• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizers
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Desserts
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
      • Drinks/Cocktails
      • Sauces & Dressings
    • Method
      • Crockpot
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Air Fryer
      • Casseroles
    • Season
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
      • Italian
      • Mexican
      • European
      • Indian
      • Romanian
      • Mediterranean
      • Middle Eastern
      • American
    • Ingredient
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Beef
      • Seafood
      • Lamb
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Spices
    • Holiday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Thanksgiving
      • Game Day
      • Valentine's Day
      • St. Patrick's Day
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother's Day
      • Memorial Day
      • Father's Day
      • 4th Of July
      • Labor Day
      • Halloween
    • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
    • The Big Book of Jo’s Quick and Easy Meals
    • 30-Minute One-Pot Meals
  • Shop
  • About Jo
FREE recipe eBook!
Search...
All Recipes
Instant Pot
30 Minute
One Pot Meals
Soups
Dips & Dressings
Baking
Pasta
Sandwiches
Sides
Breakfast Vegetarian Breads Scones/Biscuits
4.8 from 16 votes

Irish Scones

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •3/17/23 Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for irish scones.

Delicious traditional Irish Scones, incredibly flaky and buttery, perfect for breakfast or brunch any time of the year. Serve them with some butter, your favorite jam and cream for an irresistible treat to enjoy with your morning cup of coffee or tea!

an irish scone cut in half with butter, raspberry jam and whipped cream.
Table of Contents Open
  • The Best Irish Scones
  • Irish Scones Highlights
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Irish Scones
  • What Are Irish Scones?
  • Expert Tips
  • Make-Ahead Scones
  • Leftover Irish Scones
  • More Great Recipes To Try
    • Lemon Blueberry Scones
    • Apple Cinnamon Scones
    • Irish Mule
    • Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
  • Irish Scones
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

The Best Irish Scones

Scones are one of my favorite treats to have for breakfast with my cup of coffee because they’re so good! You can even have these with an Irish coffee! While you can pay an exorbitant amount of money for them at your local coffee shop, they’re much more affordable to make at home, plus you can enjoy them for days to come!

These Irish Scones are pretty similar to any other scone recipe you might try in the sense that they have the same simple combination of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter and cream. The difference with these scones is that usually dried currants or raisins are added and are then served with a pat of butter, some jam and finally topped with a dollop of clotted cream.

freshly baked irish scones cooling off on a cooling rack.

Irish Scones Highlights

  • Perfect For Breakfast Or Brunch. Serve these with butter, jam and a dollop of clotted cream for the perfect bite! They go great with a good cup of coffee or tea!
  • Versatile. You can add whatever you wish to them. Try raisins, chocolate chips, berries, or plain! Cut them into squares, triangles or rounds!
  • Seriously Easy To Make. Which is why it beats the store bought kind because not only do they require ingredients that you already have in your pantry but are ready in just a matter of minutes!
  • Make-ahead And Freezer Friendly. You can freeze them before or after baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make irish scones.
  • Flour – I used all-purpose flour, but whole wheat flour can be used as well for a healthier scone.
  • Sugar – You only need a bit of sugar for a touch of sweetness. These scones are not overly sweet. However, if you like a sweeter scone, feel free to add a bit more sugar to your liking.
  • Baking Powder – You’ll want a generous amount of baking powder in these scones for that nice height and lift.
  • Salt – You don’t want to skip the salt in these scones, it’s what gives them all that great flavor!
  • Butter – We need cold butter, cut into cubes, to make our scones super flaky and buttery. To make sure your butter is nice and cold, you can place it in the freezer for about half hour before using it.
  • Eggs And Heavy Cream – We need lots of eggs and some heavy cream as the wet ingredients. These will provide lots of richness and the right texture. A great substitute for the heavy cream is buttermilk.
  • Dried Currants – If you don’t have dried currants, you can use raisins, craisins, chocolate chips, blueberries, etc.

