Sweet Homemade Irish Scones Recipe: The Coziest Breakfast Treat

Light and buttery irish scones have been my weekend breakfast obsession lately.

Crisp mornings call for warm, comforting treats straight from the oven.

My grandmother taught me this cherished recipe during childhood visits to her cozy kitchen.

Soft interior crumbles perfectly against a delicate golden-brown exterior that hints at deliciousness.

Baking these simple delights requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Sweet or savory variations make these scones incredibly versatile for any meal.

You’ll want to share these delectable morsels with everyone around the table.

Let’s whip up a batch that promises to become your new favorite morning ritual.

Tips For Perfectly Fluffy Irish Scones

• Keep Butter Ice-Cold: Ensure your butter is straight from the refrigerator to create flaky, tender scones with perfect texture and rich flavor.
• Handle Dough Gently: Mix ingredients minimally and knead lightly to prevent tough scones, maintaining a soft and delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Customize with Variations: Swap raisins for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts to personalize your scones and explore exciting flavor combinations.
• Achieve Golden Perfection: Brush egg wash generously on top to create a beautiful golden-brown surface that looks professionally baked and appetizing.
• Store and Serve Smart: Cool scones completely before storing in an airtight container, and reheat briefly in the oven to restore their fresh-baked warmth and crispness.

How To Store Irish Scones Without Drying Them Out

• Preserve freshly baked scones by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their delightful texture.
• Wrap individual scones in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out quickly.
• For longer storage, freeze the scones for up to one month – simply place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Thaw frozen scones at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their delicious flavor.
• Reheat room temperature or thawed scones in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their warm, just-baked crispness.
• Pro tip: Avoid refrigerating scones, as this can make them tough and lose their delicate, tender crumb.

What To Pair With Irish Scones

• Brew a Perfect Tea Companion: Pair these Irish scones with a steaming cup of traditional Irish breakfast tea, its robust and malty flavor complementing the buttery, slightly sweet scones beautifully.
• Creamy Spread Sensation: Enhance the scones with rich clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam, creating a classic Irish teatime experience that brings out the delicate texture of the pastry.
• Savory Cheese Match: Serve alongside a sharp aged cheddar cheese, which provides a tangy contrast to the sweet raisins and buttery scone, offering a delightful balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
• Fresh Fruit Freshness: Add a side of mixed berries or sliced green apples to cut through the richness of the scones, providing a bright, refreshing element that lightens the overall taste profile.

Flavors To Try In Your Irish Scones

• Citrus Blast: Add orange or lemon zest to the dry ingredients for a bright, tangy flavor that awakens the senses and brings a fresh twist to traditional Irish scones.
• Berry Burst: Replace raisins with fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries, creating a colorful and fruity version that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the classic recipe.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or walnuts into the dough, providing a satisfying textural element and rich, earthy undertones that complement the buttery scone base.
• Chocolate Chip Dream: Fold in dark or milk chocolate chips for a decadent treat that transforms the traditional scone into a more indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack option.

Common Questions About Irish Scones

• What makes Irish scones different from other types of scones?

Irish scones are typically less sweet and more dense compared to English or American versions. They’re made with minimal sugar and often include simple ingredients, focusing on a hearty, traditional texture that pairs perfectly with tea or jam.

• Can I make these scones without raisins?

Absolutely! These scones are versatile. You can skip the raisins entirely or substitute them with other mix-ins like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or nuts depending on your preference. The base recipe works wonderfully with or without additional ingredients.

• How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on the top and bottom of the scones. They should be firm to the touch but not hard. When you tap the bottom of a scone, it should sound slightly hollow, indicating they’re fully baked.

• Why is it important to use cold butter in this recipe?

Cold butter is crucial because it creates small, solid pockets in the dough that melt during baking, producing those signature flaky layers. When you cut the cold butter into the flour, it helps create a tender, light texture in your scones.

