Creating homemade biscuits that are soft, buttery, and perfectly flaky is easier than ever with this tried-and-true recipe. We use all butter, no shortening, to make these biscuits rich in flavor and incredibly tender. In this guide, we’ll break down each step, provide key tips for flawless results, and share detailed ingredient notes to help you make the best biscuits from scratch every time.
Ingredients for Perfect Biscuits
For six large, fluffy biscuits, you’ll need these simple yet essential ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (very cold, about 85g, European preferred but optional)
- ¾ cup whole milk (177ml) – Buttermilk or 2% milk can also be used
Recommended Equipment
- Box grater – to finely shred the butter for optimal flakiness
- Biscuit cutter (2 ¾” round) – for perfect circles
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Biscuits
1. Prep for Success
Ensure your butter is exceptionally cold by placing it in the freezer for 10-20 minutes before starting. Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts, resulting in layers and flakiness. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This sifting process aerates the flour and ensures even distribution of the leavening agent, which will help create airy, fluffy biscuits.
3. Prepare the Butter
Using a box grater, grate the cold butter directly into the flour mixture. Grating the butter gives small, even pieces that distribute well within the flour. If preferred, a pastry cutter can be used to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Visible bits of butter indicate that the dough is properly prepared for flakiness.
4. Add the Milk
Pour the milk into the butter-flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be a bit shaggy and slightly sticky. Avoid over-mixing, as this can develop gluten, which may lead to denser biscuits.
5. Shape the Dough for Flaky Layers
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and lightly work it together with your hands. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of flour on top. To create the ideal layers, gently fold the dough in half, press it down, rotate 90 degrees, and fold again. Repeat this folding process 5-6 times to build up the flaky layers that make these biscuits exceptional.
6. Cut the Biscuits
Flatten the dough to about 1-inch thickness, using your hands rather than a rolling pin. Use a 2 ¾” biscuit cutter to cut out round biscuits, pressing the cutter straight down without twisting to maintain layers. Place biscuits close together, about ½ inch apart, on the prepared baking sheet to encourage a better rise.
7. Bake the Biscuits
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. If desired, brush the tops with melted salted butter as soon as they come out of the oven to enhance their rich flavor. Serve warm for the best experience.
Tips for Perfect, Flaky Biscuits
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and milk are essential. Chilling the butter in the freezer for 10-20 minutes helps create flakiness by preventing it from melting too quickly during baking.
- Minimal Dough Handling: Overworking the dough warms the butter, affecting texture and risking dense, tough biscuits.
- Laminating Technique: Folding the dough several times creates flaky layers. This step is key to achieving bakery-quality biscuits.
- Look for Butter Specks: Small pieces of butter visible in the dough signal a good texture, as they’ll melt and steam in the oven, creating layers.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
1. Butter Substitutes
Although unsalted butter is preferred for its flavor, shortening can be used if necessary. However, using butter results in richer taste and better texture. European butter with higher fat content enhances flavor, but it’s not required.
2. Milk Options
This recipe works with whole milk, 2% milk, or buttermilk. Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess and can also improve tenderness. If substituting with non-dairy milk, select unsweetened almond or oat milk for similar results.
3. Adding Cheese or Herbs
For a twist, consider adding shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or fresh herbs such as chives or thyme. Fold these ingredients into the dough after incorporating the milk for flavored, savory biscuits.
Common Biscuit-Making Mistakes and Solutions
1. Butter Melting Before Baking
If the butter melts before baking, the biscuits lose their flakiness. Ensure the butter stays cold by chilling it right before use. Avoid over-mixing, as the heat from your hands can soften the butter too much.
2. Tough Biscuits
Overworking the dough leads to dense, tough biscuits. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and handle the dough gently. If possible, use a wooden spoon to prevent unnecessary gluten development.
3. Uneven Rising
Biscuits rise best when placed close together, about ½ inch apart, on the baking sheet. This way, they push against each other, rising higher and resulting in a softer texture.
FAQs
1. Why Are My Biscuits Not Rising?
Check your baking powder’s expiration date; old leavening agents lose potency. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F before baking to achieve the correct rise.
2. Can I Freeze Biscuit Dough?
Yes, this dough freezes well! After cutting out each round, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen pieces to a resealable bag and bake from frozen when needed, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I Use Self-Rising Flour?
If you have self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt in the recipe. However, all-purpose flour allows for better control over the leavening process.
4. How Do I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.
5. Can I Add Flavors to the Biscuits?
Absolutely! Add-ins like grated cheese, fresh herbs, or even cooked bacon pieces can enhance your baked treats. Mix them into the dry ingredients before adding the milk for even distribution.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 13g
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enjoy these warm, buttery treats with a pat of salted butter, honey, or fruit preserves for a classic taste. They also make an excellent side dish for breakfast plates, hearty soups, or stews. For a unique option, split them open and serve with gravy or scrambled eggs for a satisfying meal.
Pro tip: If serving biscuits at a gathering, consider setting out a small selection of toppings, like honey butter, whipped cream cheese, and jam, to give guests a delightful, customizable experience.
