Homemade Biscuits Recipe
Nothing compares to the warm, buttery, and fluffy goodness of homemade biscuits. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, alongside dinner, or simply as a snack, biscuits are a comfort food that brings a sense of hominess to any meal. This easy recipe will guide you through the steps to create light, flaky biscuits from scratch.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need only a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to make approximately 12 biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet biscuit)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). A hot oven is essential for getting the biscuits to rise and develop a nice, golden crust.
2. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar if using. Whisk them together to ensure all the dry ingredients are well distributed.
Baking powder is the leavening agent that will give your biscuits their rise. Salt adds flavor, and a touch of sugar can balance the savory richness with a hint of sweetness.
3. Cut in the Butter
The key to flaky biscuits is cold butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the 1/2 cup of cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
The butter should be in small pea-sized pieces. These little pockets of butter are what will melt in the oven, creating steam and producing the flaky layers we love in biscuits.
4. Add the Milk
Gradually pour in the 3/4 cup of milk (or buttermilk if you prefer a richer flavor). Stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough starts to come together.
Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as that can result in dense biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky and soft but not wet.
5. Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently 4-5 times to bring it together. Avoid over-kneading, as it can cause the biscuits to be tough.
If the dough is sticking to your hands or surface, sprinkle a bit more flour. However, resist the urge to add too much extra flour, as this could dry out the dough.
6. Roll Out the Dough
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. If you prefer taller, fluffier biscuits, you can roll it to 3/4 inch thick.
Roll from the center outwards, turning the dough occasionally to prevent sticking. Remember to keep a light hand when rolling; you don’t want to compress the dough too much.
7. Cut Out the Biscuits
Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass dipped in flour to cut out your biscuits. Press straight down without twisting, as twisting can seal the edges of the biscuits and prevent them from rising properly.
Re-roll any scraps and continue cutting until you’ve used up all the dough.
8. Bake
Arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet. You can place them close together if you like softer sides, or further apart for crispier edges.
Brush the tops with melted butter if desired, then bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits have risen nicely.
9. Serve
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. For an extra indulgent treat, brush the tops with more melted butter. Serve them warm with butter, honey, or jam. They also pair wonderfully with gravy, fried chicken, or any of your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
- Keep Your Butter Cold
Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits. If your butter softens while cutting it into the flour, you can place the whole bowl in the freezer for a few minutes to chill before adding the milk. - Don’t Overwork the Dough
Over-kneading or over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough biscuits. Handle the dough as little as possible for light, fluffy results. - Use Buttermilk for Extra Flavor
If you want tangy, more flavorful biscuits, substitute regular milk with buttermilk. Buttermilk adds a slight sourness that complements the richness of the butter, making for an even tastier biscuit. - Baking Powder Freshness
Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Expired baking powder won’t provide the lift your biscuits need, resulting in flat biscuits. To test, add a teaspoon of baking powder to hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s still good. - Adjust Baking Time for Thickness
If your biscuits are thicker than 1/2 inch, you may need to increase the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, which can make them dry.
Variations
- Cheesy Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Biscuits: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for added flavor.
- Sweet Biscuits: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweeter version, perfect for serving with whipped cream and berries.
Conclusion
Making homemade biscuits from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth the effort. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal steps, you can create light, flaky, and buttery biscuits that will rival anything you’d buy from the store. Whether enjoyed plain, with a smear of jam, or covered in gravy, these homemade biscuits are bound to become a family favorite.