Irish Cream Scones Recipe

Introduction

Irish Cream Scones offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining tender crumb with the rich flavor of Irish Cream liqueur and butterscotch chips. Perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones are easy to make and deliciously indulgent.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (110g) King Arthur Irish-Style Flour or 1 cup (113g) King Arthur Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 cup (120g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, cold
• 1/2 cup (85g) butterscotch chips, optional; for a more decadent scone
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (57g) Irish Cream liqueur
• 1/4 cup (57g) milk
• 2 tablespoons (28g) Irish Cream liqueur (for glaze)
• 1/3 cup (57g) butterscotch chips (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper third. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the Irish-Style or whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Step 3: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until the texture is unevenly crumbly with some larger, pea-sized pieces of butter visible.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips for added sweetness and texture.
5. Step 5: Whisk together the egg, Irish Cream liqueur, and milk. Add this liquid mixture to the flour and butter, stirring until the dough is evenly moistened and holds together.
6. Step 6: Drop the dough by 1/3-cup portions onto the prepared baking sheet. A large spoon or ice cream scoop works well for portioning.
7. Step 7: Bake the scones for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
8. Step 8: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: To make the glaze, combine the 2 tablespoons of Irish Cream liqueur and 1/3 cup butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth.
10. Step 10: Drizzle the warm glaze over the scones. Serve them warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer scone, use the butterscotch chips in both the dough and the glaze as suggested, or omit them if you prefer a simpler flavor.
• Try substituting the Irish Cream liqueur with coffee or vanilla extract for a different taste.
• Make sure your butter is very cold to create a tender, flaky texture in the scones.

Storage

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze the cooled scones in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen scones by warming in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these scones without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the Irish Cream liqueur with an equal amount of milk or cream, and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to mimic the flavor without the alcohol.

Can I use different chips instead of butterscotch?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like raisins or currants make great substitutions depending on your preference.