Description
Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delightful twist on traditional scones, featuring a tender crumb enriched with buttermilk and dotted with sweet dried currants or raisins. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these scones offer a comforting taste of Ireland with a touch of cinnamon and a golden, crisp exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (for brushing)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using, to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Cut in Butter: Incorporate the cold unsalted butter pieces into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which will help create a flaky scone texture.
- Add Dried Fruit and Wet Ingredients: Stir in the currants or raisins. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and vanilla extract together, then add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined into a soft dough.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 2–3 times. Pat it into a 1-inch thick round. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter to form traditional scones.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with heavy cream or milk, and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sweet crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve these scones warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for the best experience.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and a suitable butter substitute, adjusting for texture.
- These scones freeze well; wrap tightly and reheat in the oven to refresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
