If you’re craving a delightful twist on traditional scones, you’re going to absolutely love this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe. These scones bring all the cozy, rustic charm of classic Irish soda bread but in a tender, crumbly form perfect for breakfast or tea time. Infused with bright orange zest, plump raisins, and a buttery texture that’s simply irresistible, this recipe transforms pantry staples into an inviting treat that feels homemade yet effortlessly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in bringing out the best flavors and textures. From the tang of buttermilk to the fragrant citrus notes, these components work together beautifully to create scones that are moist, tender, and perfectly risen.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy without yeast.
- Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk to give that classic soda bread lift.
- Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the tangy elements.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cold butter: Creates a tender, flaky texture when cut into the flour.
- Raisins: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture.
- Orange zest: Gives a fresh, bright aroma that livens up the scones.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to the soda bread’s signature flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, subtle undertone of flavor that complements the raisins and orange zest.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (218°C). A hot oven ensures the scones get a lovely golden crust while staying soft inside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and orange zest. This evenly distributes all the leavening and zest, so your scones rise perfectly and pack a fragrant punch.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the cold butter into the dry mix until you have a crumbly texture that looks like coarse sand. Keeping the butter cold is key here—it helps the scones develop that wonderful flaky texture.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir gently just until everything comes together; be careful not to overmix, or the scones might turn out tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold the raisins into the dough. They bring sweetness and chewiness that make every bite so satisfying.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and knead the dough lightly about 5 to 10 times. This helps develop the structure without overworking that delicate texture. Then, scoop the dough with a 1/3 cup measure and place mounds onto a baking sheet.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Cut a small “X” on the top of each scone. This classic soda bread touch helps them bake evenly. Brush the scones with the remaining tablespoon of buttermilk and sprinkle some sugar over the top for a delightful crunch.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the scones turn a gorgeous golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly on a rack before serving so they set just right.
How to Serve Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Garnishes
These scones shine with a simple pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. For an extra indulgence, add clotted cream or your favorite fruit jam—each bite becomes a little celebration of flavor.
Side Dishes
Complement your Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe with fresh fruit salad, a steaming cup of tea, or even a hearty bowl of soup for a comforting meal. Their mild sweetness and tender crumb make them wonderfully versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these scones warm with whipped cream and fresh berries for brunch, or slice them in half and make mini breakfast sandwiches with smoked salmon and cream cheese. They’re also fantastic as part of a festive spread with cheese and chutney.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their moistness and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these scones later, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making it easy to have homemade treats on hand anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to retain their lovely texture and crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or currants all work wonderfully well and add their own unique flavor and texture to the scones.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Is it necessary to cut an “X” on top of the scones?
While not strictly required, scoring the top helps the heat penetrate evenly, giving a better rise and a classic soda bread look. It’s a lovely traditional touch.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute the buttermilk with dairy-free milk plus vinegar. The texture may vary slightly but the scones will still be delicious.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe. It combines simplicity with a burst of flavor and texture that turns ordinary moments into cozy celebrations. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, tea, or a snack, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself baking a batch every week!
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Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, combining a tender, crumbly texture with sweet bursts of raisins and fresh orange zest. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea, these scones are quick to prepare and bake to a golden perfection in just 25 minutes.
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 (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature by the time your dough is ready.
- 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.
- Cut in butter: Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create that flaky scone texture.
- Add liquids: Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and the vanilla extract gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Fold in raisins: Gently fold in the raisins so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough without crushing them.
- Knead and shape: Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough 5 to 10 times to bring it together. Using a 1/3 cup scoop, drop mounds of dough onto a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Score and brush: Cut a small “X” on the top of each scone to help them bake evenly. Brush each scone with the remaining 1 tablespoon of buttermilk and sprinkle a little sugar on top for a golden, slightly crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 13-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to let them set and enhance their flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is very cold for the best flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
