There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked homemade biscuits wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a side for dinner, or slathered with jam for a snack, these flaky, buttery biscuits are a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect homemade biscuits from scratch.
Why This Homemade Biscuits Recipe Works
The Secret to Flaky, Tender Biscuits
The key to achieving flaky, tender biscuits lies in the technique. By using cold butter and handling the dough gently, you create layers that puff up beautifully in the oven. The result? Biscuits that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Why Buttermilk is a Game-Changer
Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps activate the baking powder, giving your biscuits a light and airy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, check out our guide on 5 Best Buttermilk Substitutes for Baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Biscuits
Choosing the Right Flour
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. It has the perfect protein content to create a tender crumb without being too dense.
The Role of Cold Butter
Cold butter is essential for creating those flaky layers. When the butter melts in the oven, it releases steam, which lifts the dough and creates pockets of air.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Biscuits
How to Mix the Dough Without Overworking It
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of sugar.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Folding the Dough for Perfect Layers
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently fold it over itself 3-4 times to create layers.
Cutting and Shaping the Biscuits
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut out biscuits using a round biscuit cutter. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Biscuits
Keeping Ingredients Cold
Make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold. This helps create those flaky layers.
Handling the Dough Gently
Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Handle it as little as possible.
Baking Temperature and Time
Bake the biscuits in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in dense biscuits.
Using Warm Butter
Warm butter won’t create the steam needed for flaky layers.
Not Preheating the Oven
A hot oven is crucial for achieving the perfect rise and golden color.
Variations and Add-Ins for Homemade Biscuits
Cheese and Herb Biscuits
Add shredded cheddar cheese and chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the dough for a savory twist.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits
Brush the baked biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Gluten-Free Biscuit Options
Make delicious, fluffy biscuits without gluten by using gluten-free flour blends. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, these biscuits can be just as light and tender as traditional ones. Add your favorite herbs, cheese, or sweet toppings to customize!
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Biscuits
Storing at Room Temperature
Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing for Later Use
Wrap the biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Reheating for Maximum Freshness
To reheat, place the biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a food processor can be used to cut the butter into the flour. Just pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
You can use plain yogurt thinned with milk or a mixture of milk and lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
Replace the butter with vegan butter and the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Biscuits
With Gravy for a Southern Classic
Pair your biscuits with a rich, creamy gravy. Try our Classic Southern Gravy Recipe for the ultimate comfort food experience.
As a Side for Soups and Stews
Biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to hearty soups and stews.
With Jam or Honey for Breakfast
Serve warm biscuits with your favorite jam or a drizzle of honey for a sweet start to your day.
Homemade Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar optional
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk until the dough just comes together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and fold it 3-4 times.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut out biscuits.
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for flaky biscuits. If the butter starts to soften, pop the dough in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Use a Sharp Cutter: A sharp biscuit cutter ensures clean edges, which helps the biscuits rise evenly. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent rising.
Variations to Try
- Cheese and Herb Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) to the dough.
- Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits: Brush the baked biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Gluten-Free Biscuits: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check out our guide on Gluten-Free Baking: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Flat Biscuits: This can happen if the butter was too warm or the dough was overworked. Make sure to use cold ingredients and handle the dough gently.
- Dry Biscuits: If your biscuits turn out dry, you may have added too much flour. Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Uneven Rising: Ensure your baking powder is fresh and your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Storing and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
- Reheating: To restore freshness, wrap the biscuits in foil and warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes.