Nothing quite warms the heart and fills the kitchen with cozy aromas like a batch of freshly baked scones, and this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe is an absolute gem. These scones marry the rustic charm of traditional Irish soda bread with the tender, flaky texture that scones are beloved for. With just a handful of simple pantry staples, plus the sunny burst of orange zest and plump raisins, this recipe creates irresistible scones that balance sweet and tangy beautifully. Whether for breakfast, teatime, or a comforting snack, this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe is a delight worth sharing and savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to ensuring your scones turn out perfectly every time. Each component plays an integral role, from the fluffy structure to the subtle flavors and golden color, making this recipe wonderfully straightforward yet deeply satisfying.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the scones’ crumb.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Adds the essential lift and lightness.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works with the buttermilk to create the classic soda bread texture.
- Sugar (5 tablespoons): Balances tartness and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, preventing the scones from tasting flat.
- Cold butter (1 stick): Cut-in cold, it ensures those flaky layers so prized in scones.
- Raisins (1/2 cup): Little pockets of chewy sweetness dotted throughout.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Brings a fresh citrus brightness to each bite.
- Buttermilk (1 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Adds moisture, tang, and reacts with the leaveners for rise.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Subtly deepens the flavor profile with warmth.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and orange zest in a large bowl. This dry mix will lay the foundation of flavor and texture that will make your scones irresistibly tender and fragrant.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key—those little bits of butter create steam during baking, which gives the scones their signature flaky texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in one cup of buttermilk along with the vanilla extract, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough moist but not sticky. This tender dough will develop the perfect crumb structure as it bakes.
Step 4: Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins, making sure they are evenly distributed without crushing them. These little bursts of sweetness are a star component of this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe, adding a delightful contrast to the zest and butter.
Step 5: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly five to ten times to bring it together. Using a 1/3 cup scoop, portion the dough into mounds on a baking sheet. For that classic touch and even baking, cut a small “X” on top of each scone, then brush with the remaining tablespoon of buttermilk and sprinkle a little sugar over each one for a subtle sparkle and crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the scones into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes until they turn a glorious golden brown. As they bake, the kitchen fills with a heavenly scent that makes waiting oh so worth it. Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving to appreciate their full flavor and texture.
How to Serve Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Garnishes
While these scones are delicious on their own, a light spread of creamy butter, a dab of honey, or a smear of your favorite jam can elevate them wonderfully. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of glaze can make them feel extra special for guests.
Side Dishes
Serve these scones alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee for an inviting breakfast or afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve your Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe with clotted cream and fresh berries, styled on a pretty tiered cake stand. Alternatively, turn them into little sandwiches by slicing them in half and filling with smoked salmon and cream cheese or a slice of sharp cheddar for a savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing their texture or flavor. If you want to maintain their freshness a bit longer, wrapping them tightly in foil works well, too.
Freezing
Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe is freezer-friendly! Simply place cooled scones in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy the homemade goodness anytime without the fuss of baking from scratch.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover scones back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 8 minutes. This helps restore their crisp exterior and tender crumb. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be substituted, it’s best to add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. This acidity activates the baking soda, ensuring your Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe rise perfectly with the tender crumb expected.
Are these scones sweet or savory?
These scones lean towards a mildly sweet profile due to the sugar, raisins, and orange zest. However, their balanced flavors make them versatile enough to enjoy with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans provides a pleasant crunch and enhances the richness. Just toss them in with the raisins before shaping the dough for best results.
Why do I need to cut a small “X” on top of each scone?
The “X” scores help the heat penetrate the dough evenly, allowing the scones to rise uniformly while creating that classic soda bread look. It also makes them easier to split when serving.
Can I make these scones vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe, substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk mixed with a little vinegar to replace the buttermilk. While the taste will differ slightly, the scones will still be deliciously tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply comforting and truly special about the humble scone, and this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe elevates that sentiment beautifully. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of Irish tradition into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try making these scones and share them with your loved ones – once you do, they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite you keep coming back to.
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Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, featuring a tender crumb enriched with raisins and a hint of orange zest. Perfect for breakfast or tea time, they combine the ease of quick bread baking with the rustic charm of scones, delivering warm, golden-baked treats that are buttery, slightly sweet, and irresistibly soft inside.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure it’s properly heated for baking the scones to a perfect golden brown.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and orange zest to distribute all the leavening agents and flavoring evenly.
- Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which creates a tender crumb texture in the scones.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and the vanilla extract gently until the dough is just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the scones light and fluffy.
- Fold in Raisins: Gently fold the raisins into the dough to evenly distribute the fruit without breaking up the dough.
- Knead Dough and Shape: On a floured surface, knead the dough lightly 5 to 10 times—just enough to bring it together—and then use a 1/3 cup scoop to form mounds of dough, placing them spaced apart on a baking sheet.
- Score and Glaze: Cut a small “X” on top of each dough mound to help them bake evenly. Brush each scone with the remaining tablespoon of buttermilk and sprinkle sugar over the top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving, so they set nicely while still warm and fresh.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a flaky texture in the scones.
- Orange zest adds a bright, citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the raisins.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the scones tender.
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
- For added richness, serve warm with butter or clotted cream.
