Irish Soda Bread Scones

These Irish Soda Bread Scones are a fun twist on the traditional Irish Soda Bread. These scones have the most incredible crispy edges with a soft, moist, flaky interior. Buttermilk and cold butter are the secret to making these scones irresistible! Pair these scones with my homemade blackberry jam, or enjoy as is. Either way, I guarantee, they won’t last long!

Every year around St. Patrick’s Day, I see stores loaded with loaves of Irish Soda Bread. Irish Soda Bread is unique in that it is a quick bread that gets its leavening from buttermilk and baking soda, rather than yeast. It’s fast and easy to make. The result is a dense, crumbly texture with a slight tang from the buttermilk.

I decided to take the classic Irish Soda Bread and turn them into scones. There’s just something about a warm, fresh scone. I love the contrast of textures between the crisp, crumbly edges and moist, flaky centers. These Irish Soda Bread Scones have all the textures you love about scones, with the extra depth of flavor from the buttermilk and dried fruit mixed in.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread uses raisins, currants or dried cranberries. I used raisins, but certainly you can use one of the other options if you prefer. I also added a hint of orange zest to these which really adds the perfect fresh taste to the scones.

Here’s what you will love about these Irish Soda Bread Scones

• Fast and easy to make! These Irish Soda Bread Scones only take only a few minutes to mix together and less than 15 minutes to bake.
• These save well, so you can make them a day or two in advance.
• These scones have crisp, crumbly edges with flaky, moist centers. They stay moist for days!

Here’s how to make these Irish Soda Bread Scones

mix the dough

Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl (this includes the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar). Whisk to combine.

Add the cold butter, cut into small pieces, to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, or fork, cut the butter into the dry mixture until pea sized morsels remain. Alternatively, you can add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until the butter is in pea size morsels.

Next, add in the remaining ingredients (the buttermilk, vanilla extract, raisins and orange zest). If you desire to use a different dried fruit, such as currants or cranberries, feel fee to do so. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the dough together until combined. You can use your hands if needed to combine the dough together. The dough will be crumbly.

divide the dough

Scoop the dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet by 6 tablespoon measurements. You should get 6 large mounds of dough.

Brush the top of the dough with buttermilk

Brush the top of the dough with buttermilk. This helps the crust to brown evenly, and helps to contribute to a soft, tender crust.

bake the scones

Bake the scones in a preheated 425F oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops of the scones are lightly golden brown and edges are golden brown.

serve and enjoy

Serve the scones warm, plain, with butter, or with your favorite jam. I paired mine with my homemade blackberry jam.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

You can freeze these scones in a freezer safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months. The day before you plan to eat them, allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Heat before serving in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in a 300F oven for 10 minutes.

Here are a few of my favorite breakfast/brunch recipes

• English Muffin Bread recipe
• Pistachio Muffins
• Soft Banana Pecan Muffins
• Croissant Focaccia (Easy!)
• Gooey, Soft Cinnamon Rolls (Easy, One Rise)

I love pairing these scones with one of my homemade jams

• Homemade Strawberry Jam
• Easy Orange Marmalade
• Easy Blueberry Jam
• Homemade Blackberry Jam

Let me know what you thought!

If you make these Irish Soda Bread Scones, let me know what you thought in the ratings and comments below. I absolutely love reading all of your comments! Also, make sure to snap a picture and tag me @simplebakingwithpep on instagram. It truly makes my day to see all of your wonderful creations!

social

Make sure you follow me on facebook, youtube, or instagram to stay up to date on all of my latest baking creations and some fun behind the scenes

Print