St. Patrick’s Day Irish Soda Bread Scones

Are you looking for a delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? Look no further than these delightful Irish Soda Bread Scones! Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these scones are packed with traditional Irish flavors and are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Plus, they are quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy them in no time. Let’s dive into this recipe and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style!

As a seasoned recipe developer and SEO content creator, I am always on the lookout for trending and seasonal recipes that will resonate with my audience. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to create a recipe that captures the essence of Irish cuisine while putting a unique twist on a classic dish. These Irish Soda Bread Scones are the perfect combination of traditional flavors and modern convenience, making them a must-try for this festive holiday.

Let’s explore the key ingredients and steps to make these delicious scones:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp buttermilk for brushing

Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in the raisins.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Pour the mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.

6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it comes together. Shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.

7. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Brush the tops of the scones with buttermilk.

9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

These Irish Soda Bread Scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a slather of butter or jam. Here are some additional tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly:

• Make sure your butter is cold when adding it to the flour mixture. This will help create a flaky texture in the scones.
• Be gentle when kneading the dough – overworking it can result in tough scones.
• Feel free to customize these scones by adding ingredients like dried cranberries, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Storage & Substitutions

If you have any leftover scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the scones for up to 3 months – just thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven before serving.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the scones may be slightly different.

How can I prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the scones?

To prevent the raisins from sinking, you can toss them in a little flour before adding them to the dough. This will help them stay distributed throughout the scones.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?

Yes, you can easily swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or any other dried fruit of your choice.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

While these scones are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve. Just shape the dough into scones, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I reheat leftover scones?

To reheat leftover scones, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

These St. Patrick’s Day Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday with a touch of Irish charm. With their buttery texture and sweet raisins, these scones are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and share the love of Irish cuisine with your loved ones this St. Patrick’s Day!

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