Raisin Scone (Irish Fruit Scone)

I am a huge fan of scones and this is the best easy raisin scone recipe. It rises so tall and is soft and fluffy in the middle. This fool-proof recipe is sure to become your favourite too. This is my go to scone recipe. It’s easy, delicious, quick to make and they look great. With a few simple ingredients you can conjure up a batch of these for your friends and family in no time.

4 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached (500 g)
3 tsp. baking powder (30 g)
1 pinch sea salt
⅓ cup + 1 Tbsp. sugar (80 g)
1 stick butter (100 g)
2 eggs
¾ cup buttermilk (200 mL)
1 cup raisins (150 g)
eggwash; 1 egg yolk mixed with a pinch of sea salt and sugar

Baking powder already contains an acid unlike bicarbonate of soda. So you can use either regular or buttermilk. For flavour purposes I would suggest buttermilk though.

I find that buttermilk also makes them soft and fluffier.

For a sour milk buttermilk substitute add 1.5 Tbsp. of vinegar or lemon juice to some full milk or milk of your choice. Stir and let it stand for about 10 minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients.

Bake at 400°F (200°C/180°C fan, Gas Mark 6).

Cook’s Notes:

• Make sure you don’t press out the dough too thinly to start, you want them to start out with a bit of height.
• Ensure you only brush the egg wash on the top of the scone. If you brush the sides it prevents the scone from rising as much.
• Chill the scones in the fridge before baking and while the oven is preheating.