Description
These Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, combining a tender crumb with sweet bursts of raisins and a hint of fresh orange zest. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they bake up golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside. The use of buttermilk gives them a slight tang and wonderful texture, making them an irresistible homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
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 cup buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare for baking the scones.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and freshly grated orange zest until evenly combined.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces dispersed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and the vanilla extract gently until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
- Fold in Raisins: Carefully fold the 1/2 cup raisins into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly 5 to 10 times to bring it together while keeping it tender.
- Shape Scones: Using a 1/3 cup scoop, portion out the dough into individual mounds onto a baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Score and Brush: Cut a small “X” into the top of each scone, brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of buttermilk, and sprinkle with a little extra sugar for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 13 to 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 warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the scones tender and flaky.
- Cold butter is essential to achieve a crumbly texture.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and lemon juice.
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze any leftovers and reheat in a low oven to restore freshness.
