There's something special about the comfort of a warm, flaky biscuit straight out of the oven. Whether you're pairing them with a hearty stew, slathering them with butter and jam, or using them to soak up gravy, biscuits are a timeless kitchen favorite. Best of all, they're surprisingly simple to make at home! With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of technique, you can whip up a batch of biscuits that are buttery, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make about 8-10 biscuits, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional but adds a touch of sweetness)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the tops, optional)
Why the Ingredients Work
The cold butter gives the biscuits their flaky layers, while the buttermilk makes the dough tender and adds a tangy flavor. Baking powder and baking soda provide the rise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Measure and set out all your ingredients to make the process easier.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents for a consistent rise across all biscuits.
3. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork it; small chunks of butter are what create flaky layers.
4. Add the Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk, stirring gently with a fork or spatula until the dough just comes together. It’s okay if it looks a little shaggy or sticky—that’s what you want! Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
5. Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Pat or roll it into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Fold the dough in thirds (like folding a letter), then rotate it and pat it back into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Do this 2-3 times to create layers.
6. Cut Out the Biscuits
Use a round biscuit cutter or a floured glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to help the biscuits rise evenly. Gather the scraps, gently reshape, and cut out additional biscuits.
7. Bake
Place the biscuits on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re close but not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
8. Optional Finishing Touch
For an extra golden sheen and flavor, brush the tops with melted butter while they’re still warm from the oven.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
- Keep everything cold: The butter and buttermilk should be chilled to prevent the butter from melting before baking. You can even chill your flour and mixing bowl for best results.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it light and fluffy.
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for maximum rise.
- Spacing matters: For softer biscuits with flaky edges, place them close together on the pan. For crispier edges, space them further apart.
How to Enjoy Your Biscuits
Biscuits are endlessly versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving them:
- Classic savory pairings: Serve with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage, or smother them in creamy sausage gravy.
- Sweet treats: Top with honey, jam, or marmalade for a delightful snack or breakfast option.
- Upgrade with toppings: Add shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or fresh herbs to the dough for a flavor-packed twist.
- Shortcakes: Slice the biscuits in half and use them as the base for dessert shortcakes, loaded with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
A Biscuit That Feels Like Home
Homemade biscuits are much more than a side dish. They’re a reminder of simple joys, made with love and a little patience. Once you master this easy recipe, you’ll have a recipe you can turn to for busy mornings, cozy dinners, or just because. And trust me, these biscuits won’t last long on the table—with one bite, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
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