Cozy Shamrock Soda Bread Minis
These cozy shamrock-shaped soda bread minis are a quick and easy St. Patrick’s Day treat with a tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 minis 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) buttermilk (or 1 1/4 cups milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or currants
- Flour for dusting work surface and hands
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar until evenly combined.
- If using, stir in raisins or currants now.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and melted butter until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add a splash more buttermilk if too dry, but do not overdo it.
- Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Knead gently a couple of times to bring it together, being careful not to over-knead.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each). Roll each into a ball and flatten slightly. Use a shamrock cookie cutter or shape by hand into shamrock shapes. Place on the prepared baking sheet with space between each.
- Lightly score an ‘X’ or shamrock leaf marks on top of each mini with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Watch closely as they can brown quickly.
- Transfer to a cooling rack to cool slightly before serving. Optionally brush tops with melted butter for a softer crust.
Notes
Measure baking soda accurately to avoid bitterness. Do not over-mix or over-knead the dough to keep the crumb tender. Use fresh, cold buttermilk for best rise. If minis brown too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Brush tops with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini loaf (about 4
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: soda bread, shamrock bread, St. Patrick's Day, Irish bread, quick bread, mini bread, festive bread