Step 1

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.

Step 3

Using your hands, knead in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in raisins, if using.

Step 4

Add egg and buttermilk; mix well with a wooden spoon or a dough whisk.

Step 5

When it becomes too difficult to stir, turn dough out onto a floured surface. It should look like a shaggy, sticky dough. Sprinkle the top of the dough lightly with flour. Knead lightly, just enough to bring dough together so that you can shape it. The dough should still be fairly sticky..

Step 6

Form into a round loaf about 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Transfer to prepared pan. Using a sharp knife dipped in flour, score the top of the dough deeply with an X shape, about 5 inches, about ½ -inch deep.

Step 7

Bake for 30 minutes and check bread. If the bread seems to be getting too brown, tent loosely with foil. Bake for 10 minutes more or until crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

Step 8

Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes on baking sheet before placing on a cooling rack. Slice into wedges or slices. Soda bread is best served warm.