Margaret'S Irish Breakfast Scones
Irish breakfast scones with sweet raisins and a tender crumb, perfect for a hearty breakfast or teatime treat, appealing to both traditional and modern tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles small crumbs.
- Add the cream or milk, eggs, and raisins to the dry mixture.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead just until combined.
- Pat the dough into a round about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges or use a cutter to form individual scones.
- Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter scone, be careful not to over-knead the dough; it should be just combined. If you're out of raisins, you can substitute with currants or dried cranberries. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest into the wet ingredients. Serve with clotted cream or jam for a delightful touch, similar to what you might find with English Tea Cakes.
Serving Suggestions
These Irish breakfast scones are perfect served warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream. Pair them with a hot cup of tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or Berries With Honey Yogurt Cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze the scones in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margaret'S Irish Breakfast Scones contains roughly 290 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into scones, and freeze them. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes for a quick and easy treat whenever you need one.
What can I substitute for whipping cream?
If you don't have whipping cream on hand, you can use whole milk for a lighter version. Alternatively, a mixture of milk and a bit of melted butter can mimic the richness of cream. Just ensure the consistency is still somewhat thick for the best results.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones are done when they have risen and turned a golden brown color on top. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. If they need more time, keep an eye on them and check every minute or so to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).