Butter Biscuits

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in Butter: Add cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces).
4. Add Buttermilk: Gently stir in cold buttermilk until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
5. Knead & Roll: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3-4 times until a smooth ball forms. Pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
6. Cut Biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter (or a glass/knife) to cut biscuits. Press straight down – don’t twist! Place on baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Butter & Serve: Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with melted butter. Cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Cold Butter is Key: Very cold butter creates steam during baking, resulting in flaky layers.
• Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar with 3/4 cup milk. Let sit 5 minutes before using.
• No Twisting!: Pressing straight down prevents sealing the edges and ensures even rising.

Variations

• Cheesy Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients.
• Herbed Biscuits: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, chives) to the dry ingredients.
• Sweet Biscuits: Add an extra tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, cut biscuits, and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked biscuits (add a few minutes to baking time).

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C).

What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?

Use the rim of a glass or cut the dough into squares. Shape doesn’t affect flavor, but a sharp edge helps with even rising.

Why aren’t my biscuits flaky?

Cold butter and avoiding overmixing are key to flakiness. Use very cold butter and mix the dough only until it comes together.

Enjoy these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make butter biscuits! They’re a perfect addition to any meal.