Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe

If you love homemade baking that’s easy, soul-warming, and totally irresistible, let me introduce you to Irish Soda Bread Scones. This recipe transforms those iconic bakery flavors into delightfully tender scones, bursting with currants (or raisins) and kissed with a touch of caraway. They’re superbly simple to whip up and require zero fancy tricks—just good ingredients and a love for classic flavors. Make these for breakfast, brunch, or snack time, and you’ll see why everyone falls for their crumbly charm!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s appreciate the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients. Every component in these Irish Soda Bread Scones serves a delicious purpose—expect flavor, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness in every bite.

• All-Purpose Flour: Keep it classic for perfect scone texture—light, yet sturdy enough to hold together.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten things up without overpowering those charming Irish flavors.
• Baking Soda: Essential for that signature rise and a hint of rustic tang, truly key for soda bread authenticity.
• Baking Powder: Gives added lift for scones that are soft but not too cakey.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all those lovely layers of flavor.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: The chilly cubes make your scones wonderfully flaky—don’t skimp here!
• Buttermilk: The tang is unbeatable, making each scone remarkably tender and flavorful.
• Large Egg: For a little richness and a cohesive, tender crumb.
• Raisins or Currants: Pops of chewy sweetness—so nostalgic and satisfying (choose your favorite!)
• Caraway Seeds (optional): A hint of earthiness and spice that gives a genuine Irish twist.

How to Make Irish Soda Bread Scones

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a sturdy baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so your scones lift off effortlessly. This quick prep step means you’re ready to work fast as the dough comes together—key for tender scones!

Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Getting these whisked evenly will ensure every scone is perfectly flavored and rises evenly.

Step 3: Cut In the Butter

Drop in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, two knives, or even your fingertips to blend it in. Stop when the mix resembles coarse crumbs—think little pea-sized bits of butter tucked in flour. This is where that magical flakiness comes from!

Step 4: Add the Fruit and Caraway Seeds

Stir in your raisins or currants, and the caraway seeds if you want that extra Irish character. Their sweet-tartness and aromatic punch play so well together.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth and well combined. This duo moistens the dough while keeping things fluffy and tender.

Step 6: Bring the Dough Together

Pour those wet ingredients over your dry mix. Gently stir with a fork or spoon until a soft, slightly shaggy dough forms—don’t overwork it or your scones will turn tough! It’s okay if a few floury streaks remain.

Step 7: Shape and Cut the Scones

Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the dough. Knead it gently just a few times—think tender loving care, not a heavy workout. Pat the dough into a circle about ¾-inch thick and slice into 8 even wedges, like a pizza. You’re almost there!

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for a lovely crust. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are golden and your kitchen smells heavenly. Cool on a wire rack so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.

How to Serve Irish Soda Bread Scones

Garnishes

For maximum enjoyment, serve your Irish Soda Bread Scones warm with a spread of creamy butter, a dollop of tangy fruit preserves, or a drizzle of honey! If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar can turn them into a delightful teatime treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these scones with a big mug of Barry’s or Yorkshire tea, a frothy cappuccino, or your breakfast spread of choice—think soft scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or yogurt with fresh berries. Their mild sweetness makes them a flexible companion to savory or sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Irish Soda Bread Scones in a rustic basket lined with a checked napkin for a cheerful brunch, or slice and layer with whipped cream and berries for a fun, faux-shortcake effect. They also make a charming addition to a St. Patrick’s Day platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want that just-baked taste, pop them in the toaster or warm oven briefly before serving—they’ll spring right back to life.

Freezing

Irish Soda Bread Scones freeze beautifully! You can freeze the unbaked scone wedges on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to two months. Alternatively, freeze the baked and cooled scones—just wrap them well to keep them fresh.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked goodness, reheat scones straight from the freezer in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. If they’re at room temp, a quick zap in the microwave (about 20 seconds) or a few minutes in a toaster oven will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I make Irish Soda Bread Scones without buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk handy, mix ¾ cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes and you’ll have a great substitute with that essential tang.

Can I use different dried fruit instead of raisins or currants?

Yes, feel free! Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even sultanas all work beautifully. Just keep the quantities about the same to maintain the classic structure of these scones.

Are caraway seeds necessary?

Nope, they’re entirely optional. If you love traditional Irish flavors, toss them in—but if you prefer a milder, sweeter scone, feel free to leave them out. The scones will still be delicious.

Can I make the dough in advance?

You sure can. Prepare the dough and cut it into wedges, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours or freeze as unbaked wedges. Just bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What’s the difference between Irish Soda Bread Scones and regular scones?

Irish Soda Bread Scones take all the cozy, rustic notes of classic soda bread—think tangy buttermilk and baking soda rise—and deliver them in petite, crumbly wedges that are slightly sweeter and perfect with tea. It’s the best of both worlds!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about sharing a plate of freshly baked Irish Soda Bread Scones. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a thick smear of butter, or dressed up for a festive gathering, you’ll fall in love with their nostalgic flavor and unbeatable simplicity. Give them a try next time you want to impress friends—or simply treat yourself to a cozy morning at home!

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