Butter Biscuits

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk 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 flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces).
4. Add buttermilk: Gently stir in cold buttermilk until dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
5. Knead and roll: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3-4 times. Pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
6. Cut biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or cookie cutter to cut biscuits. Press straight down (no twisting!). Place 1 inch apart on baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Brush with butter: Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with melted butter. Cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Cold butter is key! It creates steam for flaky layers.
• Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar with 3/4 cup milk. Let sit 5 minutes.
• Don’t twist the cutter! This prevents proper rising.

Variations

• Cheese Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
• Herb Biscuits: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, chives).
• Sweet Biscuits: Add 1 extra tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare 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, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C).

What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?

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

Why aren’t my biscuits flaky?

Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing or warm butter makes dense biscuits.

These buttery biscuits are the ultimate comfort food, perfect with savory dishes, for breakfast, or even strawberry shortcake! Their rich, buttery flavor and tender, flaky layers will become a family favorite. Enjoy!