Butter biscuits are classic, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth treats that are perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, and sugar, these biscuits have a rich, buttery flavor with a delicate, crumbly texture. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, as a snack, or even as a base for shortcakes, they are an absolute delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Requires only pantry staples.
- Easy to Make – A beginner-friendly recipe with minimal prep time.
- Versatile – Can be served plain, with jam, or alongside coffee and tea.
- Perfect Texture – Light, buttery, and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Stir in the sugar, then gradually add milk or heavy cream until a soft dough forms. If using, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Shape the Biscuits – Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits.
- Bake – Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve – Let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 biscuits
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Biscuits – Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
- Herb Butter Biscuits – Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.
- Sweeter Version – Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a slightly sweeter biscuit.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Chocolate Chip Biscuits – Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked biscuits in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I get my biscuits to be fluffy?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough to keep the texture light and flaky.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, cut out the biscuits, and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What is the best way to cut out biscuits?
Use a round biscuit cutter or a glass and press straight down without twisting to ensure even rising.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Why did my biscuits turn out dry?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can result in dry biscuits. Be sure to measure ingredients carefully and bake just until golden.
Can I add eggs to this recipe?
Traditional butter biscuits don’t require eggs, but adding one can create a slightly richer texture.
How do I make softer biscuits?
Use heavy cream instead of milk and brush the tops with butter right after baking.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes, buttermilk adds a slight tang and can make the biscuits even more tender.
What can I serve with butter biscuits?
Enjoy them with jam, honey, butter, or even as a side for soups and stews.
How do I store unbaked biscuit dough?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Conclusion
Butter biscuits are a timeless and versatile treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you like them plain, sweet, or savory, they always deliver a deliciously buttery flavor with a perfect crumbly texture. Easy to make and store, they are a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
PrintButter Biscuits
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 biscuits 1x
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade butter biscuits are soft, flaky, and incredibly easy to make. They require just a few simple ingredients and come together in no time. Enjoy them warm with butter, honey, or jam!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup (180ml) cold buttermilk (or whole milk)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Roll & Cut: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Gently pat it into a ¾-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits. Gather scraps and repeat.
- Bake: Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together for softer edges or spaced apart for crispier sides. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush & Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Notes
- For extra flaky biscuits, fold the dough over itself a few times before cutting.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
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