THE PERFECT IRISH SODA BREAD SCONES RECIPE FOR BRUNCH
The Perfect Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe for Brunch.
Looking for a simple and delicious brunch recipe? Try making Irish soda bread scones!
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these fluffy and delicious Irish soda scones in no time.
This is the perfect recipe for brunch or any time of the day as it is both simple, quick and super yummy!
Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and get the full recipe here and check the FAQs section at the end of the post.
Enjoy!
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Brunch is the perfect time to relax and enjoy some delicious food with friends and family. And what better way to start the day than with a freshly baked batch of Irish soda bread scones? These scones are easy to make and can be customised with your favourite toppings. For example, you could add golden raisins, chocolate chips, caraway seeds, etc.
In this post, I’ll share my favourite Irish soda bread scones recipe. Moreover, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions about this beloved treat.
WHAT MAKES IRISH SODA BREAD SCONES SPECIAL?
When it comes to baked goods, there are few things more satisfying than a freshly baked scone. And if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make, Irish soda bread scones are the perfect choice.
So what makes Irish soda bread scones so special? For starters, they’re made with baking soda instead of yeast, which means they don’t require any rising time. This makes them a great choice for busy mornings or last-minute brunches. They’re also made with simple ingredients, pantry-staples like flour, sugar, butter, and buttermilk, which means you can whip them up anytime you’re in the mood for a delicious treat of fresh scones.
THE PERFECT IRISH SODA BREAD SCONES RECIPE FOR BRUNCH
Here is the recipe I follow all the time.
The original recipe is not mine at all. Indeed, this is a Martha Stewart creation that you can find on this article.
However, I’ll show you my version of the original recipe.
If you’re new to baking scones, don’t worry – this recipe is easy to follow, and you don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills.
To get started, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lastly, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
The whole thing will take about 40-45 minutes in total and will yield about 8 scones….but be prepared to be willing to make a second batch of these flavorful irish soda bread scones!
irish soda bread scones ingredients
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour;
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda;
- ¼ cup granulated sugar;
- 2 teaspoons baking powder;
- A pinch of salt (sea salt, kosher salt, table salt, etc.);
- 1 stick cold butter, cubed (use unsalted butter if possible);
- Half cup dried currants or raisins (optional);
- 1 cup cold buttermilk;
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar;
- 2 tablespoons whole milk;
- ¼ teaspoon grated orange zest.
irish soda bread scones instructions
In a large mixing bowl, mix together white flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar and salt.
Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients mix, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the buttermilk, and currants or raisins (if using) until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together into a smooth ball.
Flatten the dough into a disk about 1 inch thick, and use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut out the scones.
Place the unbaked scones onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk (or an egg wash). You can use a pastry brush for this part.
While the scones are baking, in a medium bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar, milk and orange zest. Sprinkle this mix on top of the scones, as soon as they are out of the oven and are still hot.
How can I tell if the scones are done baking? How do you know when a scone is done?
Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes. The scones should be golden brown on the outside and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. They should also be slightly firm to the touch.
Leave the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
How should I serve Irish soda bread scones?
When it comes to serving your Irish soda bread scones, there are a few different options. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with some butter, your favorite jam, heavy cream, or honey for a sweet and indulgent treat. They’re also great with savory toppings like cream cheese and smoked salmon, pesto, thick slabs of irish cheddar, chutney, or with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
Tips & Tricks
- The secret to have super high and well risen scones is to use 1/2 a tsp of baking powder, and to use self-raising flour!
- The scones dough should be wet and sticky in order to produce the lightest, fluffiest texture once baked.
- When you are cutting the scones, use a sharp knife or a cookie cutter. The secret is to simply cut through the fresh dough but never to twist and turn the cutter!
THE PERFECT IRISH SODA BREAD SCONES RECIPE FOR BRUNCH: FAQs
If you’re interested in making my version of the perfect Irish soda bread scones recipe for brunch, you may have a few questions.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about baking Irish soda bread scones.
MORE SODA BREAD RECIPES…..
What is the difference between Irish soda bread and Irish soda bread scones?
Irish soda bread is a type of quick bread that is made with baking soda instead of yeast. It is typically shaped into a round loaf and has a dense texture. Irish soda bread scones are a variation on this traditional soda bread recipe. They are made with the same ingredients, but are shaped into smaller, individual scones. They are also often sweeter than traditional Irish soda bread.
You can get the FREE RECIPE for my favorite irish soda bread here!
Can I use both plain and self-raising flour? Which flour is best for scones?
This is an easy question to answer as both flour types will work very well.
