A batch of homemade butter biscuits can transform any meal into something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside a hearty soup, serving them with gravy for breakfast, or simply eating them with a dollop of jam, these fluffy, buttery biscuits will become your new go-to recipe. Simple to make, extra buttery, and with just the right texture, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing on top)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help your biscuits bake up beautifully tall and golden brown. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. The sugar adds just a slight sweetness, perfect for balancing out the butter.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold—this will create the flaky layers in your biscuits!
Step 4: Add Milk
Pour in the milk (or buttermilk if using). Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be a bit shaggy and rough.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just 3-4 times. Over-kneading will make the biscuits tough, so keep it light. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
Step 6: Cut the Biscuits
Use a round biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter) to cut out the biscuits. Don’t twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Simply press down and lift.
Step 7: Bake
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together for soft sides or spread out for more crispy edges. Brush the tops of each biscuit with melted butter for a beautiful golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve immediately! Enjoy them while they’re warm, and don’t forget the extra butter or your favorite jam.
Cooking Notes & Tips
- Cold Butter Is Key: For flaky layers, keep the butter as cold as possible when you work it into the flour.
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: Biscuit dough is delicate. Overmixing will result in dense biscuits, so handle it gently.
- Freezing the Dough: You can freeze unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Buttermilk vs. Milk: If you have buttermilk on hand, it will add an extra tang and richness to the biscuits.
Variations
1. Cheddar Biscuits
Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients for a savory twist on this buttery classic. These go perfectly with soups and stews!
2. Garlic Butter Biscuits
Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the dry ingredients and brush the biscuits with a garlic butter (melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley) after baking.
3. Herb Biscuits
Stir in 1 tablespoon dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a fragrant herbal twist. Great with roasted meats or as a side for pasta dishes.
4. Sweet Biscuits
Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the dry ingredients and drizzle the biscuits with a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk after baking for a sweet treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, cut the biscuits, and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
For a softer biscuit, you can substitute cake flour or self-rising flour. Just omit the baking powder if you’re using self-rising flour.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore some of the warmth and crispness.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, real butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may not provide the same flaky, rich layers.
There’s nothing quite like a warm, fluffy butter biscuit straight out of the oven. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them with your favorite topping, this simple recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these biscuits are perfect for any meal.
Give them a try today, and let the buttery magic begin!
