Name: Irish Soda Bread Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 cups (10 oz/284 g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (2 ½ oz/71 g) granulated sugar; 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon orange zest; ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter , cold and diced; 1 large egg; ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) buttermilk; egg wash

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Irish Soda Bread Scones offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With a tender, crumbly texture and hints of sweet orange zest, they’re a fantastic way to elevate your morning routine or afternoon tea. Plus, they come together quickly, making them a go-to for busy days or unexpected guests. The beautiful golden tops and fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen while baking create an inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of cozy gatherings over freshly baked treats.

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I first discovered these scones during a cozy brunch with friends, and since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of ease and delightful flavor makes Irish Soda Bread Scones perfect for any occasion. Not only are they easy to whip up, but they can also impress just about anyone who takes a bite. I encourage you to try them—your tastebuds will be thrilled!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Irish Soda Bread Scones
Recipe FAQs
Irish Soda Bread Scones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These scones are ready in just about 45 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: The buttery texture combined with the hint of orange zest creates a wonderful taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Scones cut into wedges look impressive on any table, sure to wow guests.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a delightful breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an elegant treat for tea.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your scones; for a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 baking blend.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors without being overpowering.
1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder: This helps the scones rise, giving them a light texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: An additional leavening agent that works with the buttermilk.
¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite delicious.
½ teaspoon orange zest: Infuses a hint of citrus brightness; you can substitute with lemon if preferred.
½ cup cold butter, diced: Cold butter gives the scones their flaky texture; keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness; choose room temperature for better mixing.
½ cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang; homemade buttermilk works well (just mix milk with a splash of vinegar).
Egg wash: A mixture of beaten egg that gives the scones a shiny, golden finish.

How to Make Irish Soda Bread Scones

Preheat your oven and prepare the baking sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the scones don’t stick and helps with even baking.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon orange zest. Stir gently until mixed.
Incorporate the butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingers, rub ½ cup cold diced butter into the flour mixture. Your goal is to achieve a texture similar to coarse breadcrumbs. Don’t over-mix—this step is crucial for flakiness!
Combine the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and ½ cup buttermilk until well blended. This mixture adds moisture and helps bring the scone dough together.
Bring the dough together: Pour the egg and buttermilk mixture into the flour blend. Mix very lightly just until it comes together; you want to avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones tender.
Shape and cut the dough: Transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a 7-inch round disk about 1 inch high. Using a sharp knife, cut the disk into 8 wedges, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each.
Add the egg wash: Brush the tops of the wedges with egg wash to achieve that beautiful golden color. This simple step will make your scones look bakery-fresh!
Bake to perfection: Pop the baking sheet in the oven, baking for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and serving: Allow your scones to cool on a wire rack before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh, slathered with butter and your favorite jam, but they can be stored for later!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers beyond that, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes—this helps refresh their texture. Just remember that the scones may be slightly less flaky after freezing, but they’ll still taste delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When mixing in the butter, keep it cold; this is key to achieving that perfect flaky texture!
If your dough seems too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be cautious—too much will make them dense.
For a unique twist, add dried fruit like currants or cranberries into the mix for added sweetness.
If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked scones and bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

The beauty of these Irish Soda Bread Scones lies not just in their simplicity but in their ability to transform any table into a warm gathering. They add joy to your breakfast routine or afternoon tea, making even the most mundane days feel special.

Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful surprises! If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or swap out the zest for something unexpected—like a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients based on the dough’s consistency.

What can I serve with Irish Soda Bread Scones?

These scones pair beautifully with fresh butter, jam, or even clotted cream. They also complement a cup of tea or coffee perfectly. Feel free to enjoy them plain, too—they’re delicious on their own!

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown color on the tops. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If they feel firm to the touch and sound hollow when tapped, they’re ready!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours before shaping and baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it easier to work with before you form the scones.

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