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; ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; ¾ cup dried currants or raisins; 4 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nothing quite beats the warm, crumbly goodness of a freshly baked scone. This Irish Currant Scones Recipe gives you just that—classic, tender scones studded with sweet dried currants, perfect for cozy mornings or a relaxed afternoon tea.

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 Irish currant scones countless times, and each batch brings that perfect balance of flaky texture and gentle sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more. They’re truly my go-to when I want to impress guests or just treat myself.

Classic Comfort: These scones capture the traditional Irish flavor with currants that add a natural sweetness without overpowering the dough.
Flaky & Tender: Thanks to cold butter cut into the flour, you get that beautiful layered crumb everyone notices.
Simple Ingredients: With straightforward pantry staples, these scones are easy to whip up anytime.
Perfect Pairings: Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a true Irish teatime experience.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The secret to these scones starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I always recommend using cold butter and fresh heavy cream to get that dreamy, flaky texture. Also, choosing dried currants or raisins that aren’t too dry helps keep the scones moist and flavorful. Let’s break down what you’ll need before we jump into the bake!

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: Provides structure and the right crumb for these classic scones.
Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of the currants.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives scones their lovely rise.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cold unsalted butter: Chilling the butter is key for flaky layers in the scone dough.
Dried currants or raisins: Classic Irish fruits that bring bursts of natural sweetness.
Eggs: Help bind the dough and add richness.
Heavy cream: Makes the scones tender and adds moisture.
Beaten egg for egg wash: For that golden, glossy finish on your scones.

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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 in its versatility—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs while keeping that wonderfully flaky texture and subtly sweet flavor.

Variation: I love swapping dried currants for chopped dried apricots or cranberries when I want a slightly tangier bite. It adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of brightness to the scones.
Gluten-Free Option: Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum for the best rise and texture.
Vegan Twist: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) instead of regular eggs. The scones come out dense but still delicious.
Seasonal Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth during cooler months, or fold in some lemon zest for a bright spring-time scone.

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 your oven and prep the dry mix

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s fully heated once your scones are shaped and ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of salt. This even distribution of dry ingredients is vital for a consistent rise and flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cut in the cold butter

Next, add ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mix. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is critical to creating those signature flaky layers. Pro tip: Having your butter chilled makes this easier and ensures the scones stay tender.

Step 3: Toss in the currants and mix wet ingredients

Stir in ¾ cup of dried currants or raisins so they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough. Meanwhile, whisk together 4 beaten eggs and 1 cup of heavy cream in a separate measuring cup. This rich blend will bring moisture and structure to your scones.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients carefully

Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture into the flour and butter bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together just until the dough begins to stick—resist the urge to over-mix! The dough should feel soft but not sticky. This gentle handling keeps your scones tender and flaky rather than tough.

Step 5: Knead lightly and shape

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Give it a very gentle knead just to bring it fully together—about 4 to 5 folds. Then press or roll the dough to a smooth, even thickness of about 1 inch. This sets you up perfectly for cutting uniform scones that bake evenly.

Step 6: Cut and prepare your scones

Using a 3-inch round scone cutter, cut the dough into 12 to 16 rounds—my batch made 16 lovely golden scones. Place them spaced on a baking sheet. Don’t forget to re-roll any scraps for extra scones! Finally, brush the tops with one beaten egg to give your scones that irresistible glossy, golden-brown finish when baked.

Step 7: Bake and enjoy

Bake your scones in the preheated 350°F oven for 22 minutes or until the tops are a gorgeous golden brown. Once out, transfer them to a cooling rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter, jam, and freshly whipped clotted cream for that authentic Irish teatime feel. Trust me, the aroma and taste are totally worth the wait!

Top Tip

These tips have truly transformed how I approach my Irish Currant Scones Recipe, making sure each batch comes out perfectly flaky and full of flavor every time.

Keep Butter Cold: I always freeze my butter cubes for at least 30 minutes before starting. It’s a game-changer for getting that tender, flaky crumb in the scones.
Mix Gently: Through trial and error, I learned that over-mixing leads to tough scones. Stir just until the dough comes together – less really is more here.
Use an Egg Wash: Brushing the tops with beaten egg adds that beautiful glossy, golden finish that makes these scones irresistible.
Don’t Skimp on Kneading Lightly: I avoid excessive kneading but do a gentle fold on a floured surface to get a smooth dough. This step helps keep the texture just right.

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

These scones are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a generous dollop of clotted cream and your favorite fruity jam—strawberry or raspberry work beautifully. A pat of fresh butter melted on the warm scone is simple and heavenly. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the buttered scone to contrast the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these Irish Currant Scones with a warm cup of tea—like classic Irish Breakfast or Earl Grey—for a comforting breakfast or afternoon treat. Fresh fruit salad or lightly whipped cream can also add a fresh, bright element to the plate. If serving as brunch, complement with scrambled eggs or smoked salmon for a delicious balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scones keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but remember scones tend to lose some of their fresh-baked texture when chilled.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked scones, cut and place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time. For baked scones, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy scones warm and fresh, reheat them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. This helps restore their golden crust and soft crumb without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the scones chewy or dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the dried currants with other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Raisins are a perfect substitute and will give a similar sweetness and texture. You could also try dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor twist.

Why is it important to keep the butter cold?

Cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, which leads to a flaky, tender texture in the scones. Warm butter blends too thoroughly and can result in dense, tough scones.

Can I make these scones vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use a flax or chia seed egg substitute instead of regular eggs. However, these changes may affect the texture and flavor slightly, so some experimentation may be needed.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

The scones are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking for 22 minutes at 350°F should give the perfect finish.

Final Thoughts

Making these Irish Currant Scones is like capturing a bit of Irish tradition right in your kitchen. I hope this recipe and the tips shared help you bake scones that bring warmth, comfort, and joy to your table. Whether you’re enjoying them with morning tea or as a cozy afternoon treat, these scones have a way of making any moment feel special. Happy baking!