Name: Irish Currant Scones Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon salt; 4 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 egg (beaten for egg wash); ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes); ¾ cup dried currants or raisins

If you're craving a tender, flaky treat that's perfect for breakfast or tea time, you’re going to adore this Irish Currant Scones Recipe. These traditional Irish scones are lightly sweet, studded with juicy dried currants, and have a buttery golden crust that melts in your mouth.

The image shows a group of round, golden-brown scones with a slightly rough and crumbly texture. They are speckled with small dark raisins inside. Most scones are whole and sitting on a black cooling rack, but one scone is open, showing its soft, fluffy, pale inside with raisins visible. The black rack contrasts the light scones well, and the overall look is warm and baked fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Currant Scones Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Currant Scones Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Currant Scones Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Irish currant scones more times than I can count, and every single batch comes out perfectly tender with that unbeatable flaky texture I crave. They’re a staple in my kitchen for a reason!

Authentic Taste: Enjoy a classic Irish bakery experience right at home, thanks to simple, quality ingredients.
Flaky & Tender: The secret of cold butter creates layers you’ll love biting into.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Lovely for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack any time of day.
Flexible & Freezable: Make ahead and freeze baked or unbaked for an easy treat whenever you want.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Irish Currant Scones recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need pantry basics, but picking quality ingredients makes all the difference. A quick tip: keep your butter cold to achieve those flaky layers we all adore.

Flat lay of four cups of all-purpose flour in a small white ceramic bowl, three tablespoons of white granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, two tablespoons of baking powder in a small white ceramic bowl, one tablespoon of coarse salt in a small white ceramic bowl, cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes on a plain white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dried currants, four whole large brown eggs with clean shells arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while still tenderizing the scones.
Sugar: Just a touch to bring out the sweetness without overpowering the currants.
Baking powder: Your leavening agent for light, fluffy scones.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Cold unsalted butter: Key to flaky layers; keep it chilled and cubed for best results.
Dried currants (or raisins): Traditional in Irish baking, adding a sweet, tangy burst.
Large eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
Heavy cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Egg (for egg wash): Creates that beautiful golden, shiny crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Irish Currant Scones Recipe is how easily you can personalize it to suit your taste or occasion. Whether you want to swap the currants for another dried fruit, or add a little extra zest, these scones are wonderfully versatile.

Currant Swap: I sometimes use dried cherries or chopped dried apricots instead of currants for a tart twist that pairs beautifully with clotted cream.
Herbal Touch: Adding a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients adds an unexpected savory note that works surprisingly well.
Gluten-Free Option: For those who need gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend — just make sure it contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture.
Seasonal Citrus: Stir in a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest for a bright, aromatic lift that's perfect for spring or summer teatime.
Vegan Variation: Replace the eggs and heavy cream with a plant-based milk and flaxseed egg to create a vegan-friendly version that still yields lovely tender scones.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Currant Scones Recipe

A close-up of a small biscuit-style sandwich on a white plate with a dark rim, with a golden brown top and bottom biscuit layer dotted with dark raisins. Between the biscuit layers, there is a thick middle layer of bright red jam with juicy texture visible and a fluffy white cream layer sitting above the jam. In the background, there is another biscuit sandwich slightly blurred, opened with visible jam and cream inside, placed on a similar white plate. The setup is on a dark wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready to go. Gather your dry ingredients – the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – and combine them in a large bowl. This creates the foundation of your scones while ensuring even distribution of leavening and sweetness.

Step 2: Cut in the Cold Butter to Get Those Flaky Layers

Add your chilled, cubed butter to the dry mix. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. The chunks of butter are what create that flaky texture when baked – so don’t rush this step! If you don’t have a pastry cutter, grate the butter directly into the flour for quick and easy incorporation.

Step 3: Mix in the Currants and Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in your dried currants evenly throughout. In another bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the 4 beaten eggs with the heavy cream, making sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Gently Bring the Dough Together

Pour the egg and cream mixture gradually into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the wet and dry components together just until the dough starts to form. Be careful not to over-mix; the dough should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed. Too much mixing can make your scones tough instead of tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Lightly Knead and Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it very lightly just enough to bring it into a smooth ball. Then, press or roll the dough to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This thickness helps create the perfect rise and crumb structure.

