Butter Buttermilk Biscuits are a classic Southern staple, known for their flaky layers and rich, buttery flavor. These biscuits are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for any meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these biscuits in no time. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, diced butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure to work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shaping the Biscuits
- Flatten Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle or circle about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a sharp biscuit cutter or a drinking glass, cut out biscuits from the dough. Press straight down without twisting to ensure the biscuits rise evenly.
- Reform and Cut: Gather any remaining dough scraps and gently press them together to form another rectangle or circle. Cut out more biscuits until all the dough is used.
Baking the Biscuits
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite toppings.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes:
- Cold Ingredients: It’s important to use cold butter and buttermilk to ensure flaky biscuits. Keeping the ingredients cold prevents the butter from melting too quickly in the oven, which creates those desirable layers.
- Handling the Dough: Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to prevent tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Variations:
- Cheese Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for cheesy biscuits.
- Herb Biscuits: Mix in chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme for flavorful herb biscuits.
- Sweet Biscuits: Stir in a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of cinnamon for sweet biscuits that are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Q: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply cut out the biscuits and bake them as directed.
Q: Can I freeze unbaked biscuit dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked biscuit dough for up to 3 months. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
A: While buttermilk adds tanginess and tenderness to the biscuits, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Q: How do I store leftover biscuits?
A: Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven before serving to regain their freshness and warmth.
These Butter Buttermilk Biscuits are a true Southern delight, with their flaky layers and buttery flavor. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or alongside your favorite dinner dish, these biscuits are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy homemade biscuits that are tender, fluffy, and utterly delicious. Try making a batch today and savor the comforting goodness of freshly baked biscuits!
