“I had these at a friend’s party and I begged for the recipe! Don’t tell anyone, but they’re better than my mom’s. Super easy and super delicious—I make them for every party now!”
Why This Recipe Works
Angel biscuits combine the best of two baking worlds: the tenderness of a traditional biscuit and the light, airy texture of yeast rolls. What makes these biscuits a hit is their trifecta of leavening agents—baking powder, baking soda, and yeast—working together to create a soft, fluffy texture. The buttery layers and hint of sweetness make them irresistibly good.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour (White Lily flour recommended for its light texture)
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: For lift.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Balances the acidity.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, chopped (plus more for brushing): For rich, buttery layers.
1/4 cup vegetable shortening, chilled: Ensures flakiness.
1 package (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The secret to light, airy biscuits.
3/4 cup buttermilk, warmed (not hot): Activates the yeast while adding tangy flavor.
Tools
Mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or fork
Biscuit cutter or round glass
Baking sheet
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Dissolve the yeast in warm buttermilk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in the Fats
Add the chopped butter and vegetable shortening to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the frothy buttermilk and yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or round glass to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Place the biscuits on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 8: Brush and Serve
Remove the biscuits from the oven and immediately brush them with more melted butter. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure the butter and shortening are cold to achieve a flaky texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make the biscuits dense instead of fluffy.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Add Flavors: Mix in shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or cooked bacon bits for a savory twist.
Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to freshen them up.
Serving Suggestions
Angel biscuits are incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can serve them:
Classic: Enjoy them warm with butter and a drizzle of honey or jam.
Savory: Use them as the base for breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Dinner Side: Pair them with soups, stews, or roasted meats.
Dessert: Split them open and top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a quick shortcake.
Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Angel biscuits are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with their pillowy softness, buttery flavor, and lightly sweet finish. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or weekend brunches, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite. Whether served plain or dressed up, these biscuits will leave everyone asking for more!