3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe: Craving a delicious homemade treat but short on time? Look no further than this 3-ingredient biscuit recipe! It’s simple, quick, and practically foolproof, making it the perfect addition to any meal.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone stepping into the kitchen for the first time, these biscuits are a go-to option. Ready in under 30 minutes, they deliver a buttery, flaky texture without the hassle of complex steps or long ingredient lists.
Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to creating soft, fluffy biscuits using just three basic ingredients you probably already have at home!
Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Biscuits
To whip up these easy biscuits, all you need are:
- Self-Rising Flour (2 cups) – Contains baking powder and salt, eliminating the need for extra leavening agents.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup) – Provides flavor and a flaky texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- No self-rising flour? Use all-purpose flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt per cup.
- Dairy-free option? Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of melted vegan butter.
- Add flavor twists! Toss in some shredded cheese, garlic powder, or chopped herbs for savory variations.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make the process even smoother, gather these tools before you start:
- Mixing bowl – For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk or fork – To blend the dough evenly.
- Biscuit cutter or glass – For shaping biscuits.
- Baking sheet – To bake your biscuits.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Pastry brush (optional) – For brushing butter on top for a golden finish.
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by measuring your ingredients accurately. Baking is as much science as it is art, so precision is key.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready once your biscuits are shaped.
- Grease the baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Measure 2 cups of self-rising flour and sift it into the mixing bowl to remove any lumps, ensuring a smoother dough.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and chill it to keep it cold—this is what helps create a flaky texture.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
- Add the cold butter to the flour. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix—it can lead to tough biscuits.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface for shaping.
Consistency Check:
The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a splash of cream. If it’s too wet, sprinkle a little more flour.
Step 3: Shaping the Biscuits
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle or rectangle.
- Use a biscuit cutter or round glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to help them rise evenly.
- Place the biscuits about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Pro Tip:
Want soft sides? Place the biscuits close together. Prefer crispy edges? Leave space between them.
Step 4: Baking the Biscuits
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Check for doneness by gently tapping the tops—they should sound hollow.
- For an extra buttery finish, brush melted butter on top as soon as they come out of the oven.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- Breakfast: Pair them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage gravy.
- Lunch/Dinner: Serve as a side dish with soups, stews, or roasted meats.
- Snacks: Enjoy them plain with honey, jam, or butter.
Tips for Storing Leftover Biscuits
No one wants their delicious biscuits to go stale, so proper storage is key. Here’s how you can keep them fresh for longer:
- Room Temperature Storage – Store biscuits in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 2 days. Adding a paper towel inside the container absorbs moisture and prevents sogginess.
- Refrigeration – If you plan to eat them within a week, refrigerate the biscuits in a sealed container. Warm them up in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing – For longer storage, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Warm biscuits at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10–15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the simplest recipes can run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix common biscuit problems:
- Dry or Crumbly Biscuits
- Cause: Too much flour or overmixing the dough.
- Solution: Add a splash of cream to moisten the dough and mix gently next time.
- Biscuits Didn’t Rise
- Cause: Old or expired self-rising flour.
- Solution: Ensure you’re using fresh flour or add extra baking powder if substituting all-purpose flour.
- Dough Too Sticky
- Cause: Too much cream added.
- Solution: Sprinkle additional flour onto the dough until it firms up.
- Dense Biscuits
- Cause: Overworked dough.
- Solution: Handle the dough lightly and stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together.
Healthier Alternatives and Variations
Looking to make this recipe healthier? No problem—here are some tweaks to fit dietary preferences:
- Whole Wheat Flour – Swap out half of the self-rising flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add baking powder and salt for leavening.
- Vegan Biscuits – Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or oat milk, and use vegan butter for a plant-based alternative.
- Low-Fat Biscuits – Substitute Greek yogurt for cream to reduce fat content while keeping the biscuits moist.
Why This Recipe Works
The simplicity of this recipe lies in the chemistry of the ingredients:
- Self-Rising Flour – Already contains baking powder, which eliminates the need for measuring separate leavening agents.
- Heavy Cream – Provides both moisture and fat, contributing to the tender and fluffy texture.
- Butter – Ensures flakiness while adding rich flavor.
Together, these three ingredients create a perfect balance, giving you bakery-quality biscuits without the fuss.
Nutritional Value
| Nutrient | Per Biscuit (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150–180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 3–4g |
| Fat | 7–8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.
FAQs about 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe
What are the three ingredients needed for this biscuit recipe?
To make these biscuits, you only need three simple ingredients: self-rising flour, butter, and milk. This combination ensures a soft, fluffy texture with a golden-brown finish.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine if you prefer. Margarine can work well, but keep in mind that butter provides a richer flavor that might be missed with substitutes.
Is it necessary to use self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour is recommended because it contains the right proportion of flour, baking powder, and salt, making your preparation easier and your biscuits rise perfectly. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt to each cup of all-purpose flour.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
For best results, roll out your dough to about ½ inch thick. This thickness allows the biscuits to rise sufficiently, becoming light and airy while still holding their shape.
Can I add other ingredients to the biscuit dough?
Absolutely! While the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, feel free to add ingredients like cheese, herbs, or a sprinkle of sugar for a sweet variant. Just be mindful of the additions, as too much can alter the texture of the biscuits.
How do I ensure my biscuits are fluffy and not dense?
The key to fluffy biscuits is not overworking the dough. Mix the ingredients until just combined, and handle the dough gently when rolling and cutting out your biscuits.
What’s the best way to store leftover biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in an oven or toaster for best results.
Final Thoughts
This 3-ingredient biscuit recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something delicious. With minimal effort and pantry staples, you can enjoy soft, flaky biscuits anytime.
Whether you’re making breakfast sandwiches, serving them as a side dish, or enjoying them with honey and butter, these biscuits are sure to impress. Plus, the recipe is flexible, so you can easily experiment with flavors and dietary options.
So next time you’re short on time but craving a homemade treat, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