How To Make Irish Scones

process shots showing how to make the dough for irish scones.
  1. Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and mix until combined.
  3. Blend in the butter and dried currants. Add the cubed butter and using a pastry cutter blend until it resembles breadcrumbs. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use two knives. Mix in the dried currants or raisins, if adding.
  4. Combine the eggs with cream. Whisk together the eggs with the heavy cream in a large measuring cup.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Slowly pour the liquid into the bowl with the dry ingredients and using a spatula start mixing the dough together. Don’t over-mix, add just enough liquid until the dough starts forming. Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface.
process shots showing how to knead and cut the dough for irish scones.
  1. Knead the dough. Knead the dough lightly then press it down into a smooth surface, using your hands or use a rolling pin, until it’s about 1 inch in thickness.
  2. Cut into scones. Using a round 3-inch scone or biscuit cutter, cut the dough into 12 to 16 scones. I was able to get 16 scones from the dough. Place scones onto a baking sheet. Re-roll any leftover dough and cut into scones. Brush the scones with beaten egg.
  3. Bake. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 30 – 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool scones on a cooling rack.
  4. Serve. Serve with butter, jam and clotted cream.
before and after baking pictures of irish scones on a baking sheet.

What Are Irish Scones?

Irish scones are pretty similar to English scones in the sense that the use the same ingredients, flour, butter, sugar, salt, baking powder and some sort of cream. The difference is that they are not as sweet and typically dried currants or raisins are added to them. They’re also usually served with butter, jam and clotted cream.

Expert Tips

  1. Cold Butter Is Key. Cold butter is your secret to super flaky scones. Freeze your butter before using for about 30 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.
  2. No Pastry Cutter? No Problem! Use a box grater to grate the butter right into your flour mixture, then just mix everything together.
  3. Do Not Over-mix The Dough. I know I always say this, but this is really important because too much kneading/stirring will toughen your scones.
  4. Don’t Add Too Much Liquid. Add just enough cream/egg mixture until the dough sticks together, otherwise your scones could come out tough.
  5. If adding frozen fruits or berries, add them at the last minute, right before cutting the scones to prevent its juices from melting.
an irish scone cut in half with butter, raspberry jam and whipped cream on a white plate.

Make-Ahead Scones

These scones are great for making ahead. Here’s how to freeze them unbaked:

  1. Place the cut scones on a baking sheet and place the baking sheet directly in the freezer, unwrapped, for a few hours until the scones are frozen solid.
  2. One frozen solid, place the scones in a freezer bag, squeezing out all the air from the bag. Transfer the bag to the freezer and freeze for 3 to 4 weeks.
  3. To bake scones, you don’t want to thaw them out. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the frozen scones on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Leftover Irish Scones

Place your scones in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. They will last 1 to 2 days at room temperature.

an irish scone cut in half with butter, raspberry jam and whipped cream.

More Great Recipes To Try

lemon blueberries scones scattered on a table with some blueberries in between.
40 mins

Lemon Blueberry Scones

closeup shot of an apple scone on top of other scones
30 mins

Apple Cinnamon Scones

overhead shot of two irish mule cocktails garnished with mint and lime wedges.
5 mins

Irish Mule

skillet shepherd's pie in a cast iron skillet with a portion taken out.
1 hr 25 mins

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

an irish scone cut in half with butter, raspberry jam and whipped cream.
Print
4.75 from 16 votes

Irish Scones

Prep 20 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 50 minutes
Rate Recipe
Delicious traditional Irish Scones, incredibly flaky and buttery, perfect for breakfast or brunch any time of the year. Serve them with some butter, your favorite jam and cream for an irresistible treat to enjoy with your morning cup of coffee or tea!
16

