Irish Cream Scones with Butterscotch Chips Recipe
Introduction
These Irish Cream Scones offer a delightful twist on classic scones with the rich flavor of Irish Cream liqueur and sweet butterscotch chips. They are perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea, boasting a tender crumb and a luscious glaze.

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
- 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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper third. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Step 3: Work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it becomes unevenly crumbly with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Step 4: Toss in the butterscotch chips, if using.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, Irish Cream liqueur, and milk. Add this mixture to the flour-butter mixture and stir until the dough is evenly moistened and holds together.
- Step 6: Drop the dough by 1/3-cupfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a scone or muffin scoop can help maintain uniformity.
- Step 7: Bake the scones for 15 to 18 minutes, until they turn golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a rack to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- 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.
- Step 10: Drizzle the warm glaze over the warm scones. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with additional Irish Cream liqueur in the dough.
- If you prefer, swap butterscotch chips for white or dark chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Use chilled ingredients and handle the dough lightly to keep the scones tender and flaky.
Storage
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a warm oven to regain freshness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I omit the butterscotch chips?
Yes, the scones will still taste delicious without the chips. They add sweetness and texture but are optional.
Can I substitute the Irish Cream liqueur?
You can substitute with vanilla extract or a combination of cream and whiskey for a similar flavor, but the authentic Irish Cream liqueur offers the best taste.
PrintIrish Cream Scones with Butterscotch Chips Recipe
These Irish Cream Scones combine tender, flaky texture with the rich flavor of Irish Cream liqueur and the sweetness of butterscotch chips, making for a decadent and delightful treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
Scones
- 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)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (57g) Irish Cream liqueur
- 1/4 cup (57g) milk
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons (28g) Irish Cream liqueur
- 1/3 cup (57g) butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the upper third. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Irish-Style or whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into small pieces and work it into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture is unevenly crumbly with some larger pea-sized butter pieces remaining. This will contribute to flaky scones.
- Add Butterscotch Chips: Toss in the optional butterscotch chips to the flour and butter mixture ensuring they are distributed evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the Irish Cream liqueur and milk. Add this wet mixture to the flour-butter mixture and stir gently until the dough is evenly moistened and holds together without overmixing.
- Shape Scones: Using a 1/3-cup scoop or spoon, drop the scone dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for rising.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top.
- Cool Scones: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up slightly before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and Irish Cream liqueur. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm glaze over the warm scones. Serve the scones warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute the Irish-Style Flour with whole wheat flour completely.
- Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve flaky layers in the scones.
- The butterscotch chips are optional but enhance the scone’s sweetness and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and flaky.
- Scones are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and warmed before serving.
Keywords: Irish Cream Scones, butterscotch chips, Irish Cream liqueur, scones recipe, breakfast scones, flaky scones, sweet scones

