There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked Traditional Irish Scones wafting through your kitchen. These golden, flaky delights are a perfect balance of buttery richness and tender crumb, with a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with jam or clotted cream. Ready in just 55 minutes, they’re an effortless way to bring a touch of Irish charm to your table.
Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures—crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy within. The subtle tang of buttermilk enhances their flavor, making them irresistible whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Whether for breakfast, tea, or a cozy snack, these scones are a timeless treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients for Traditional Irish Scones
- 3 ½ cups (16oz/497g) all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder (leveled)
- 1 generous pinch of salt
- ¼ cup (2 oz/60g) sugar
- ¼ cup (2 ½ oz/71g) cold, cubed, salted butter (keep it cold for best results)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup (2fl oz/57ml) double cream (or substitute with additional milk if unavailable)
- ¾ cup (6fl oz/170ml) whole milk (plus extra for glazing)
- Optional: Dried fruit (e.g., raisins, berries), citrus rind, or chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add butter: Rub the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Optional add-ins: If using dried fruit, citrus rind, or chocolate chips, mix them in now.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the milk and cream. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Form the dough: Use an open hand to mix the dough loosely until it comes together. The bowl should be clean from any dough residue.
- Knead lightly: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently to create a smooth surface.
- Shape the dough: Pat the dough down with your hand until it’s about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the scones: Use a scone cutter to cut out 12 scones.
- Prepare for baking: Place the scones on a baking tray and glaze the tops with a little milk for a golden finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with Irish butter, jam, and freshly whipped cream. Best eaten the same day, but can be refreshed in the oven the next day.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Traditional Irish scones are a blank canvas for delicious toppings. Spread them with Irish butter and your favorite jam—raspberry or strawberry are classic choices. For a truly indulgent treat, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream to create a homemade version of a cream tea. Feeling adventurous? Try a drizzle of honey, a smear of lemon curd, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Scones are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To revive them, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze the baked scones in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months and reheat straight from frozen.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up your scones by adding dried fruit like raisins, currants, or cranberries for a fruity twist. For a savory option, omit the sugar and mix in grated cheese and herbs like chives or thyme. Chocolate lovers can fold in dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat. Experiment with different flavors to make this recipe your own!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To streamline the process, measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting. Use a food processor to quickly cut the butter into the flour mixture, saving time and effort. If you’re short on time, skip the scone cutter and simply shape the dough into a circle, then cut it into wedges before baking.
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Scones
A scone cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) is ideal for shaping your scones, but a round cookie cutter or even a glass will work in a pinch. Use a pastry brush to evenly glaze the tops with milk for that golden finish. A sturdy baking tray lined with parchment paper ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Traditional Irish Scones
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 5 teaspoon baking powder leveled
- 1 pinch salt generous
- ¼ cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cold, cubed, salted butter generous 1/4 cup, cold
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup double cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- milk to glaze
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients together
- Rub in the cold butter with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- If adding dried fruit eg. Raisins, berries, citrus rind, chocolate chips add them now before you add liquid
- Mix your egg with the milk and cream and pour into your flour mix (if you don’t have cream you can use only milk)
- With an open hand mix loosely your scone mix until your dough forms. The bowl should be clean from the dough
- Turn your dough onto a floured work surface
- Knead lightly to give your dough a smooth surface
- Pat your dough down with your hand until around 1 inches thick
- With a scone cutter cut out your lovely little scones. You will have around 12
- Put on a baking tray, glaze the tops of your scones with some milk to give them a golden top when baked
- Bake at 350oF (18OoC) for 35 minutes.
- Enjoy with Irish butter, jam and freshly whipped cream. Scones are best eaten the day they are baked but the next day you can pop them back in the oven to freshen them up again.
