Irish Soda Scones: A Simple, Delicious Taste of Ireland

Learn how to make traditional Irish Soda Scones – soft, fluffy, and ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for breakfast or tea time. Easy recipe with simple ingredients

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked scones

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked scones wafting through the kitchen. And when it comes to Irish Soda Scones, that magic is even more special.

Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make

These scones are tender, slightly sweet, and studded with plump raisins and aromatic caraway seeds. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make—no yeast, no fuss, just simple ingredients and big flavor.

These scones are the perfect choice.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or just craving a warm treat with your afternoon tea, these scones are the perfect choice. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Irish Soda Scones:

2 cups + 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, divided
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold butter, cubed
⅔ cup raisins
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons raw turbinado sugar (for topping)
Extra butter and jam, for serving (optional but highly recommended)

Detailed Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Irish Soda Scones:

Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a perfect rise.
Combine the Dough:
Add the floured raisins, caraway seeds, and buttermilk to the flour-butter mixture.

Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the scones light and tender.
Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving that flaky, tender texture.
Toss the Raisins:
In a small bowl, toss the raisins with the remaining 1 teaspoon of flour. This helps prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the scones during baking.
Add the Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle the tops of the scones generously with raw turbinado sugar. This adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are deeply golden-brown on top and bottom.
Shape the Scones:
Using two spoons or an ice cream scoop, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 8 scones, depending on the size.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the scones to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Slather them with extra butter and your favorite jam for an irresistible treat.

Tips for Success

Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for achieving flaky scones. If the butter starts to soften, pop the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix the dough just until everything comes together.
Customize It: Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or currants, or omit the caraway seeds if you prefer a simpler flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Irish Soda Scones are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

Classic Style: Serve warm with butter and jam for a traditional treat.
Brunch Upgrade: Pair with clotted cream and fresh berries for a fancy twist.
On the Go: Wrap them up for a quick breakfast or snack.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled scones individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster for a fresh-baked taste.

Why You’ll Love These Scones

These Irish Soda Scones are more than just a recipe—they’re a little slice of comfort. With their tender crumb, sweet raisins, and hint of caraway, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

IRISH-Inspired RECIPES

If you loved making these easy, homemade Irish Soda Scones, here are some more delicious recipes and Irish-inspired goods you should try next. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea time!

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