Traditional Irish Scones Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Add the cold diced butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the wet ingredients into it. If you are using raisins or currants, add them at this point.

6. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be just combined.

7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out scones from the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

8. Gather any remaining dough scraps, gently pat them together, and cut out more scones until all the dough is used.

9. Brush the tops of the scones with a little buttermilk for a golden finish.

10. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are light golden brown on top.

11. Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of clotted cream, jam, or butter.