There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, fluffy butter biscuit fresh out of the oven. This classic recipe for butter biscuits is simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with breakfast, as a side with dinner, or as a snack, these biscuits are sure to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into the recipe for these melt-in-your-mouth butter biscuits.
Ingredients
For the Butter Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, packed (if using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt)
- 1 Tbsp baking powder (leave out if using self-rising flour)
- ½ tsp salt (leave out if using self-rising flour)
- ½ cup butter, salted, cut into small pieces (if using unsalted, add ¼ tsp more salt than above)
- 1 cup milk (regular or buttermilk)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
- Cut in Butter: Add the small pieces of butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be pea-sized and evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3: Add the Milk
- Pour in Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring gently with a wooden spoon or a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky and shaggy.
Step 4: Shape the Biscuits
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut Biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or a floured glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure the biscuits rise evenly. Gather the scraps, gently knead, and cut out more biscuits until all the dough is used.
Step 5: Bake the Biscuits
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased, with the sides touching for soft sides or spaced apart for crispier edges.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Warm: Serve the biscuits warm with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite gravy.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Tips for Success
- Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is very cold. This helps create those flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid tough biscuits.
- Buttermilk Option: For an extra tangy flavor, substitute regular milk with buttermilk.
Variations
- Cheese Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients before adding the milk.
- Herb Biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dry ingredients.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients for a slightly sweet biscuit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, cut out the biscuits and proceed as directed.
2. How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh them.
3. Can I freeze the biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked biscuits. Place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
You can use a glass or cup with a floured rim to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down without twisting for even rising.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier biscuit.
These butter biscuits are the epitome of comfort food – simple, delicious, and versatile. Perfect for any meal, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them with a savory gravy, a sweet jam, or enjoying them plain, these biscuits are guaranteed to please. Happy baking!
