Homemade Biscuits
Learn how to make flaky, buttery homemade biscuits from scratch with this easy recipe. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or snacks!
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.