There is something truly magical about fresh, flaky biscuits straight from the oven, and that is exactly what you get with this Butter Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits boast a tender crumb, buttery richness, and just the right hint of tang from the buttermilk. Whether you’re looking to elevate your breakfast, complement a hearty dinner, or simply enjoy a warm snack with jam, these biscuits are delightfully simple to make and impossible to resist. Let’s dive into making this timeless classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistibly tender Butter Buttermilk Biscuits, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role—from the flakiness brought by cold butter to the lift created by baking powder.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation, providing the structure for our biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that gives our biscuits their rise and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the butter.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces: Key for creating layers and that golden, buttery crumb.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the flavor and tenderizes the dough.
How to Make Butter Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450°F (230°C). This intense heat will help your biscuits develop a perfectly golden, slightly crunchy exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. By combining these first, you ensure an even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout your biscuit dough.
Step 3: Cut the Butter Into the Flour
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or just your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These bits of butter will melt during baking and form glorious, flaky layers.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Create a well in the center of your mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a fork or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Be gentle here to keep the dough shaggy and tender—overmixing can make biscuits tough.
Step 5: Fold and Pat the Dough to Form Layers
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Press it gently into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Fold it in half, then pat it down again to the same thickness. Repeat this folding and patting two more times. This technique creates those coveted flaky layers that make biscuits so special.
Step 6: Cut and Place the Biscuits
Using a floured biscuit cutter or a sharp knife, cut out your biscuits. Don’t twist the cutter, as that can seal the edges and prevent proper rising. Place the biscuits spaced a bit apart on the baking sheet, allowing heat to circulate for even baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your biscuits in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when tops turn golden brown and irresistible to the eye. Remove them from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
How to Serve Butter Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
These biscuits are wonderful on their own, but a little extra can make them truly shine. Slather them with melted butter, drizzle honey or homemade jam, or add a smear of tangy cream cheese. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme sprinkled on top right before serving add a beautiful touch and subtle flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Butter Buttermilk Biscuits make an excellent accompaniment to nearly any meal. Serve them alongside hearty breakfasts like eggs and bacon, creamy soups or stews, or classic Southern dishes such as fried chicken or collard greens. Their buttery richness complements savory dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the biscuits in half and layer with cheese, ham, or scrambled eggs to create mini biscuit sandwiches. You can also use them as a base for biscuits and gravy or crumble them over a warm pot pie for an exciting textural twist. The possibilities are endless with these versatile biscuits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Butter Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel before placing them in the container works wonders.
Freezing
You can freeze baked biscuits by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. They will maintain their freshness for up to three months. When you want a warm biscuit fix, simply defrost overnight in the fridge or pop them straight into the oven or toaster from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat biscuits without drying them out, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel helps retain moisture for a quick snack.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this Butter Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe?
While buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tender texture, you can replace it by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, then letting it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics buttermilk’s acidity to help the biscuits rise and stay tender.
Why is it important to keep the butter cold when making biscuits?
Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking which help produce flaky layers. If the butter melts too soon during mixing, biscuits lose that delicate flakiness and can turn dense.
Can I make this Butter Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe vegan?
To make these biscuits vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based spread that keeps its firmness cold, and swap the buttermilk for a non-dairy milk (like almond milk) mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. The texture will vary slightly but still tasty!
How can I make the biscuits more fluffy?
Try to handle the dough as little as possible and ensure your baking powder is fresh. Folding the dough several times to build layers also helps create light, fluffy biscuits. Don’t forget the oven temperature should be nice and hot for that beautiful rise.
Can I add extras like cheese or herbs to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheddar, chives, rosemary, or even spicy peppers can be stirred into the dough just before folding. This is a wonderful way to customize your Butter Buttermilk Biscuits and add exciting flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Butter Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe a try—the smell alone will have you hooked, but the buttery layers and tender crumb will make it a go-to comfort food in your kitchen. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, these biscuits bring a touch of homemade joy to every meal. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fresh biscuits in no time!
