Ingredients
Scale
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- 2 cups + 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, divided
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- 3 tablespoons sugar
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- 2 teaspoons baking powder
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- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
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- 2/3 cup raisins
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- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
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- 1 cup buttermilk
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- 2 tablespoons raw turbinado sugar (for topping)
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- Extra butter and jam, for serving (optional but highly recommended)
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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.