Fluffy Butter Biscuits

Fluffy Butter Biscuits are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that can elevate any meal. With their golden, flaky crust and tender, buttery interior, these biscuits are the perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite savory dishes. Whether served with jam, gravy, or just a smear of butter, these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about homemade biscuits. The soft, airy texture paired with a rich buttery flavor makes them irresistible. This recipe for fluffy butter biscuits is simple yet delivers impressive results. The use of cold butter and buttermilk ensures the perfect combination of flakiness and tenderness, while a hint of sweetness (optional) balances the savory flavor. These biscuits are quick to make and will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).

3. Add the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter.

4. Gradually add the cold buttermilk and stir gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it holds together. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.

6. Fold the dough over itself three times (like folding a letter), then press it back into a rectangle again. This will help create the flaky layers.

7. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut the dough into rounds, pressing straight down without twisting to ensure fluffy layers.

8. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together for soft sides, or spaced apart for crispier edges.

9. Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little extra buttermilk for a golden finish.

10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and puffed up.

11. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 8 biscuits.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheddar Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients for a cheesy twist.

• Herb Biscuits: Stir in 1-2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.

• Garlic Biscuits: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough or brush the finished biscuits with garlic butter for a savory touch.

• Sweet Biscuits: Increase the sugar to 2 tbsp and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a sweeter version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

• Reheating: To reheat, wrap biscuits in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual biscuits for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds to the texture and flavor, helping the biscuits rise and become tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use a mixture of regular milk and 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar effect.

2. Why do I need cold butter for these biscuits?

Cold butter is key to creating flaky layers in biscuits. When baked, the cold butter creates steam as it melts, which helps to separate the dough layers and results in a light, flaky texture.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to handle the dough gently when you’re ready to bake.

4. Can I use a food processor to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a food processor to cut the butter into the flour. Just pulse a few times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process.

5. What can I use if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?

You can use a glass or any round object with a smooth edge to cut the biscuits. Just make sure to press down firmly and don’t twist to keep the layers intact.

6. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Shape the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I make these biscuits without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar completely if you prefer a more savory biscuit. The sugar is optional and is just for a slight sweetness.

8. Why are my biscuits dense?

If your biscuits turn out dense, it could be due to overworking the dough or using warm butter. Try handling the dough gently and ensuring the butter is cold for a lighter texture.

9. How do I prevent my biscuits from sticking to the baking sheet?

Using parchment paper or lightly greasing the baking sheet will prevent the biscuits from sticking. You can also use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

10. Can I add other flavorings to the biscuits?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavorings, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chopped nuts for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Fluffy Butter Biscuits are a timeless comfort food that’s simple to make and sure to impress. Their soft, tender texture and buttery flavor make them a perfect addition to any meal. With the versatility to add cheese, herbs, or even a touch of sweetness, you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these biscuits will bring warmth and satisfaction to your kitchen in no time.