If you’ve ever craved a warm, fluffy biscuit with a golden crust that melts in your mouth, this Butter Biscuits Recipe is exactly what you need. It strikes the perfect balance between tender crumb and flaky layers, made with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these biscuits bring comfort and joy with every bite, and once you try this Butter Biscuits Recipe, it might just become your go-to for breakfasts, dinners, or any time in between!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Butter Biscuits Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the biscuit’s texture, flavor, and rise, making this classic treat truly exceptional.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender base for the biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise beautifully and become light.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of subtle sweetness and promotes browning during baking.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The star ingredient for flaky, buttery layers—cold butter is key!
- 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk): Binds the dough together while contributing richness; buttermilk gives a tangy depth.
How to Make Butter Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your biscuits go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and help biscuits bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until they are well mixed. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning, which is crucial for that consistent rise and flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers, gently work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs dotted with pea-sized butter bits. Don’t overmix! These little pockets of butter are what create lovely flaky layers as they melt during baking.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Pour the milk slowly into your flour-butter mixture and stir with a spoon just until everything comes together. The dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable—not too wet or dry. Overworking here can make biscuits tough, so a gentle hand wins the day!
Step 5: Form the Dough and Layer
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Then fold the dough onto itself several times, which builds layers for flakiness, and finally press it down to about 1 inch thick again. This folding step makes all the difference for a perfect biscuit.
Step 6: Cut the Biscuits
Use a round biscuit cutter about 2 inches in diameter to cut out your biscuits. Place them on your prepared baking sheet close together so edges can brown and rise properly. Gather any scraps of dough, gently reshape, and cut out more biscuits.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake the biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when their tops turn a beautiful golden brown and they’ve puffed up nicely. The smell alone will have you ready to dive in.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the biscuits cool slightly on a wire rack after baking so they finish setting while still warm. Serve them with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite gravy to enjoy the full buttery bliss.
How to Serve Butter Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate your Butter Biscuits Recipe effortlessly—think a pat of fresh butter melting on warm biscuits, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. For a savory twist, try fresh herbs like chives or thyme mixed with softened butter.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are incredibly versatile. Pair them with classic dishes like fried chicken and gravy, hearty stews, or breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and bacon. The buttery texture complements both sweet and savory accompaniments beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Butter Biscuits Recipe stand out by creating biscuit sandwiches with ham, cheese, and a fried egg, or splitting them open to layer with pimento cheese or preserves. A biscuit board platter with jams, honey, and butter offers a delightful spread for brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (although rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked or baked biscuits. For unbaked, cut the dough and place biscuits on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag—bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. For baked biscuits, wrap tightly and freeze; reheat before serving.
Reheating
To bring your biscuits back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. For extra softness, wrap in foil during reheating or briefly microwave with a damp paper towel.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it will result in a denser biscuit with a nuttier flavor. You might want to mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk; can I use regular milk?
Absolutely! Regular milk works well in this Butter Biscuits Recipe. For added tang, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.
How important is it to keep the butter cold?
Very important! Cold butter creates steam pockets that produce flaky layers as it melts in the oven. If the butter warms up too much, biscuits won’t be as tender or flaky.
Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and swap milk for almond milk, soy milk, or another plant-based option. Texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Why should I avoid over-working the biscuit dough?
Over-mixing develops gluten, which can make biscuits tough instead of light and flaky. Mixing just until ingredients come together keeps them tender and helps maintain those delicate layers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade biscuits that can turn any meal into a celebration, and this Butter Biscuits Recipe delivers that magic every time. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying warm, flaky biscuits fresh from your own oven before you know it. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Butter Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade butter biscuits with a flaky texture and golden crust, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these biscuits are tender, buttery, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for a richer flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until all ingredients are well incorporated for even leavening and flavor.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter, which helps create flakiness.
- Add the Milk: Pour the milk into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Form the Biscuits: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Fold the dough over onto itself several times to develop layers, then press back to 1 inch thickness.
- Cut the Biscuits: Use a round biscuit cutter about 2 inches in diameter to cut biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather and re-roll any scraps to cut out additional biscuits.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and have risen nicely.
- Serve: Remove from oven and cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter, jam, or gravy for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a flaky texture in the biscuits.
- Buttermilk can be substituted for milk to add a richer flavor and tender crumb.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep biscuits light and fluffy.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven; watch for golden tops.
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
