if using).
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly, pat into a circle, and cut into wedges.
- Bake: Place wedges on the baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with butter and jam.
- For a sweeter variation, brush tops with cream and sugar before baking.
- Freeze well—reheat in a warm oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
