Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • ½ cup (115g) cold butter (cubed)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) cold buttermilk

Optional

  • Melted butter (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:

  • Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar

Step 2: Add Cold Butter

Add cubed cold butter.

Use fingers or a pastry cutter:

  • Mix until crumbly (like coarse sand)

Important:

  • Small butter pieces = flaky layers

Step 3: Add Buttermilk

Pour cold buttermilk into the mixture.

Mix gently until dough forms.

Do NOT overmix.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn dough onto a floured surface.

Gently pat into a rectangle.

Fold dough over itself 2–3 times:

  • This creates layers

Flatten to about 2–3 cm thickness.

Step 5: Cut Biscuits

Use a round cutter or glass.

Press straight down (don’t twist).

Place biscuits on baking tray:

  • Slightly touching for soft sides

Step 6: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Place tray in fridge for 10–15 minutes.

This helps biscuits rise better.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).

Bake for 12–15 minutes:

  • Until golden on top

Step 8: Finish

Brush tops with melted butter.

Serve warm.

Texture and Flavor

These biscuits give:

  • Flaky layers inside
  • Soft and airy texture
  • Slightly crispy golden top
  • Rich buttery flavor

Tips for Perfect Biscuits

1. Keep Ingredients Cold

Cold butter = flaky layers.

2. Don’t Overmix

Overmixing makes biscuits tough.

3. Fold the Dough

Creates beautiful layers.

4. Bake at High Temperature

Helps biscuits rise quickly.

Variations

1. Cheddar Biscuits

Add shredded cheese.

2. Garlic Biscuits

Add garlic powder and herbs.

3. Sweet Biscuits

Add more sugar and serve with jam.

4. Stuffed Biscuits

Fill with cheese or chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Butter 🧈
  • Honey 🍯
  • Jam 🍓
  • Gravy

Storage

  • Room temperature: 2 days
  • Fridge: 4 days

Freezing

  • Freeze unbaked biscuits up to 2 months

Reheating

  • Oven: best
  • Microwave: softer

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Warm butter → no layers
  • ❌ Overworking dough → dense biscuits
  • ❌ Low oven temp → flat biscuits
  • ❌ Twisting cutter → uneven rise

Why This Recipe Works

  • Baking powder + soda = perfect rise
  • Cold butter creates steam = layers
  • Buttermilk adds tenderness and flavor
  • Folding technique builds structure

Final Thoughts

These buttermilk biscuits are a classic comfort food that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. Soft inside, flaky layers, and buttery taste make them irresistible.

Once you master this recipe, you’ll never need store-bought biscuits again.

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