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Traditional Irish Scones Recipe

4 from 49 reviews

This Traditional Irish Scone Recipe produces tender, golden-brown scones with a delicate crumb and slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea, these scones combine classic ingredients like cold butter, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar, baked to perfection for a delightful homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Generous pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • sticks salted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (cold)
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sugar and stir to combine evenly.
  2. Incorporate Butter: Using your hands, rub the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This helps create the tender texture typical of scones.
  3. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg into the cold buttermilk until well combined.
  4. Form the Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk and egg mixture gradually. Mix gently until a soft dough forms that holds together but is not overly sticky.
  5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times just to smooth out cracks. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky to handle.
  6. Shape and Cut Scones: Roll the dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Using a floured cutter or glass, cut the dough into rounds to yield about 6 to 8 scones.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Place the scones onto a floured or buttered baking sheet, or alternatively use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  8. Apply Wash: Brush the tops of each scone with milk or an egg wash (egg beaten with a drop of water) to encourage a golden brown finish during baking.
  9. Bake the Scones: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown.
  10. Serve: Enjoy the scones immediately for best freshness. They can also be warmed the next day or eaten cold as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and buttermilk are cold to achieve a flaky texture.
  • Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking and tough scones.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
  • Brush with milk for a slightly softer crust or egg wash for a shinier, deeper golden crust.
  • For added flavor, consider adding currants, raisins, or a splash of vanilla to the wet mixture.

Keywords: Irish scones, traditional scones, buttery scones, homemade scones, easy scone recipe, breakfast scones, teatime treats