Scones are a loved treat, whether served for breakfast or as afternoon tea alongside a steaming cup of tea. These soda scones taste like American biscuits—light, fluffy, and tender. Traditional soda scones rely on baking soda as a leavening agent, but have you ever tried using carbonated soda? This little trick makes the scones extra light and fluffy while adding a subtle depth of flavor if you use a flavored soda. If you’re looking for a unique way to make a tender scone, this easy recipe is for you!
I love recipes that make it look like I make magic happen in my kitchen, especially when they are so simple. Originally, what had caught my eye were lemonade scones that are popular in Australia and New Zealand. The first time I started looking at the recipes, I realized that in Australia, the recipe calls for lemonade, a carbonated lemon soft drink. This carbonated lemonade is similar to 7up or Spite but is more lemony rather than the lemon-lime flavored soda we have here in the U.S.
Personally, I try to stay away from soft drinks, so I do not usually have 7up or Sprite at home. I prefer plain sparkling or seltzer water if I am in the mood for a carbonated drink. The best thing is that my recipe has four simple ingredients that make the best-tasting, flakiest scones. It is love at first bite.
Why Use Carbonated Soda in Scones?
- Extra Fluffiness – The carbonation creates tiny air pockets in the dough, resulting in lighter scones.
- No Need for Baking Powder – Carbonated soda acts as a natural leavening agent.
- Subtle Flavor Enhancement – Depending on the soda you use, you can add a touch of sweetness or a slight tang.
Choosing the Right Carbonated Soda
Not all sodas are created equal when it comes to baking. Here are a few great options:
- Sparkling Water (Seltzer Water) – A neutral option that keeps the classic scone flavor intact.
- Club Soda – Adds a slight mineral flavor that complements the richness of the butter.
- Lemon-Lime Soda – If you like a hint of sweetness, a mild citrus soda works beautifully.
- Ginger Ale – Adds a subtle warmth that pairs well with butter and jam.
- Diet Soda – If you like the sweetness but want to avoid the extra sugar.
Easy Soda Scones Recipe
This recipe will make 6 to 8 scones, depending on the size that the dough is cut. If you want large scones, use a 3-inch cutter; otherwise, use a 2-inch cutter.
Simple Ingredients:
- Self-rising flour (get my self-rising flour recipe here)
- Heavy Cream 36-40% Milk Fat
- Carbonated Soda Water
- Sugar
- Optional: Beaten egg
Instructions to make soda scones:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and sugar. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
3. Add the wet ingredients
Slowly pour the heavy cream and chilled carbonated soda into the dry mix while gently stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon or dough whisk. This is a moist dough and will be soft and slightly sticky—avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense scones. Mix until just combined.
4. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board or work surface and gently kneed the dough just until it holds together. Remember, to create the flakiest scones, do not overwork the dough. Pat it into a circle about 3/4 to 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. If you prefer, you can shape them into rustic triangles or squares. Cutting the scones into triangles and squares will create no waste.
5. Cut the Scones
Use a 2.5 to 3-inch scone/biscuit cutter to cut round scones. Remember the gold rule: Press, Don’t Twist. Press the cutter straight down into the dough in one firm motion. Twisting it can seal the edges and prevent the dough from rising properly. You want the dough to stay as airy as possible. This principle is the same when cutting the dough with a sharp knife. Gently slice the dough with one firm stroke rather than sawing back and forth to cut the dough into 6-8 wedges. Avoid twisting the knife in the dough for a proper rise.
6. Brush and Bake
Place the scones on the greased or lined baking sheet. Brush the top of the scones with a little beaten egg for a golden finish (optional) or a little cream with a pastry brush. It is essential that if you brush the tops of the scones, you do not let the beaten egg or cream run down the sides of the dough. This will prevent the scones from rising properly while they bake. Place them into a hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with a lot of butter, your favorite jams, or clotted cream. Try them with homemade orange marmalade – soooo good!
Pro Tips for Perfect Soda Scones
- ✔ Keep ingredients cold – Cold cream and soda help create a flaky texture.
- ✔ Don’t overwork the dough – Overmixing will make the scones tough.
- ✔ Use a sharp cutter – This helps the scones rise evenly and don’t twist!
- ✔ Bake immediately – The carbonation starts working as soon as it is added to the flour, so don’t let the dough sit too long.
Variations
Dried Fruit Scones – Add a handful of about 1/2 cup of currents, regular or golden raisins.
Citrus Zest Soda Scones – Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest for a bright citrusy flavor.
Chocolate Chip Soda Scones – Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
Honey Butter Glaze – Drizzle warm scones with melted butter and honey. Try my hot honey recipe for a sweet, spicy topping.
7-Up or Other Soda Drinks – When using sweet, flavored soda drinks – omit the sugar from the recipe.
Storing and Reheating
Store: Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Freeze: Wrap individually with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
These quick scones made with carbonated soda are a delightful twist on a classic recipe. The lightness from the bubbles makes them incredibly soft and airy with a moist texture. Whether you stick to traditional sparkling water or experiment with flavored soda, these scones will become a favorite from your oven. So, grab your favorite carbonated soda, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking! Have you tried making scones with soda before? Let me know in the comments below! 🍽️
Happy baking! 😊
More bread recipes you might enjoy!
- Homemade Self-Rising Flour
- The Best Sweet and Moist Cornbread
- Guinness Stout Beer Bread (No yeast, No Rise!)
- Make Homemade, Easy French Bread – Baguette
Soda Scones
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Self-rising Flour (360 grams)
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream 36-40% Milk fat
- 3/4 Cup Soda Water
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar Up to 2 tablespoons-if preferred
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and sugar. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
- Slowly pour the heavy cream and chilled carbonated soda into the dry mix while gently stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon or dough whisk. This is a moist dough and will be soft and slightly sticky—avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense scones. Mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board or work surface and gently kneed the dough just until it holds together. Remember, to create the flakiest scones, do not overwork the dough. Pat it into a circle about 3/4 to 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. If you prefer, you can shape them into rustic triangles or squares. Cutting the scones into triangles and squares will create no waste.
- Use a 2.5 to 3-inch scone/biscuit cutter to cut round scones. Remember the gold rule: Press, Don’t Twist. Press the cutter straight down into the dough in one firm motion. Twisting it can seal the edges and prevent the dough from rising properly. You want the dough to stay as airy as possible. This principle is the same when cutting the dough with a sharp knife. Gently slice the dough with one firm stroke rather than sawing back and forth to cut the dough into 6-8 wedges. Avoid twisting the knife in the dough for a proper rise.
- Place the scones on the greased or lined baking sheet. Brush the top of the scones with a little beaten egg for a golden finish (optional) or a little cream with a pastry brush. It is essential that if you brush the tops of the scones, you do not let the beaten egg or cream run down the sides of the dough. This will prevent the scones from rising properly while they bake. Place them into a hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with a lot of butter, your favorite jams, or clotted cream.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Soda Scones
✔ Keep ingredients cold – Cold cream and soda help create a flaky texture. ✔ Don’t overwork the dough – Overmixing will make the scones tough. ✔ Use a sharp cutter – This helps the scones rise evenly and don’t twist! ✔ Bake immediately – The carbonation starts working as soon as it is added to the flour, so don’t let the dough sit too long.Pin and Save for Later!
Hi, I’m Yvonne — the voice behind Our Country Life. I share from-scratch recipes, garden know-how, and simple living inspiration rooted in real farmhouse life. Thanks for being here ❤️
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