There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the kitchen. Whether served warm with butter and jam for breakfast or alongside a hearty bowl of soup for dinner, homemade biscuits are a timeless favorite for many. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making these fluffy, buttery delights from scratch. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Baking & Spices:
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Baking powder
- 3/4 tsp Salt
Dairy:
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted (for brushing)
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk, cold
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut Out Biscuits: Using a floured biscuit cutter or a sharp knife, cut out biscuits from the dough. Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each biscuit.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the biscuits from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor and shine.
- Serve Warm: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite spreads, such as butter, jam, honey, or gravy.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Flour: You can use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a DIY buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Sweet Variation: For a sweeter version of biscuits, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the dry ingredients.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese into the dough before shaping for cheesy biscuits.
- Herb Biscuits: Add dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dry ingredients for a savory twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze the biscuit dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the biscuit dough after cutting it into shapes. Place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen biscuits to a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I store leftover biscuits? A: Allow the leftover biscuits to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the biscuits in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: Can I make gluten-free biscuits? A: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular all-purpose flour to make gluten-free biscuits. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly depending on the flour blend you use.
Keto-Friendly Version
For a keto-friendly version of biscuits, you can try the following substitutions:
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Use melted coconut oil or ghee instead of butter.
- Swap buttermilk for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Low-Carb Version
To make a low-carb version of biscuits, you can use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour. You can also reduce the amount of sweeteners or omit them altogether for savory biscuits.
In conclusion, homemade biscuits are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a comforting dinner, these fluffy delights are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these biscuits in no time. So next time you’re craving a taste of comfort, give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of homemade biscuits!
