Step into the enchanting realm of Irish hospitality, where the magic of traditional Irish scones unfolds with every crumb. Originating from humble kitchens, these delightful treats have a history as rich and warm as the golden landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Legend has it that Irish scones were first baked by resourceful homemakers in the 19th century, transforming simple ingredients into soft, flaky wonders. Passed down through generations, these scones became an intrinsic part of Irish culinary folklore.
 The key to the charm of Irish scones lies in their simplicity. Flour, butter, sugar, and buttermilk dance together in a centuries-old ritual, creating a dough that transcends time. Baked to golden perfection, these scones emerge from the oven with a tantalizing aroma that could rival the finest of Irish meadows. Whether adorned with plump raisins or left unadorned, each scone is a tiny masterpiece, a nod to the artisanal spirit that defines Irish baking.
 No journey into the world of Irish scones is complete without a pause for tea. As the Irish say, "Tea makes everything better," and it's certainly true when paired with these culinary treasures. Picture a cozy afternoon, where the clinking of teacups mingles with the laughter of friends and the buttery scent of freshly baked scones. In Ireland, tea is more than a beverage; it's a ritual, a moment of solace that perfectly complements the simple pleasures of life, like indulging in a warm scone.
 Irish scones are not just a treat for the taste buds but a celebration of community and togetherness. Passed around the table, generously slathered with butter and jam, they embody the essence of Irish conviviality. In this whimsical dance of flavors, the scone takes center stage, inviting everyone to partake in a tradition that transcends generations. It's a taste of Ireland's heart, where the joy of sharing is as integral as the ingredients themselves.
 So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a touch of Irish enchantment, consider the humble scone. With its timeless appeal and the comforting embrace of a well-brewed cup of tea, this traditional treat invites you to savor the magic of Ireland's culinary heritage. Let the whimsy of Irish scones transport you to a world where each bite tells a story, and every crumb is a delicious page in the tale of a nation's enduring love affair with good company and even better food. Sláinte!
Ingredients
- 4 ¾ c AP Flour (or 1 to 1 Gluten Free AP Flour blend)
- ½ c Sugar
- 1 Tb. Baking powder
- â…” c Dried fruit (we recommend currants or raisins)
- 7 oz. Butter, cold, cubed small
- 2 ea. Eggs
- 250 ml. Buttermilk
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts or citrus zest
- Savory substitute: omit sugar and dried fruit, Add in 1/2 c Shredded cheese and 1/4 c sliced scallions or 1Tb. dried herbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a very large bowl (you want room to work), mix dry ingredients together.
- Whisk together eggs and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Add butter pieces to flour mixture and work (quickly) to mix them into the flour. A pastry cutter would also work. You want the butter to be pea sized pieces. Messy and crumby is good! You don't want this to look like a ball of dough yet.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, just mixing enough to form a soft dough. Do not overwork at this stage or the scones will be tough.
- Add in mix-ins just until incorporated.
- Pour dough onto floured surface and, with your hands, form into a disc shape.
- Cut the disc into wedges (you can make them small or large). Brush with a little buttermilk (and top with sugar if you wish).
- Place on greased or lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. You can also refrigerate overnight to bake fresh in the morning or even freeze them unbaked for another time).
- Bake until golden brown, 15 - 25 minutes depending on what size you cut them.
- For a simple glaze, whisk milk and powdered sugar together with a splash of vanilla extract.
