Irish Soda Bread Cookies 🍪🍀

Indulge in the delightful charm of these Irish Soda Bread Cookies, perfect for tea time or a sweet treat anytime! These cookies combine the traditional flavors of Irish soda bread with the convenience of a quick recipe. Chewy and slightly sweet, they boast the heartiness of currants and a hint of caraway. Serve them fresh from the oven for a cozy experience that will warm your heart! ☕️✨

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

🔥 Preheating the oven ensures even baking, making your cookies perfectly golden and delicious.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and caraway seeds.

🌱 Caraway seeds add a unique flavor that evokes the traditional taste of Irish soda bread. Feel free to sprinkle a little more if you like!

• Use a pastry blender to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

• Stir in the dried currants and mix in the beaten egg.

• Pour in the buttermilk and mix with a fork to form a soft dough. You may need to add a little extra buttermilk to get the right texture.

• On a floured surface, shape the dough into a ball and knead lightly 5 or 6 times. Then, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.

• Cut the dough into squares or triangles, about 2 inches in diameter, using a knife or cookie cutter.

• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned.

🍽️ Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary. The cookies should be just turning golden for the best texture!

Variations

• Add zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a zesty twist! 🍊
• Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Walnuts or pecans work great!
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet touch after they cool. ✨
• Dried Fruit Medley: Mix up the dried currants with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for different flavors.

Enjoy these delightful cookies, whether served warm or at room temperature, with your favorite beverage! 🍵❤️