Angel Biscuits are a delightful blend of traditional biscuits and yeast rolls. They are light, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. These biscuits are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Baking & Spices:
- 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast
- 5 1/2 cups Lilly self-rising flour, white
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/3 cup sugar
Dairy:
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups buttermilk
Liquids:
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Lilly self-rising flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cut in the Shortening
- Add the shortening to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
Step 6: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently a few times until the dough comes together.
Step 7: Roll and Cut the Biscuits
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough with a biscuit cutter or a glass to form individual biscuits.
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are close together but not touching.
Step 8: Let the Biscuits Rise
- Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the biscuits rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Step 9: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 10: Bake the Biscuits
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 11: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm, optionally with more butter, honey, or your favorite preserves.
Cook Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and cutting the biscuits.
- Freezing: These biscuits freeze well. Freeze the unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Variations
Cheddar and Herb Angel Biscuits
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or thyme) to the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.
Sweet Angel Biscuits
- Increase the sugar to 1/2 cup and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Serve with sweet toppings like honey or fruit preserves.
Whole Wheat Angel Biscuits
- Substitute half of the self-rising flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. For each cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening. However, the texture of the biscuits may be slightly different, with butter yielding a richer flavor but possibly less flakiness.
Why are my biscuits not rising properly?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. The water used to activate the yeast should be warm, not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast. Also, allow the dough sufficient time to rise in a warm place.
What can I serve with Angel Biscuits?
Angel Biscuits are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as butter, honey, fruit preserves, gravy, or as a base for breakfast sandwiches.
Angel Biscuits are a delightful combination of the best qualities of both biscuits and rolls, offering a light, fluffy texture with a delicious buttery flavor. They are perfect for any meal and can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences. Enjoy making and eating these heavenly biscuits with your favorite dishes or on their own!
