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
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
- 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.
