Biscuits Recipe (with Video)

Biscuits Recipe: Biscuits are a beloved staple in many households, offering a flaky, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with savory and sweet dishes. Whether enjoyed with a pat of butter or alongside a hearty soup, biscuits bring comfort to the table.

Making them at home might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think! With the right steps, you’ll soon master the art of biscuit-making.

Plus, homemade biscuits taste far superior to store-bought ones and allow you to customize the recipe to your liking.

Ingredients Needed for Biscuits

To make delicious biscuits, you’ll need some basic pantry staples:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the biscuits.
• Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent for a good rise.
• Salt: Enhances flavor.
• Butter (cold): Creates the flaky layers.
• Milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and richness.

Optional Additions:

• Grated cheese for a savory twist.
• Herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
• A touch of sugar for a sweeter biscuit.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for vegan biscuits.
• Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour for a nutty taste.
• Experiment with cream instead of milk for an even richer result.

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make biscuits:

• Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Pastry cutter or fork: To blend the butter into the flour.
• Rolling pin (optional): For rolling out the dough.
• Biscuit cutter or a round glass: For shaping the biscuits.
• Baking sheet: To bake the biscuits.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

Optional Tools:

• A food processor for cutting the butter into the flour.
• A bench scraper for handling dough more easily.

Preparing the Dough

Making the dough is the foundation of great biscuits. Follow these steps for success:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to creating those signature flaky layers.
3. Add the liquid: Gradually pour in milk or buttermilk, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your biscuits tough.
4. Check consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it feels dry, add a splash more milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit of flour.

Shaping the Biscuits

Now that the dough is ready, it’s time to shape your biscuits:

• Rolling vs. hand shaping: Lightly flour your work surface and either roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness or simply pat it out with your hands for a more rustic look.
• Cutting: Use a biscuit cutter or a glass dipped in flour to cut out rounds. Press straight down without twisting to help your biscuits rise evenly.
• Re-roll scraps: Gather leftover dough gently, reshape, and cut again. Avoid overworking the scraps, as this can make those biscuits denser.

Baking the Biscuits

Proper baking ensures golden, fluffy biscuits every time.

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange biscuits: Place the cut-out biscuits close together on the sheet if you prefer soft sides, or space them apart for crisp edges.
3. Bake: Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
4. Cool slightly: Let the biscuits rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Biscuits are incredibly versatile, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy them. Here are some serving ideas:

• Savory Pairings: Serve biscuits alongside soups, stews, or chili. They’re also a fantastic addition to a breakfast spread, especially when paired with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
• Sweet Toppings: Spread biscuits with butter, honey, or your favorite jam. For a decadent treat, top them with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an impromptu shortcake.
• Gravy: Classic Southern-style biscuits are often served smothered in creamy sausage gravy—a match made in comfort food heaven.

Storage Tips for Biscuits

Keep your biscuits fresh and tasty with these storage tips:

• Short-term storage: Place cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for 1–2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for that just-baked warmth.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last a little longer, refrigerate them. This can extend their shelf life by a few more days.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, wrap biscuits tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making biscuits can be simple, but a few missteps can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overworking the dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid developing gluten, which makes biscuits tough.
• Skipping cold ingredients: Warm butter or milk can prevent the biscuits from forming flaky layers. Keep everything as cold as possible.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat the oven to ensure even baking and proper rise. Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits Every Time

Mastering biscuits takes practice, but these tips will set you up for success:

• Keep it cold: Chill your butter, milk, and even your mixing bowl before starting. Cold ingredients create steam during baking, leading to those flaky layers.
• Use the right flour: All-purpose flour works well, but for fluffier biscuits, try using a soft wheat flour like White Lily.
• Don’t overthink it: Imperfections in shaping or mixing can add character. Homemade biscuits don’t need to look factory-perfect!

Variations to Try

Bored of classic biscuits? Spice things up with these variations:

1. Cheese Biscuits: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the dough for a cheesy twist. Pair with soups for a hearty meal.
2. Herb Biscuits: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant, savory biscuit. These are excellent with roasted meats.
3. Sweet Biscuits: Stir in a bit of sugar, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips for a dessert-worthy version.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for a classic biscuit (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount (per biscuit)
Calories	190
Carbohydrates	25g
Protein	4g
Fat	8g

Healthier Ingredient Swaps:

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Replace some butter with Greek yogurt to cut fat without sacrificing moisture.
• Opt for almond or oat milk for a lower-calorie option.

FAQs about Biscuits Recipe

What ingredients do I need for a basic biscuits recipe?

A classic biscuit recipe typically requires all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter (or shortening), and milk. Some variations might include sugar or buttermilk for added flavor and texture.

How do I get my biscuits to be fluffy and soft?

The key to fluffy biscuits is in the handling of the dough. Use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the butter from melting. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh as it is responsible for the rise.

Can I make biscuits without baking powder?

Yes, but baking powder is what makes them rise. Without it, you’ll need to use self-rising flour or substitute baking soda and cream of tartar if you’re looking for a homemade solution.

Why do my biscuits come out hard?

Hard biscuits often result from overworking the dough or not using enough fat. Ensure you’re using a good ratio of fat to flour and gently mix the dough to form a loose, slightly sticky ball.

Can I freeze biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cut out the biscuits, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it better to use butter or shortening in biscuits?

Butter will give your biscuits a better flavor, while shortening tends to make them rise higher and have a flakier texture. Some prefer a combination of both for flavor and texture.

How thick should I roll out biscuit dough?

For standard biscuits, roll the dough about ½ inch thick. This thickness allows the biscuits enough room to rise without becoming too dense.

Conclusion

Making biscuits from scratch is a rewarding process that combines simple ingredients with a touch of technique. With the guidance of this step-by-step recipe, you’re equipped to create flaky, buttery biscuits that are sure to impress. Whether you enjoy them with savory accompaniments or sweet spreads, homemade biscuits are a treat that’s well worth the effort.