For those who love the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, these homemade biscuits are the perfect solution. They’re deliciously soft and flaky, with a rich buttery flavor that will elevate any meal. With just a few common pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful biscuits in no time.
All the ingredients required for this recipe are standard pantry staples. The one item you may need to specifically pick up is baking powder, a leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise. Also, remember to use unsalted butter to have control over the sodium content. You can find these at any supermarket.
Ingredients for Homemade Biscuits
All-purpose flour: A basic ingredient in any baking recipe, this provides the structure for your biscuits.
Baking powder: A key ingredient that helps the biscuits puff up and become light and airy.
Baking soda: Another leavening agent, which reacts with the acid in the milk to help the biscuits rise.
Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to contrast with the savory flavor of the biscuits.
Kosher salt: Enhances the other flavors in the biscuits.
Butter: Gives the biscuits a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, helping to bind the ingredients together and make the biscuits soft and fluffy.
One reader, Dietrich Guardado says:
These homemade biscuits are a game-changer! The recipe is so easy to follow and the biscuits turn out fluffy and delicious every time. They're perfect for breakfast or as a side for dinner. I love how versatile and comforting they are. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Biscuit-Making Techniques You Need to Know
How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine.
How to cut in butter: Add cold butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture has a somewhat crumbly texture with small bits of butter about the size of a pea.
How to incorporate milk: Gently stir the milk into the flour mixture a little bit at a time until the dough becomes somewhat cohesive but slightly sticky. It should start to pull away from the bowl. You may not need all of the milk.
How to knead dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it about 10 times until it becomes smooth. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
How to shape and cut biscuits: Gently pat out the dough until it’s 1-inch thick, then use a large biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on a large baking sheet. Pat out any remaining dough and repeat the cutting out process.
How to bake biscuits: Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
How To Make Homemade Biscuits
Biscuits are best when they’re just out of the oven. Serve them alongside some gravy or your favorite roast. Try our homemade biscuits recipe.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- 4tspbaking powder
- ¼ tspbaking soda
- 1tspsugar
- ½tspkosher salt
- ⅓cupbuttercold and cut into small cubes
- ¾ cupmilkor as needed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
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In a large bowl add flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine.
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Add cold butter and cut in using a pastry blender (or fork). You’re looking for a somewhat crumbly texture. You want to see small bits of butter about the size of a pea.
-
Gently stir the milk into the flour a little bit at a time. The mixture will somewhat cohesive but slightly sticky. It should also start to pull away from the bowl. You may not need all of the milk.
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Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead about 10 times or until the mixture smooth. If the dough is super sticky or sticks to the surface add a little more flour. If too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
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Gently pat out the dough until it’s 1-inch thick. Then using a large biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on a large baking sheet.
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Pat out any remaining dough and repeat the cutting out process.
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Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1893.38kcal
- Fat: 192.36g
- Saturated Fat: 121.20g
- Trans Fat: 7.44g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 49.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.51g
- Carbohydrates: 36.77g
- Fiber: 0.85g
- Sugar: 13.07g
- Protein: 12.85g
- Cholesterol: 512.45mg
- Sodium: 1570.62mg
- Calcium: 504.26mg
- Potassium: 410.12mg
- Iron: 1.83mg
- Vitamin A: 1664.92µg
Pro Tip for Perfect Biscuits Every Time
When working with the biscuit dough, it's important to handle it as little as possible. Over-kneading can lead to tough, dense biscuits. The goal is to keep the butter cold - when it melts in the oven, it creates steam pockets, which results in a flaky, tender biscuit. So, remember, less is more when it comes to kneading biscuit dough.
Time-Saving Tips for Homemade Biscuits
Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. This will save time and make the process more efficient.
Use a food processor: Instead of cutting in the butter by hand, use a food processor to quickly incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients.
Chill the butter: Place the butter in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before using it. This will make it easier to cut into the flour mixture and will result in flakier biscuits.
Bake in batches: If your oven is not large enough to accommodate all the biscuits at once, bake them in batches to ensure even cooking.
Keep it simple: Stick to the basic recipe without adding extra ingredients or steps to save time and maintain the authenticity of the homemade biscuits.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Biscuits Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative with a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: This combination can be used as a leavening agent, but use only 1/3 of the amount of baking powder called for in the recipe.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute, but you will need to use three times the amount of baking powder as the baking soda called for in the recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and moisture to the biscuits, but reduce the amount of milk in the recipe when using honey.
kosher salt - Substitute with table salt: Table salt can be used in the same quantity as kosher salt, but it is finer, so it may be more intense in flavor.
butter - Substitute with shortening: Shortening can be used as a dairy-free alternative, but it may result in a slightly different texture and flavor.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor and tenderness to the biscuits, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.
