Irish Soda Bread Scones with Marmalade Butter: A Warm and Buttery Delight

Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones filling your kitchen—the scent of citrus, warm spices, and buttery goodness. Now, picture spreading a rich, orange marmalade butter over a warm, crumbly scone. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and richness, making these Irish Soda Bread Scones with Marmalade Butter a must-try treat.

Inspired by traditional Irish soda bread, these scones bring together the rustic charm of old-world baking with the buttery tenderness of classic scones. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Ireland.

Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – No yeast required, and the dough comes together in minutes.
• Perfectly textured – Crisp on the outside, soft and tender inside.
• Rich and flavorful – Hints of citrus, caraway, and whiskey (optional) make these scones stand out.
• Versatile – Enjoy them plain, with butter, or with your favorite jam.
• Great for any occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or tea time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these Irish Soda Bread Scones with Marmalade Butter:

For the Irish Soda Bread Scones

Ingredient	Amount
Currants	¾ cup (105 g)
Orange, zested and juiced	1
Whiskey, rum, or bourbon (optional)	As needed
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)	2 ⅓ cups (315 g)
Baking powder	2 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Granulated sugar	¼ cup (50 g)
Caraway seeds	1 tsp
Unsalted cold or frozen butter	½ cup (115 g)
Kefir or buttermilk	¾ cup (175 ml)
Large egg	1
Kefir (for brushing)	1 tbsp (optional)

For the Orange Marmalade Butter

Ingredient	Amount
Softened butter	8 tbsp (½ cup)
Orange marmalade	2 tbsp
Runny honey	2 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Currants

• Place the currants in a small bowl.
• Add the orange juice and, if using, a splash of whiskey, rum, or bourbon.
• Let them soak for at least 15 minutes to soften and absorb flavor.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and caraway seeds.

4. Cut in the Butter

• Grate the cold butter into the dry ingredients or cut it into small pieces.
• Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Add the Wet Ingredients

• Drain the currants and add them to the bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or kefir) and egg.
• Pour into the flour mixture and gently mix until a soft dough forms. Add extra buttermilk if needed.

6. Shape and Cut the Scones

• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
• Pat it into a ¾-inch thick round and cut into 8 wedges.
• Place scones on the baking sheet and brush the tops with kefir for a golden crust.

7. Bake the Scones

• Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

8. Make the Orange Marmalade Butter

• In a small bowl, mix softened butter, orange marmalade, and honey until smooth.

9. Serve & Enjoy

• Spread the marmalade butter over warm scones and enjoy with tea or coffee!

Pro Tips for the Best Scones

• Use cold butter – This keeps the scones flaky and tender.
• Don’t overwork the dough – Mix just until combined to avoid tough scones.
• Adjust the liquid – Different flours absorb liquid differently, so add extra buttermilk/kefir if the dough is too dry.
• For a crisper crust, bake the scones slightly longer.
• Make ahead – You can freeze the dough or baked scones for later!

How to Store & Reheat Scones

Storing

• Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Store for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds until warm.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown per scone (without butter):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	5g
Fat	12g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	240mg

What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread Scones

These scones pair beautifully with:

• Tea or Coffee – The perfect companion for a cozy morning.
• Clotted Cream & Jam – For a more traditional British-Irish twist.
• Cheese & Butter – Sharp cheddar or cream cheese balances the sweetness.
• Fruit Preserves – Try raspberry, fig, or apricot jam.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your Irish Soda Bread Scones? Try these ideas:

• Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free – Substitute vegan butter and almond milk with lemon juice.
• Extra Fruity – Add dried cranberries, chopped dates, or raisins.
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or almonds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these scones without caraway seeds?

Yes! You can leave them out or replace them with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor.

2. What’s the best way to cut the butter into the flour?

Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers. You can also grate frozen butter for easy mixing.

3. Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk or kefir?

Yes! Mix plain yogurt with a little milk or water to get the right consistency.

4. How do I prevent my scones from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is very cold, and don’t overmix the dough. Chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking can also help.

5. Can I freeze the scone dough?

Absolutely! Shape the dough into wedges, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.

6. What can I use instead of marmalade in the butter?

Try lemon curd, apricot jam, or fig preserves for a different flavor.

Final Thoughts: Try These Irish Soda Bread Scones Today!

Now that you know how to make Irish Soda Bread Scones with Marmalade Butter, it’s time to bring a taste of Ireland into your home! Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, afternoon tea, or holiday gathering, these scones are guaranteed to impress.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Share your baking photos and tag us on social media.

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