Fluffy, buttery, and tender, Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are a staple for any breakfast or brunch. These biscuits are simple to make with just a few ingredients and are perfect for serving with butter, jam, or as the base for biscuits and gravy. Using buttermilk gives them a slight tang and ensures they stay soft and moist.
Ingredients for Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup salted butter, cold and cubed
- 1¼ cup buttermilk, cold
Instructions for Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined.
3. Cut in the Butter
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. The key to flaky biscuits is keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough.
4. Add the Buttermilk
- Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
5. Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently 4-5 times, just until it holds together. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the biscuits tough.
6. Shape the Biscuits
- Pat the dough into a rectangle or circle about 1-inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter or a floured glass, cut out biscuits. Gently re-roll the scraps and cut out additional biscuits.
7. Bake the Biscuits
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re close together for taller, fluffier biscuits.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
8. Serve
- Remove the biscuits from the oven and brush the tops with a little melted butter if desired. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Cold Ingredients: Keeping the butter and buttermilk cold is essential for achieving flaky layers in the biscuits. Cold butter creates steam as it melts during baking, which helps the biscuits rise.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Over-mixing or kneading the dough too much can result in tough, dense biscuits. Work the dough just until it comes together.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1¼ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes
Variations for Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
1. Cheddar Biscuits
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of garlic powder into the dough for cheesy, savory biscuits.
2. Herbed Biscuits
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the dough for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
3. Sweet Biscuits
- For a slightly sweeter biscuit, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients. These biscuits are perfect for serving with fruit preserves or whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze biscuit dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the biscuits to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
3. Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, just add an additional ½ teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to maintain the flavor balance.
A Classic, Fluffy Biscuit Recipe
These Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are a must-have recipe for any kitchen. Whether you’re making a batch for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for dinner, the tender, flaky layers and buttery flavor will make them a favorite. Enjoy them with your favorite spreads or alongside savory dishes for the perfect comforting bite!