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ cup cold butter (unsalted, cut into cubes)
  • ¾ cup dried currants (or raisins)
  • 4 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg (beat for egg wash)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and mix until combined.
  • Blend in the butter and dried currants. Add the cubed butter and using a pastry cutter blend until it resembles breadcrumbs. If you don't have a pastry cutter, you can use two knives. Mix in the dried currants or raisins, if adding.
  • Combine the eggs with cream. Whisk together the eggs with the heavy cream in a large measuring cup.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Slowly pour the liquid into the bowl with the dry ingredients and using a spatula start mixing the dough together. Don't over-mix, add just enough liquid until the dough starts forming. Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface.
  • Knead the dough. Knead the dough lightly then press it down into a smooth surface, using your hands or use a rolling pin, until it's about 1 inch in thickness.
  • Cut into scones. Using a round 3-inch scone cutter, cut the dough into 12 to 16 scones. I was able to get 16 scones from the dough. Place scones onto a baking sheet. Re-roll any leftover dough and cut into scones. Brush the scones with beaten egg.
  • Bake. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 30 – 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool scones on a cooling rack.
  • Serve. Serve with butter, jam and freshly clotted cream.

Equipment

  • Pastry Cutter

Notes

  1. Cold Butter Is Key. Cold butter is your secret to super flaky scones. Freeze your butter before using for about 30 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.
  2. No Pastry Cutter? No Problem! Use a box grater to grate the butter right into your flour mixture, then just mix everything together. 
  3. Do Not Over-mix The Dough. I know I always say this, but this is really important because too much kneading/stirring will toughen your scones.
  4. Don’t Add Too Much Liquid. Add just enough cream/egg mixture until the dough sticks together, otherwise your scones could come out tough.
  5. If adding frozen fruits or berries, add them at the last minute, right before cutting the scones to prevent its juices from melting.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1sconeCalories: 267kcal (13%)Carbohydrates: 32g (11%)Protein: 6g (12%)Fat: 13g (20%)Saturated Fat: 8g (50%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 92mg (31%)Sodium: 517mg (22%)Potassium: 279mg (8%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 483IU (10%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 96mg (10%)Iron: 2mg (11%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

an irish scone cut in half with butter, raspberry jam and whipped cream.

Did You Make This?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @jocooks or hashtag #jocooks so we can see your creations!

Rate Recipe
Add Your Photo!
  • 188
Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
iPad showing title of ebook 30 recipes from around the world
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

sidebar

Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
Collage of recipe ebooks
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

Pasta Favorites

baked mac and cheese in a black cast iron skillet.
45 mins

Baked Mac And Cheese

freshly made crack chicken penne with a wooden spoon in a skillet.
40 mins

Crack Chicken Penne

chicken pot pie pasta in a white serving bowl with a wooden serving spoon.
50 mins

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

freshly made one pot pasta in a dutch oven.
20 mins

One Pot Pasta

tomato spinach chicken pasta in a white bowl.
30 mins

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

homemade hamburger helper lasagna from scratch in a skillet.
30 mins

One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna

baked feta pasta in a white bowl garnished with fresh basil.
50 mins

Baked Feta Pasta (Tik Tok Pasta)

sideview shot of chicken fajita pasta in a white bowl with a fork inside
45 mins

Chicken Fajita Pasta

side close up shot of swedish meatball pasta in a beige braised garnished with parsley
30 mins

Swedish Meatball Pasta

overhead shot of a bowl of haluski
40 mins

Haluski (Cabbage and Noodles)

A stack of cookbooks
Grab a copy!

My Cookbooks

Order Now: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Dinner Favorites

smothered pork chops in a skillet garnished with parsley.
1 hr 15 mins

Smothered Pork Chops

a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet
30 mins

Salisbury Steak

beef lo mein in a black wok.
30 mins

Beef Lo Mein

side shot of beef and broccoli in a skillet
15 mins

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

skillet shepherd's pie in a cast iron skillet with a portion taken out.
1 hr 25 mins

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

a serving spoon inside a skillet with chicken broccoli rice casserole.
30 mins

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

side view shot of two italian stuffed peppers in a bowl
2 hrs 30 mins

Italian Stuffed Peppers

side view shot of a bowl with a scoop of spaghetti bolognese in it
40 mins

Spaghetti Bolognese

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok
Visit our Other Site: Craving Home Cooked

Explore

Recipes
Cookbooks
About Jo
Contact

Legal

Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
© 2023 Jo Cooks
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
wpDiscuz