Creative Ways to Serve Biscuits
Elevate the biscuit: Place the biscuit on a beautifully crafted plate to showcase its golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior.
Garnish with butter: Present a quenelle of whipped butter on the side of the biscuit, adding a touch of elegance and richness to the dish.
Add a touch of green: Place a small sprig of fresh parsley or chives on top of the biscuit for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve with a drizzle of honey: Drizzle a small amount of local honey over the biscuit to add a touch of sweetness and elevate the flavor profile.
Accompany with a side of jam: Serve the biscuit with a side of homemade fruit jam or preserves in a small ramekin for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Present on a wooden board: For a rustic touch, serve the biscuits on a wooden serving board, adding a warm and inviting element to the presentation.
Use a linen napkin: Place the biscuits on a linen napkin to add a touch of sophistication and create a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the plate with a few edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums to add a delicate and beautiful touch to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Biscuits
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients and cutting in the butter to make the biscuit dough.
Pastry blender: This tool is used to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients, creating a crumbly texture for the biscuit dough.
Biscuit cutter: A biscuit cutter is used to cut out the biscuit shapes from the dough before baking.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Biscuits
- Allow the biscuits to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled biscuits in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- To keep the biscuits fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the biscuits:
- Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped biscuits in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen biscuits:
- Remove the desired number of biscuits from the freezer.
- Unwrap the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the biscuits for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual biscuits on high for 20-30 seconds, or until warm.
- For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the biscuits in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- Leftover biscuits can be used for various recipes, such as breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, or as a topping for casseroles and pot pies.
How To Reheat Leftover Biscuits
To reheat leftover biscuits, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and have regained their crispy texture. This method helps to preserve the moisture and prevent the biscuits from drying out.
Another option is to use a microwave. Wrap each biscuit in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds, or until they are heated through. The damp paper towel will help to keep the biscuits moist and prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, try reheating your biscuits in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cut the biscuits in half and place them cut-side down in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your biscuits quickly and easily. Place the biscuits on the toaster oven rack and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a unique twist, try transforming your leftover biscuits into a delicious breakfast treat. Cut the biscuits in half and spread them with jam, honey, or butter. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized on top.
Interesting Trivia About Biscuits
The homemade biscuits recipe is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed with butter and jam.
Is Making Biscuits at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade biscuits recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, and milk, it offers a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5. The versatility of this recipe makes it a great addition to any meal, from breakfast to dinner. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.
Are Homemade Biscuits Healthy?
The homemade biscuits recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutrients found in whole grain flours.
- Butter is used as the primary fat source, which is high in saturated fat.
- The recipe contains added sugar, which provides empty calories without any nutritional value.
- There is no mention of any fiber-rich ingredients, such as whole grains or vegetables, which are essential for a balanced diet.
However, the recipe does have some redeeming qualities:
- It uses a moderate amount of salt, which is important for flavor and can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
- Milk provides some protein and calcium, although the recipe does not specify the type of milk used.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or other whole grain flours like oat, spelt, or quinoa flour. This will increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of butter used and replace some of it with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or mashed avocado. This will help lower the saturated fat content while still maintaining a rich texture.
- Omit the added sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in a smaller quantity. This will reduce the empty calories without compromising the flavor too much.
- Add some grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the dough to increase the fiber content and provide some extra nutrients. This can also help keep the biscuits moist and tender.
- Use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond milk or yogurt, to reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
Editor's Take on This Biscuit Recipe
This homemade biscuit recipe is a classic and foolproof way to make delicious biscuits from scratch. The combination of simple ingredients and clear instructions makes it easy for anyone to achieve perfect, flaky biscuits. The use of cold butter and careful handling of the dough ensures a tender texture and buttery flavor. The high baking temperature creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. These biscuits are versatile and can be enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings. Overall, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking to master the art of homemade biscuits.
Why trust this Homemade Biscuits Recipe:
This homemade biscuit recipe is a tried and true classic, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With a perfect balance of butter and flour, these biscuits are light, flaky, and irresistibly delicious. The precise measurements of baking powder and baking soda ensure that they rise to perfection every time. Trust in the simplicity and reliability of this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with golden, buttery biscuits that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them alongside a hearty stew or enjoying them with a dollop of honey, these biscuits are a testament to the timeless art of homemade baking.
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