Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can use your fingers or a pastry cutter. Add the raisins and then make a well in the center.

Step 3

Pour 1 cup of buttermilk into the well in the center of the flour mixture. Using a fork or your hands, combine the ingredients just until the dough begins to come together. Add additional buttermilk if necessary, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently knead until it fully comes together.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 9 mounds of about ½ cup each. Transfer the dough to the parchment-lined baking sheet, cut a cross in the top, and brush each a drizzle of buttermilk.

Step 6

Bake until slightly risen and golden brown; 20 to 22 minutes. For me, I can't imagine Irish Soda Bread without a drizzle of the finest honey I can find. It's such a treat! Serve warm or room temperature. And... they freeze exceptionally well too.