Irish Soda Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

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

Add the cold butter pieces and work them into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until blended.

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until a soft dough forms.

Gently mix in the raisins until evenly distributed.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.

Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to cut a deep X across the top.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The bottom should sound hollow when tapped.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.