Ultra-Buttery Irish Scones

These ultra-buttery Irish scones are the epitome of flaky perfection, with layers of delicate pastry that melt in your mouth. The secret lies in the high-quality butter and a careful folding technique that creates a pastry reminiscent of puff pastry crispy on the outside, tender and rich on the inside. Each scone is lightly dusted with demerara sugar and flaky sea salt, creating a beautifully caramelized top with just the right hint of crunch. Perfect for an elegant afternoon tea, a cozy breakfast, or a weekend brunch, these Irish scones are best enjoyed warm with a spread of clotted cream, butter, or jam. The dried currants add just a touch of sweetness, making these scones a versatile delight equally satisfying as a treat on their own or as an accompaniment to your favorite hot drink. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a little baking therapy, these buttery, golden scones are a must-try!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• Demerara or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
• Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until dissolved.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together. Cut 10 tablespoons of butter into ½-inch cubes, then work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it forms pea-sized crumbs with some larger chunks.
4. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until large clumps form. Knead gently until the dough just comes together, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
5. Roll out the dough into a 14×8-inch rectangle. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave until softened but not melted, then spread it over the dough. Sprinkle the currants evenly over the surface and press them in slightly.
6. Fold the bottom third of the dough over the center, then fold the top third down to meet the bottom edge, like folding a letter. Fold in half crosswise, then gently roll into an 8×4-inch rectangle.
7. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then into quarters crosswise, creating 8 squares. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each scone.
8. Sprinkle the tops generously with demerara sugar and lightly with flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
11. Once the scones are done baking, brush the tops lightly with the melted butter. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per scone | Servings: 8 scones

What Makes Irish Scones Special?

Irish scones differ slightly from their English and American counterparts. While English scones tend to be slightly drier and served with clotted cream and jam, and American scones are often sweeter with a crumbly texture, Irish scones are all about the butter. They’re not overly sweet, allowing the richness of the butter to shine through.

In Ireland, these scones are a staple in many households, often served for breakfast or a mid-day treat. Unlike biscuits, which rely on a heavy dose of baking powder for their rise, scones benefit from careful layering techniques that create a distinct flakiness. The result? A pastry that is crisp and golden on the outside while remaining light and airy on the inside.

The Secret to Ultra-Flaky, Buttery Scones

The key to achieving the flakiest and most buttery scones lies in the method. Unlike traditional scone recipes that simply cut butter into flour, this recipe uses a technique borrowed from puff pastry spreading softened butter over rolled-out dough and folding it multiple times. This layering process traps air pockets and distributes the butter evenly, creating a delicate, multi-layered texture that is simply irresistible.

Another critical factor is the quality of the butter. Irish butter, such as Kerrygold, has a higher fat content compared to standard butter, which results in a richer flavor and better texture. If you can, always opt for high-fat, high-quality butter to achieve the best results.

Why You’ll Love These Scones

There are countless reasons why these scones are worth making, but here are some of the biggest highlights:

• Rich and Buttery Flavor: The butter takes center stage, giving these scones a deep, creamy taste that is hard to resist.
• Flaky, Tender Texture: Thanks to the unique layering technique, these scones are incredibly light yet satisfying.
• Easy to Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you add currants, raisins, chocolate chips, or keep them plain, these scones can be tailored to suit any preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting an elegant afternoon tea, looking for a cozy breakfast option, or simply craving a homemade treat, these scones fit the bill.

Tips for the Best Homemade Scones

Baking perfect scones takes a bit of finesse, but with these tips, you’ll get them just right every time:

1. Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter, cold milk, and even cold hands will help create that signature flaky texture. If your kitchen is warm, chill the flour mixture for a few minutes before adding the butter.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Over-kneading leads to dense scones. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined and handle the dough as little as possible.
3. Use High-Quality Butter: The higher fat content in Irish butter makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture.
4. Bake at the Right Temperature: A hot oven (375°F or higher) ensures that the scones rise properly and develop a golden, crispy crust.
5. Sprinkle with Sugar and Salt: A final dusting of demerara sugar and flaky sea salt before baking adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor balance.
6. Serve Warm: These scones are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, with a spread of jam, clotted cream, or additional butter.

Serving Suggestions

While these ultra-buttery Irish scones are absolutely delicious on their own, they can be elevated even further with the right pairings:

• Traditional Irish Style: Serve warm with clotted cream and homemade jam for an authentic tea-time experience.
• Honey and Butter: Drizzle with honey and spread with even more Irish butter for a naturally sweet touch.
• Savory Twist: Pair with aged cheddar and chive butter for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Classic Breakfast: Enjoy alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a hot cup of coffee.
• Holiday Treat: Serve with spiced apple butter or cinnamon-infused whipped cream for a festive touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe is its convenience. You can prepare the scones ahead of time and store them for later use:

• Unbaked Dough: You can cut and shape the scone dough and freeze it for up to 2 days before baking. Simply place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Scones: Once baked, these scones can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 6 hours. If storing longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Long-Term Freezing: Fully baked scones can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are hundreds of scone recipes out there, but this Ultra-Buttery Irish Scones recipe stands apart because of its combination of simplicity and sophistication. It uses minimal ingredients while applying professional baking techniques to achieve bakery-quality results at home.

Plus, the ability to customize the flavors makes it even more appealing. Whether you prefer classic currants, sweet chocolate chips, or a savory twist with cheese and herbs, this base recipe can be adapted to suit your cravings.

Conclusion:

Baking scones from scratch is a deeply satisfying and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the warm, buttery goodness fresh out of the oven, but you also get the joy of sharing them with family and friends.

This Ultra-Buttery Irish Scones recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking, enjoys traditional Irish flavors, or simply appreciates the comfort of a well-made scone. Whether for a special gathering or a simple weekend breakfast, these scones bring a touch of elegance and indulgence to any occasion.