Description
Irish Soda Bread Cookies are a delightful, sweet variation of the classic Irish soda bread. These soft and slightly spiced cookies feature warm cinnamon and plump raisins, enhanced with the richness of buttermilk and a touch of vanilla. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or a cozy afternoon treat, they combine traditional Irish flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This creates the flavorful base of the cookies.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, small pieces of unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cookies’ tender crumb.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies’ edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This helps them set properly and develop their full flavor before serving.
Notes
- These cookies are a sweet twist on traditional Irish soda bread, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or afternoon tea.
- Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for raisins.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice.
- Chopped walnuts are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
- Sprinkling coarse sugar on top is optional for a crunchy, sweet finish.
