Simple ingredients, unbeatable flavor—a timeless recipe your whole family will love!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting through your kitchen. Warm, fluffy, and loaded with buttery goodness, biscuits are the ultimate comfort food. Whether served as a side for dinner, smothered in gravy, or enjoyed with a dollop of jam, these Butter Biscuits are a versatile treat that’s sure to please.
This recipe brings together simple pantry staples to create light, tender biscuits with layers of flaky perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these biscuits are straightforward to make and deliver restaurant-quality results every time.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to great biscuits is all in the technique. This recipe uses a few simple tips to ensure the biscuits are perfectly fluffy and buttery:
Cold Butter: Using cold butter helps create layers in the biscuits. As the butter melts in the oven, it creates steam, resulting in tender, flaky layers.
Minimal Mixing: Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits. By mixing gently and just enough to combine the ingredients, you’ll achieve that light, airy texture.
Baking Powder and Salt: These two ingredients ensure the biscuits rise beautifully and have just the right balance of flavor.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
This recipe uses just a few basic ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour (packed) – If using self-rising flour, you can skip the baking powder and salt.
1 Tbsp baking powder – The leavening agent that makes the biscuits rise. (Omit if using self-rising flour.)
½ tsp salt – Balances the flavors. (Omit if using self-rising flour.)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Cold and cubed, for that flaky texture.
¾ cup milk – Whole milk works best for richness, but you can also use buttermilk for added tanginess.
How to Make Butter Biscuits
Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch of buttery biscuits that’ll impress every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt (if using). This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small bits of butter will create those beautiful flaky layers in the biscuits.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring gently with a spoon or spatula. Mix just until the dough comes together—be careful not to overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold its shape.
Step 5: Shape the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about ¾-inch thick. Fold the dough over itself 2–3 times to create layers, then pat it back down to the desired thickness.
Use a round biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure even rising. Gather any scraps of dough, gently press them together, and cut out additional biscuits.
Step 6: Bake the Biscuits
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even baking. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Brush with Butter (Optional)
For an extra buttery finish, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This step is optional but highly recommended for maximum flavor.
Tips + Tricks for Perfect Butter Biscuits
Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter and cold milk are essential for creating flaky biscuits. If your kitchen is warm, chill the flour mixture in the fridge for a few minutes before adding the butter.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing or overhandling the dough can make the biscuits tough. Work quickly and gently for the best results.
Choose the Right Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, but for extra tender biscuits, you can use a combination of all-purpose and cake flour.
Use Buttermilk for Tanginess: Swap out regular milk for buttermilk if you prefer a slightly tangy flavor. The acidity in buttermilk also reacts with the baking powder, helping the biscuits rise even more.
Avoid Twisting the Cutter: When cutting out biscuits, press the cutter straight down and lift it straight up. Twisting seals the edges, preventing the biscuits from rising properly.
Double the Recipe: These biscuits freeze beautifully, so make a double batch and freeze the extras for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Butter Biscuits are everything you want in a homemade biscuit: buttery, flaky, and tender. They’re versatile enough to pair with any meal and are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re serving them with scrambled eggs, a hearty stew, or a drizzle of honey, these biscuits always hit the spot.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your homemade biscuits:
Classic Breakfast: Serve warm biscuits with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a dollop of jam or honey.
Biscuits and Gravy: Top your biscuits with a creamy sausage gravy for a Southern-inspired meal.
Snack with Butter and Jam: Spread your favorite butter, jam, or honey on the biscuits for a simple yet satisfying snack.
Soup or Stew Side: Pair the biscuits with a bowl of hot soup or stew for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Dessert Biscuits: Add a sprinkle of sugar to the dough before baking and serve the biscuits with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a quick dessert.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the simplicity of Butter Biscuits. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or a quick side dish, these biscuits are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the buttery, flaky goodness of homemade biscuits. Don’t be surprised if they disappear as soon as they hit the table!