Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and flaky biscuit recipe, you’ve come to the right place. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite dishes. With a buttery flavor and a light, airy texture, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this easy recipe to whip up a batch of warm, freshly baked biscuits in no time!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
¾ cup buttermilk, cold
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 biscuits
Follow these steps to create wonderful homemade biscuits that will elevate any meal. Preheat your oven and gather your ingredients, then enjoy the simple yet rewarding process of baking. Serve them warm and watch how quickly they disappear!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and baking soda until well combined.
Incorporate Butter
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, quickly work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Add Buttermilk
Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour and butter mixture. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky and shaggy.
Form the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
Fold for Layers
Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then rotate it 90 degrees. Pat it out again into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Repeat this folding and patting process two more times to create flaky layers.
Cut Biscuits
Using a 2.5-inch round biscuit cutter, press straight down into the dough without twisting to cut out biscuits. Gather any scraps, gently re-pat the dough, and cut additional biscuits.
Prepare for Baking
Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are close together but not touching.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Butter Temperature
Ensure that the butter remains cold throughout the process for flaky biscuits.
Buttermilk Substitute
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Storage
Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or can be frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating your oven ensures that your biscuits bake evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisking the dry ingredients together helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring a uniform rise in your biscuits.
Incorporating Cold Butter
Cold butter creates steam during baking, leading to flaky layers in the biscuits. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate it quickly into the flour.
Adding Buttermilk
Using cold buttermilk adds moisture and flavor to the dough. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the biscuits tough.
Kneading the Dough
Knead the dough gently a few times to bring it together without overworking it. This helps maintain the light, flaky texture.
Folding for Layers
Folding the dough creates layers. This technique helps to achieve the flaky texture characteristic of biscuits.
Cutting Biscuits
Cutting the biscuits straight down without twisting ensures that the edges remain straight, allowing them to rise properly.
Baking
Placing the biscuits close together promotes rising, leading to tender sides. Bake until golden brown for the best flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of flour?
Using different flours, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, may affect the texture and rise of the biscuits.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Can I freeze the biscuit dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before cutting it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to a month.
Why are my biscuits not rising?
Insufficient leavening agents, overmixing the dough, or using cold ingredients can prevent biscuits from rising properly.
Conclusion
These homemade biscuits, with their flaky layers and buttery richness, are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to any meal. Their straightforward preparation ensures that anyone can enjoy a delicious, warm biscuit right out of the oven. Whether paired with gravy, jam, or simply enjoyed plain, these biscuits are sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheddar and Chive Biscuits
Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives to the dough for a savory twist.
Herb-Infused Biscuits
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of your favorite dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dry ingredients for a fragrant flavor.
Sweet Honey Butter Biscuits
Drizzle your baked biscuits with honey and serve with a side of whipped butter mixed with a bit of honey for a sweet treat.
Bacon and Green Onion Biscuits
Mix in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 1/4 cup of sliced green onions for a hearty and savory addition.
Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits
For a sweet version, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the top of the biscuits before baking for a delightful breakfast option.
Chocolate Chip Biscuits
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a delicious dessert twist on traditional biscuits.
