Raisin Scones Recipe (Authentic Irish Style)
From Chris, The Irish Baker Abroad
This raisin scones recipe is my absolute go-to. It is easy, delicious, quick to make and they look wonderful every single time. With a handful of simple ingredients you can conjure up a batch of these authentic Irish raisin scones for your friends and family in no time at all. If you love traditional Irish baking, you will also enjoy Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread — another classic straight from the Irish kitchen.
Quick Guide: Raisin Scones Recipe at a Glance
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- Baking temperature: 200°C (fan 180°C) / 392°F
- Baking time: 18 minutes
- Dough thickness: 2½–3 cm
- Cutter size: 7 cm round cutter
- Chill time: 30 minutes in the fridge before baking
- Key tip: Grate cold butter directly into the flour for the fluffiest result
Chris’s Raisin Scones Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial / Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Flour | 500g | 4 cups |
| Baking Powder | 30g | 3 heaped tsp |
| Salt | Pinch | Pinch |
| Sugar | 80g | 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp |
| Butter (cold) | 100g | 1 stick |
| Eggs | 2 large | 2 large |
| Buttermilk | 200ml | ¾ cup |
| Raisins | 150g | 1 cup |
Method
Sieve the flour and baking powder together in a large bowl. Grate the cold butter directly into the bowl and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the salt, sugar and raisins and mix through with your hand or a fork.
Beat the eggs and add them to the buttermilk, giving it a good stir. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and combine with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Turn it out onto a well-floured surface and shape it gently — do not overwork it.
Roll the dough to a thickness of about 2½–3 cm and cut out rounds using a 7 cm cutter. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush the tops with egg wash, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
Bake at 200°C / 392°F (fan 180°C / 356°F) for 18 minutes, until golden brown and well risen.
Baking powder already contains an acid, unlike bicarbonate of soda, so you can use either regular milk or buttermilk. Chris finds that buttermilk makes them softer and fluffier. For a quick buttermilk substitute, add 1.5 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to 200ml of regular milk, stir, and leave to stand for about 10 minutes before using.
You can also watch the full video tutorial on the Irish Baker Abroad Facebook page and on the YouTube channel. Remember to follow and subscribe whilst you are there!
How to Store Raisin Scones
Once your raisin scones have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within one to two days of baking, when they are at their softest and most flavourful. If they begin to feel a little dry the next day, simply warm them in the oven at 160°C for five minutes and they will taste freshly baked again. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can actually draw moisture out and make them go stale more quickly.
Key takeaway: An airtight container at room temperature is the best way to keep your scones fresh. Reheat briefly in the oven rather than the microwave for the best texture.
Can You Freeze Irish Scones?
Yes, absolutely. Irish scones freeze beautifully, making them ideal for batch baking. Allow the scones to cool completely after baking, then wrap each one individually in cling film before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours and then warm in the oven at 160°C for five to ten minutes.
Why Are My Scones Hard?
If your scones turn out hard, it is usually due to overworking the dough or baking at too high a temperature. Be gentle when mixing and shaping the dough, and avoid pressing it too firmly. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and do not overbake. Using cold butter and chilling the dough before baking helps create a light, fluffy texture.
For more traditional Irish baking inspiration, why not try Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread or explore the classic Irish Soda Scones recipe. If you love hearty Irish dishes, you might also enjoy a traditional Irish stew recipe or a warming Guinness Shepherd’s Pie.
Discover more about food and drink in Ireland to bring authentic Irish flavours into your home kitchen.
Experience Authentic Irish Food in Person
Learn to bake authentic Irish scones and bread in a local home in Galway. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
Book: Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread class in Galway
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Evelyn
Saturday 24th of February 2024
Can I have the recipe
cecily
Wednesday 29th of November 2023
So my scones come out great while warm but the next morning are always sort of stiff and warming them doesn't help. Should I or can I get them to be good the next day??