Best Homemade Biscuits: The Ultimate Biscuit Recipe
Introduction to Best Homemade Biscuits
Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked biscuits filling your kitchen. There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade biscuits, and they can elevate any meal, from breakfast to dinner. This recipe will guide you through crafting the perfect fluffy biscuits that are easy to make and sure to impress anyone at your table.
A Personal Story Behind My Best Homemade Biscuits Journey
Growing up, biscuits were a staple in my family. My grandmother had a special touch when it came to baking, and her biscuits were the highlight of our Sunday family gatherings. I remember watching her carefully mix the ingredients, her hands dusted with flour, as she shared stories of her childhood. Today, I cherish those memories and strive to recreate her famous biscuits, sharing this joy with friends and family.
What Makes This Best Homemade Biscuits Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the use of grated frozen butter, which ensures a light and flaky texture. The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and buttermilk creates a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with butter or jam. Plus, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have homemade biscuits ready in under 30 minutes!
The Full Best Homemade Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, frozen
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk (or ½ cup of each)
- Milk, buttermilk, cream, or melted butter, optional, for brushing on biscuit tops
Instructions
- Place the butter in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Tip: Chilling the butter helps create that flaky texture we all love.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. Tip: Make sure to aerate your flour for a lighter biscuit.
- Grate the frozen butter using a box grater. Add the butter to the bowl and mix it into the dry ingredients using a fork. Tip: This method keeps the butter pieces large, which contributes to flakiness.
- Pour 1 cup of milk or buttermilk into the bowl and stir with a fork until the dough comes together. If the dough seems dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more milk or buttermilk. Tip: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Pat the dough into a 1 ½-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half on top of itself and pat it down into another 1 ½-inch thick rectangle. Repeat the folding process 4 to 6 times, then press the dough down into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Tip: Be gentle—overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits.
- Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits, pressing straight down into the dough without twisting. Gather the scraps, pat the dough out to 1-inch thickness again, and finish cutting out all the biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Tip: A straight cut helps the biscuits rise evenly.
- Optionally, brush the biscuit tops with milk, buttermilk, cream, or melted butter. Bake for 13 to 16 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown. Tip: Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary by oven.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Best Homemade Biscuits
These biscuits can be enjoyed warm straight out of the oven, slathered with butter or your favorite jam. They also make an excellent base for breakfast sandwiches. Consider adding crispy bacon, fried eggs, or even a slice of cheese. For a savory twist, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Homemade Biscuits
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, you can substitute self-rising flour for all-purpose flour and omit the baking powder and salt.
How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: 220
Servings: 12
Best Homemade Biscuits
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter frozen
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- milk, buttermilk, cream, or melted butter optional for brushing
Instructions
- Place the butter in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Grate the frozen butter using a box grater. Add the butter to the bowl and mix it into the dry ingredients using a fork.
- Pour 1 cup of milk or buttermilk into the bowl and stir with a fork until the dough comes together. If the dough seems dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more milk or buttermilk.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Pat the dough into a 1 ½-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half on top of itself and pat it down into another 1 ½-inch thick rectangle. Repeat the folding process 4 to 6 times, then press the dough down into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits, pressing straight down into the dough without twisting. Gather the scraps, pat the dough out to 1-inch thickness again, and finish cutting out all the biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optionally, brush the biscuit tops with milk, buttermilk, cream, or melted butter. Bake for 13 to 16 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown.