Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste: Enjoy a classic Irish treat made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, these scones come together quickly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain, with butter, jam, or honey for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold salted butter, cubed
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for brushing)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and egg until well combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender scones.
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Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then pat it into a 1-inch thick round.
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Cut the Scones: Using a round cutter, cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather any remaining dough, reshape, and cut out additional scones.
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Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the scones with the reserved milk or cream. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are puffed and golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 scones.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes.
- Total Time: 35 minutes.
Variations
- Add-ins: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or currants into the dough for added flavor.
- Flavored Scones: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a subtle flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat scones in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If you do, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients to balance the flavors.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the scones, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. Using whole wheat flour may result in denser scones.
How do I prevent the scones from becoming too hard?
To ensure tender scones, avoid overmixing the dough and handle it gently. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones.
Can I add chocolate chips to the scones?
Yes, adding chocolate chips is a delightful variation. Fold in about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping.
Conclusion
These Irish scones offer a taste of traditional Irish baking with their buttery, flaky texture and subtle sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a delightful snack, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served plain or with butter, jam, or cream, these scones make any occasion special. Enjoy a delicious homemade treat with these simple, easy-to-make Irish scones.
Irish Scones
These Irish Scones are a delightful, traditional treat with a buttery, flaky texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a snack, they’re easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with butter, jam, or honey. These authentic Irish scones will add a touch of comfort to your day, whether served plain or with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 scones
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold salted butter, cubed
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and egg until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough scones.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then pat it into a 1-inch thick round.
- Cut the Scones: Using a round cutter, cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather any remaining dough, reshape, and cut out additional scones.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the scones with the reserved milk or cream. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add-ins: Add dried fruits like raisins or currants for extra flavor.
- Flavored Scones: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a flavor twist.
- Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To restore freshness, reheat scones in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
