Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. If using sugar, stir it in now.
3. Cut in the Butter
Add the diced, chilled butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the butter—it should remain in small pea-sized pieces.
4. Add the Buttermilk
Pour the cold buttermilk into the bowl and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. Don’t worry if the dough looks shaggy at first; it will smooth out as you handle it.
5. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 6–8 times, just enough to bring it together without overworking. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
6. Cut the Biscuits
Use a round biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut circles from the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each biscuit. For taller, softer sides, place the biscuits close together so they rise against one another.
7. Brush with Melted Butter
Lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for an extra-rich flavor and golden finish.
8. Bake Until Golden
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through.
9. Serve Warm
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Split them open and slather with butter, honey, or your favorite topping.
Tips for Fluffy, Tender Biscuits
- Keep It Cold: Use very cold butter and buttermilk to ensure the butter doesn’t melt during mixing. This helps create steam in the oven, giving the biscuits their signature flakiness.
- Handle Gently: Overworking the dough can make biscuits tough. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it light and airy.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave for fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
- Substitute Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Variations to Make Them Your Own
- Herb Biscuits: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a savory twist.
- Cheese Biscuits: Fold shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or pepper jack cheese into the dough for cheesy goodness.
- Sweet Biscuits: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a pinch of cinnamon for a breakfast treat.
- Sausage Gravy Biscuits: Top with homemade sausage gravy for a classic Southern dish.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
These fluffy buttermilk biscuits aren’t just delicious—they’re versatile enough to fit any occasion. From lazy Sunday mornings to holiday gatherings, their buttery aroma and soft texture bring joy to every meal. Plus, once you master this recipe, you’ll never want to buy store-bought biscuits again!
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy one of life’s simplest pleasures. Trust us—these biscuits will quickly become a household staple.