Step 6: Cut and Arrange Your Scones for Baking

Use a 3-inch round scone cutter to stamp out 12 to 16 scones from the dough. I usually get 16 just right. Arrange them on a baking sheet, spacing them so the heat can circulate evenly. Don’t forget to re-roll the scraps and cut out more scones to minimize waste!

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops of each scone with the beaten egg wash. This step gives them a beautiful, shiny golden crust. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 22 minutes. When done, the scones will be visibly golden and have a slightly crisp exterior with a tender center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve Warm for the Best Experience

Once baked, transfer your scones to a cooling rack to cool slightly. They’re best enjoyed warm, slathered with butter, your favorite jam, and a generous spoonful of clotted cream. Trust me, it’s little moments like this that make the effort worthwhile!

Top Tip

Mastering the Irish Currant Scones Recipe is all about paying attention to a few simple details that make your scones flaky, tender, and bursting with flavor. These tips have really elevated my baking game over the years and will help you enjoy bakery-quality scones at home.

Keep Butter Cold: Always use cold, cubed butter straight from the fridge (or better yet, frozen for 30 minutes). This ensures lovely flaky layers in your scones.
Gentle Mixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can quickly turn your scones dense instead of light and fluffy.
Use an Egg Wash: Brushing the tops with beaten egg before baking gives your scones a beautiful, golden sheen that looks as good as it tastes.
Re-roll Dough Wisely: Don’t worry about leftover dough – just re-roll it gently and cut out more scones. But be careful not to overwork the dough during this step to keep them soft!

How to Serve Irish Currant Scones Recipe

The first image shows dough with small dark spots rolled flat on a white marbled surface, with circular shapes being pressed out by a round metal cutter held by a woman's hand. The dough looks soft and slightly textured with visible small bits inside. The second image shows six round dough pieces with dark spots placed neatly on a black baking tray, each piece thick and well-shaped with rough edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Irish currant scones are a treat on their own, but adding a few simple garnishes can take the experience to the next level. Spread some rich butter while the scones are still warm to let it gently melt in. Top with your favorite jam—classic strawberry, raspberry, or even a tangy orange marmalade are wonderful choices. For an indulgent touch, add a dollop of clotted cream; its creamy texture pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the currants.

Side Dishes

Serve these scones alongside a pot of strong Irish breakfast tea or fresh brewed coffee for a comforting breakfast or tea-time snack. You might also enjoy them with fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or scrambled eggs for a heartier brunch option. They’re versatile and lovely whenever you want a little bite of traditional Irish hospitality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store your Irish currant scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them away from moisture to maintain their lovely crust.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully! You can freeze them baked—just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer bag. Alternatively, freeze unbaked scones after cutting them out by lining a tray with parchment paper and freezing until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This way, you can pop them straight into the oven from frozen and extend the prep for another day.

Reheating

To reheat baked scones, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through—this restores their fresh-baked texture beautifully. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy. For frozen unbaked scones, bake directly in the oven at 350°F for around 25-28 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute currants with other dried fruits?

Absolutely! While currants give a classic Irish touch, raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots work well too. Just be mindful of moisture content if using frozen fruits.

What’s the best way to keep scones flaky?

The key is using cold butter and mixing the dough gently. Overworking the dough warms the butter and develops gluten, making scones tough instead of flaky.

Can I make these scones vegan?

This recipe calls for eggs and cream, but you can experiment with plant-based substitutes like flax eggs and coconut cream. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and cooked through—that usually takes about 22 minutes at 350°F. You can also check by gently tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about warm, freshly baked Irish currant scones. They bring a little slice of tradition and hospitality straight to your kitchen with their tender crumb and sweet bursts of currants. Whether you’re making them for a cozy morning or an afternoon tea, I hope this recipe fills your home with delicious aromas and happy moments. Don’t forget to share your success and memories made with this classic Irish Currant Scones Recipe!