From my personal experience, if you are using plain, all purpose flour, for best results, you will need to add both the baking powder and the baking soda.
On the contrary, if you are using self-raising flour, just add the baking soda.
For this very simple recipe, you could experiment with whole wheat pastry flour, white whole wheat flour, etc.
What is the secret to making scones rise? How do you make scones rise higher?
I know, I just told you to omit the baking powder if using self-raising flour!
But, the secret to have super high and well risen scones is to use 1/2 a tsp of baking powder, and to use self-raising flour!
I always add extra baking powder when making scones, whether traditional scones, or soda bread ones!
Why do you add bicarbonate of soda to scones?
According to this article by BBC Good Food:”Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is an alkali which is used to raise soda breads and full-flavoured cakes such as gingerbread, fruit cake, chocolate cake and carrot cake. It needs an acid (as well as moisture) to activate it so is often combined with cream of tartar, yogurt, buttermilk or milk. Bicarbonate of soda gives off carbon dioxide, which expands in a mixture. Once the mixture is cooked, the carbon dioxide is replaced by air, leaving a light cake or bread.”.
What happens if you put too much baking soda in scones?
According to the same article as above, “As with all raising agents, use the amount specified in the recipe. Adding extra bicarbonate of soda can result in a peaked or collapsed cake, a strong unpleasant flavour and a greenish tinge”.
Better stick to the amounts given in the recipe!
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute regular milk for buttermilk, but the scones may not be as tender and flavoursome. In fact, acidic buttermilk is an important ingredient in Irish soda bread scones because it reacts with the baking soda to help the scones rise.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily and quickly make your own. There’s no need to buy buttermilk powder!
All you need is whole milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
Just follow the directions in my post here!
Should scone dough be wet or dry? Why are my scones heavy and dense?
If you are wondering “why aren’t my scones light and fluffy?”, I’ll leave the answer to this question to the experts!
According to this article, “The texture of scone dough should be quite wet and sticky as this loose texture really helps to produce the lightest, fluffiest texture once baked. The drier your dough is, the less ability the dough has to rise in the oven and the denser your scones will be. If you’re finding the scone dough is too wet to handle, pop it in the fridge to chill for about 30 to 60 minutes. Make sure you’re using a lightly floured work surface and dust the top of the dough lightly with flour. Also, try to handle it as little as possible to prevent it sticking! Do not try to mix more flour into the dough as you’ll throw off the ratios of ingredients in the recipe resulting in dry, dense scones.”.
Can I make Irish soda bread scones without raisins?
Now that you have the basics of making Irish soda bread scones down, it’s time to get creative with your recipe. One fun way to mix things up is to add different mix-ins to the dough. Try adding dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
For an indulgent and guilty treat, you should definitively try to add Irish whiskey-soaked raisins. But that is for adults only of course!
You can also experiment with different glazes or toppings: try sprinkling them with brown sugar or cinnamon for example!
Why do my scones crack on top?
If you want a pro tip, here it is!
When you are cutting the scones, use a sharp knife or a cookie cutter. The secret is to simply cut through the fresh dough but never to twist and turn the cutter!
Can I make Irish soda bread scones ahead of time?
Some food bloggers suggest that it is ok to make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake the scones.
However, I strongly disagree with that.
This is because the baking soda and baking powder will immediately start to react when in contact with the buttermilk….that’s what they are supposed to do after all!
If you store the uncooked dough in the fridge, you might end up with poorly risen, hard and chewy scones.
Should you let scones rest before baking?
Just as I mentioned above, for best results, always bake the scones as soon as you prepare the dough.
Can you freeze these Irish soda bread scones?
Yes, these scones freeze well. To freeze, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or heat them up in the oven for a few minutes. Alternatively, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
THE PERFECT IRISH SODA BREAD SCONES RECIPE FOR BRUNCH: Conclusions
Irish soda bread scones are a delicious and easy brunch recipe that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make fluffy and flavorful scones that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded up with mix-ins, these scones are sure to become a new brunch favorite. So next time you’re planning a brunch, give this classic Irish soda bread scones recipe a try and see how easy and tasty they are.
If you have any more questions about this traditional recipe, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to hear from you!
Happy baking!
Till next time, Dee.
Hi, I’m Dee!
Mom of three; printables creator, natural solutions, simple living and homemade food enthusiast; “Outlander” fanatic.
When I’m not busy writing and designing, you can always find me covered in a cloud of flour in the kitchen, playing and crafting with my children, or making up some blends with my Essential Oils. Also I’m practically obsessed with Crystals and reading during my spare time.
Come along on our crazy journey as a family living in the countryside of Ireland!