Why Irish Scones Are Buttery, Soft, And Easy To Love

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: These Irish scones come together in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute breakfast or snack solution for busy individuals craving something deliciously homemade.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible mix-ins like raisins or currants, allowing home bakers to personalize their scones according to taste preferences or available ingredients.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: With simple steps and basic pantry ingredients, this recipe welcomes novice bakers to experience the joy of creating traditional Irish baked goods without complex techniques or specialized equipment.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These scones work wonderfully for casual family breakfasts, afternoon tea gatherings, or weekend brunch events, appealing to both kids and adults with their tender, buttery texture.

What You Need To Bake Irish Scones At Home

• Flour, Baking Powder: The base for creating a light and fluffy scone texture. All-purpose flour works best for traditional Irish scones.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the bread-like flavor. Granulated white sugar is standard.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones. A small pinch brings out the other ingredients.

• Milk, Eggs: Provide moisture and help bind the dough together. Whole milk creates the richest taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, flaky texture. Cold butter is crucial for the perfect scone consistency.

• Raisins, Currants: Bring a sweet burst of flavor and traditional Irish touch. Dried fruit can be mixed into the dough for extra texture.

• Egg Wash: Gives the scones a beautiful golden-brown color and slight shine. Made from beaten egg brushed on top before baking.

Step-By-Step Guide To Irish Scones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix these dry ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Take cold butter and cut it into small cubes. Add to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to break down the butter until the mixture looks like rough sand or breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Ingredients

• Whole milk
• Beaten eggs

Create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the liquid mixture into this well. Gently stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 5: Add Sweet Surprises

• Raisins
• Dried currants
• Chopped nuts

Mix these gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Dust a clean surface with flour. Transfer the dough and knead softly for about 1-2 minutes. Pat the dough into a circular shape approximately 1-inch thick.

Step 7: Create Perfect Scones

Use a round biscuit cutter to shape your scones. Press firmly and lift straight up to create clean edges. Place each scone on the prepared baking sheet. Collect remaining dough scraps, reshape, and cut additional scones.

Step 8: Final Touch and Baking

Brush the tops of the scones with an egg wash to create a beautiful golden crust. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the scones turn a gorgeous golden brown color.

Serve warm with clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam. Enjoy your homemade Irish scones!

Irish Scones Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm Irish scones bring comfort straight from Ireland’s hearty kitchens. Rich butter and delicate crumb invite you to savor pure traditional breakfast magic with each tender, golden bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cold whole milk (or buttermilk)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup raisins or currants (optional)

Dry Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even cooking surface.
2. Create a foundation for the scones by thoroughly blending flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, establishing a uniform dry mixture.
3. Incorporate cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients, methodically breaking down the butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the texture resembles coarse, sandy granules.
4. Whisk milk and eggs in a separate container, forming a smooth liquid base. Create a central depression in the dry ingredients and carefully pour the wet mixture, gently combining until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
5. If desired, delicately integrate raisins or currants throughout the dough, distributing them evenly to ensure consistent flavor in each scone.
6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured workspace, tenderly kneading for 1-2 minutes to achieve a smooth consistency. Shape the dough into a uniform circular form approximately one inch thick.
7. Utilize a round biscuit cutter to precisely extract individual scones from the dough. Arrange the cut pieces on the prepared baking sheet, reassembling and cutting any remaining dough fragments.
8. Apply an egg wash to the scone surfaces, creating a lustrous, golden-brown exterior. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the scones achieve a rich, warm coloration and a perfectly crisp finish.

Notes

• Chill your butter thoroughly before mixing to ensure flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
• Use cold ingredients like milk and eggs straight from the refrigerator to maintain dough’s optimal consistency and promote better rising.
• Avoid overmixing the dough, which can develop gluten and make scones tough instead of light and crumbly.
• Experiment with flavor variations by substituting raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for different taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3.5 g
• Sodium: 0.1 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg