Delicious Irish Scones Made Easy

Jump to Recipe

Irish scones are incredibly fluffy and lightly sweet, making them a delightful treat. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or any moment you crave something warm and comforting. You’ll love how quickly these scones come together, bringing a taste of Ireland right to your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Delicious Irish scones, perfect for breakfast or tea.

Delicious Irish scones with cream and jam.

Irish Scones Recipe

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups (440 grams) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (16 grams) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, cold and diced
1 large egg
3/4-1 cup (177-240 milliliters) cold buttermilk, plus extra for brushing

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or flour.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Incorporate the cold, diced butter into the flour mixture using a dough blade, forks, or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs with butter pieces no larger than a pea.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) of buttermilk together. Add this to the flour mixture and combine gently with your hands or a wooden spoon.
Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of buttermilk as needed to form a cohesive dough.
On a floured surface, pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) thick.
Use a 2 1/2 inch (6 centimeter) round cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Recombine any scraps to cut additional circles.
Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with more buttermilk.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Irish Scones

Keeping Ingredients Cold

To achieve that light and flaky texture, always use cold buttermilk and butter. This keeps the scones airy and delightful. Start with 3/4 cup of buttermilk and add more only if necessary.

Avoiding Over-Mixing

Mix the dough just enough to combine the ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to dense scones. Keep all your ingredients cold for the best results.

Adding Flavors and Variations

If you want to get creative, consider adding dried fruits like raisins or currants to the dough. They bring a burst of sweetness that complements the scones beautifully.

Freezing and Storing Irish Scones

To store your leftover Irish scones, freeze them after cutting but before baking. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. You can bake them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For the freshest taste, enjoy them the day they are baked.

FAQs

What are the key ingredients in traditional Irish scones?

The key ingredients for traditional Irish scones include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, an egg, and buttermilk.

How do I make Irish scones light and fluffy?

To make Irish scones light and fluffy, keep your ingredients cold and avoid over-mixing the dough.

Can I add fruits or nuts to my Irish scone recipe?

Yes, you can add fruits like raisins or currants to your Irish scone recipe for extra flavor.

What is the best way to serve Irish scones?

Irish scones are best served warm, often with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a delightful treat.

How do I store leftover Irish scones for freshness?

To store leftover Irish scones, freeze them after cutting but before baking, or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered this Irish scone recipe, you can enjoy their light, flaky goodness any time. Pair them with your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For more delicious recipes, visit our Pinterest page for inspiration and explore the rich flavors of Ireland in your kitchen!

“`