Delicious Irish Soda Bread Scones with Walnuts and Raisins
Indulge in the charming flavors of Ireland with these delightful Irish Soda Bread Scones. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these scones are a wonderful combination of all-purpose flour, warm spices, and the rich taste of walnuts and raisins. Ideal for breakfast, tea time, or as a sweet treat, these scones are sure to impress your friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you'll have a flavorful batch ready in no time. Share these warm, buttery scones straight from your oven, and savor the taste of homemade goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
Light brown sugar
3 tablespoons (firmly packed)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
Caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Unsalted butter
1/3 cup (chilled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Buttermilk
1/2 cup
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup
Raisins
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
Golden raisins
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
Egg yolk
1 (mixed with 1/2 teaspoon water for glaze)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a 10-inch diameter circle in the center of a baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, caraway seeds, and salt until well combined.
3
Cut the cold unsalted butter into 1/2-inch cubes. Add the butter to the flour mixture, and using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully blended. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
5
The dough will be sticky; lightly flour your hands and knead in the chopped walnuts, raisins, and golden raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and use your hands to pat it into a 9-inch diameter circle, ensuring an even thickness.
7
Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the top and sides of the dough with the egg yolk mixture to achieve a beautiful golden glaze while baking.
8
With a serrated knife, carefully cut the circle into 8 wedges, ensuring not to cut all the way through the dough.
9
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the scones are lightly golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Irish Soda Bread Scones?
Irish Soda Bread Scones are a delicious hybrid of traditional soda bread and scones, featuring caraway seeds, walnuts, and raisins for a rich, textured treat.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the scones.
How long do the scones need to bake?
The scones typically take 20-25 minutes to bake until they are lightly golden.
What ingredients are needed for the dough?
The dough consists of all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, caraway seeds, salt, unsalted butter, buttermilk, and one egg.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The unsalted butter should be chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes for the best texture.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Lightly butter a 10-inch diameter circle in the center of your baking sheet to prevent sticking.
What should I do if the dough is sticky?
The dough is naturally sticky; you should lightly flour your hands before kneading in the nuts and raisins.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts.
Can I use different types of raisins?
Yes, this recipe uses a combination of 1/4 cup regular raisins and 1/4 cup golden raisins, both coarsely chopped.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk glaze?
The egg yolk glaze, mixed with a little water, provides a beautiful golden-brown color to the top and sides of the scones.
How many scones does this recipe make?
The recipe makes one large 9-inch round that is cut into 8 individual wedges.
How do I shape the scone dough?
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet and pat it into a 9-inch diameter circle with even thickness.
Do I cut the scones before or after baking?
You use a serrated knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges before baking, but do not cut all the way through.
What provides the leavening in these scones?
The scones use a combination of baking powder and baking soda, which reacts with the buttermilk to rise.
How do I incorporate the butter into the flour?
Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Are caraway seeds necessary?
Caraway seeds provide the traditional Irish soda bread flavor, but they can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
How do I know when the scones are finished baking?
They are done when they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I substitute the light brown sugar?
Light brown sugar adds moisture and depth, but granulated white sugar can be used if brown sugar is unavailable.
What is the texture of these scones?
These scones are designed to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but it is recommended to reduce the extra salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
What equipment do I need to mix the dough?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a pastry blender (or your fingers), and a small bowl for the liquids.
Why should I coarsely chop the raisins?
Chopping the raisins ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough and prevents large clumps of fruit.
Can I make these without buttermilk?
If you do not have buttermilk, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup of milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
What is the best way to serve these scones?
They are best served warm, straight from the oven, perhaps with a bit of butter or jam.
Do I need a scone pan?
No, a standard baking sheet is sufficient as you shape the dough into a circle by hand.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or other nuts can be substituted for walnuts depending on your preference.
Is it okay to over-mix the dough?
No, you should stir the liquid and dry ingredients until just combined to keep the scones tender.
Why use a serrated knife for scoring?
A serrated knife easily cuts through the sticky dough and the pieces of nuts and raisins without tearing.
What makes these scones 'Irish'?
The combination of buttermilk, baking soda, and caraway seeds mirrors the traditional ingredients used in Irish Soda Bread.