Homemade Biscuits
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through your kitchen. Flaky, buttery, and oh-so-soft, homemade biscuits can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether slathered with butter and jam or served alongside a hearty stew, these biscuits are a versatile staple that everyone should master. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will have your family and friends begging for more.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Quick and Easy: This biscuit recipe comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
– Flaky Perfection: The secret to achieving that perfect flaky texture lies in the cold butter and careful mixing.
– Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, cheese, or spices to create a unique twist.
– Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, brunch, or dinner—they fit perfectly into any meal!
Your Shopping Guide
- All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need 2 cups for that perfect biscuit base.
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon will give your biscuits the rise they need.
- Granulated Sugar: Just 2 teaspoons to balance the flavors.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances the taste.
- Butter: 6 tablespoons of very cold butter—freezing it for 10-20 minutes makes a world of difference.
- Buttermilk: ¾ cup adds moisture and tang; 2% or whole milk works in a pinch.
- Salted Butter: Melted, optional, for brushing on top before baking.
Gear Checklist
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining dry ingredients.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: Essential for cutting butter into the flour.
- Baking Sheet: A standard sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Rolling Pin: If you prefer rolled biscuits over dropped ones.
- Oven Thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
Homemade Biscuits — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to achieving beautifully risen biscuits.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Take your very cold butter and cut it into small cubes. Add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in ¾ cup of buttermilk. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 5: Shape the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. If you prefer round biscuits, use a biscuit cutter to cut out shapes. For a rustic look, you can also just drop spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, brush the tops with melted salted butter for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Texture-Safe Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
- Milk Alternatives: Almond milk or oat milk can be used instead of buttermilk; just add a splash of vinegar to create a similar tang.
- Shortening: Substitute half the butter with shortening for a different texture.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add garlic powder, chives, or cheddar cheese for flavor variations.
Missteps & Fixes
Even the best bakers can make mistakes! Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough biscuits. Remember, mix just until combined!
- Butter Too Warm: If your butter is too warm, your biscuits won’t be flaky. Always use very cold butter, and if needed, chill your dough before baking.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature: An oven that’s too cool won’t give you the rise you need. Use an oven thermometer to check.
- Not Enough Baking Powder: Double-check that you’re using fresh baking powder; expired baking powder can lead to flat biscuits.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your homemade biscuits fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place biscuits in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked biscuits on a baking sheet and then transfer to a zip-top bag; bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Common Questions
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cut out the biscuits, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover biscuits?
The best way to reheat biscuits is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their flaky texture.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe, as they are already included in the self-rising flour.
Why are my biscuits dense?
Dense biscuits can result from overmixing the dough or using warm butter. Ensure you handle the dough gently and keep your butter very cold.
Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve mastered the art of homemade biscuits, it’s time to gather your loved ones around the table. Whether you enjoy them plain, slathered with jam, or as a side to your favorite dishes, these biscuits are sure to impress. Their fluffy, flaky texture and buttery flavor will make them a favorite in your household. So go ahead, whip up a batch of homemade biscuits and enjoy the simple pleasure they bring.
There’s magic in homemade biscuits, and once you taste them, you’ll never look back!
Homemade Biscuits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Step 3: Cut in the Butter - Add cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and cut in using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 4: Add the Buttermilk - Make a well in the mixture and pour in buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Shape the Biscuits - Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat into a rectangle, and cut out shapes or drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake - Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 7: Enjoy! - Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Freeze uncooked biscuits on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for longer storage.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
