Irish Cream Scones with Butterscotch Chips and Liqueur Glaze Recipe
Introduction
These Irish Cream Scones are a delightful twist on a classic treat, infused with the rich flavors of Irish Cream liqueur and sweet butterscotch chips. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon tea, they are tender, buttery, and wonderfully decadent.

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
- 1/3 cup (57g) butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and position a rack in the upper third. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the Irish-Style or whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Step 3: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly with some pea-sized butter pieces visible.
- Step 4: Stir the butterscotch chips into the mixture.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, 1/4 cup Irish Cream liqueur, and milk.
- Step 6: Pour the liquid mixture into the flour-butter mixture and stir gently until the dough is evenly moistened and holds together.
- Step 7: Drop the dough by 1/3-cupfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Step 8: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the scones are golden brown on top.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 10: For the glaze, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of Irish Cream liqueur and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir until smooth.
- Step 11: Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and serve them warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of flours for a nuttier flavor or substitute with all-purpose flour for a softer texture.
- Butterscotch chips add sweetness and richness, but you can swap them for white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Chill the dough briefly if it feels too sticky, which makes shaping easier.
- For a boozier flavor, brush the tops with a little extra Irish Cream liqueur before baking.
Storage
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through, then drizzle with glaze if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these scones without Irish Cream liqueur?
Yes, you can substitute the Irish Cream liqueur with equal parts milk or cream and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar richness without the alcohol.
Can I use frozen butterscotch chips?
Frozen butterscotch chips should work fine; just mix them in while still frozen to prevent them from melting into the dough prematurely.
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Irish Cream Scones with Butterscotch Chips and Liqueur Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
Delightfully tender and buttery Irish Cream Scones studded with rich butterscotch chips and drizzled with a luscious Irish Cream glaze. These scones combine traditional baking techniques with the festive flavor of Irish Cream liqueur, perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (57g) Irish Cream liqueur
- 1/4 cup (57g) milk
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (85g) butterscotch chips, optional, for the scone dough
- 2 tablespoons (28g) Irish Cream liqueur (for glaze)
- 1/3 cup (57g) butterscotch chips (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the upper third. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease 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 distributed.
- Incorporate the 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 crumbly with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining to ensure flakiness.
- Add butterscotch chips: Gently fold the butterscotch chips into the crumbly dough mixture for pockets of sweet flavor throughout the scones.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, Irish Cream liqueur, and milk until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the dough is evenly moistened and holds together without being overworked.
- Portion the dough: Drop the dough by roughly 1/3-cup scoops onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake the scones: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scones turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool the scones: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them onto a wire rack to cool for 5 to 10 minutes to slightly firm up and cool before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of Irish Cream liqueur and 1/3 cup of butterscotch chips. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir until the glaze is smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the scones: Drizzle the warm glaze generously over the scones while they are still warm. Serve immediately or let cool to room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky, tender scones.
- Butterscotch chips are optional but add a lovely sweetness and texture contrast.
- If Irish Cream liqueur is unavailable, substitute with Bailey’s or another Irish cream liqueur.
- The glaze can be warmed gently if it hardens before serving.
- Scones are best enjoyed the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use a suitable butter substitute and plant-based milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Keywords: Irish Cream Scones, Butterscotch Scones, Irish Cream Dessert, Breakfast Scones, Flaky Scones

