Butter biscuits are a Southern classic, beloved for their tender, flaky texture and rich buttery flavor. Whether served with gravy, honey, jam, or simply enjoyed on their own, these biscuits are a staple in American households.
The best part? They’re super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients! This guide will walk you through every step of the process to ensure you make perfect homemade butter biscuits every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Simple Ingredients – No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients required!
✔ Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
✔ Soft & Flaky – Thanks to the butter and the baking technique, you get delicious layers.
✔ Versatile – Serve these biscuits with sweet or savory toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best butter biscuits, you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
✔ 2 cups all-purpose flour (packed) (if using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt)
✔ 1 Tbsp baking powder (leave out if using self-rising flour)
✔ ½ tsp salt (leave out if using self-rising flour)
Wet Ingredients:
✔ ½ cup salted butter, cold and cut into small pieces (if using unsalted, add ¼ tsp more salt than above)
✔ 1 cup milk (regular or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- If you’re using self-rising flour, you can skip the baking powder and salt.
3️⃣ Cut in the Butter
- Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (This step is essential for creating flaky biscuits!)
4️⃣ Add the Milk
- Pour in milk or buttermilk and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Mix just until combined. Do NOT overmix, or your biscuits will turn out tough!
5️⃣ Roll & Cut the Biscuits
- Lightly flour a clean surface and place the dough on it.
- Gently knead the dough 2-3 times, then pat or roll it out to ½-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits.
- Do not twist the cutter! Twisting seals the edges and prevents proper rising.
6️⃣ Bake the Biscuits
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they slightly touch each other (this helps them rise higher).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
7️⃣ Brush with Butter & Serve
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter.
- Serve warm with honey, jam, or gravy. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Butter Biscuits
✔ Use Cold Butter – Cold butter is the key to flaky biscuits. Keep it in the fridge until ready to use.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Overworking the dough will make biscuits dense instead of light and fluffy.
✔ Use Buttermilk – Buttermilk makes biscuits extra tender and adds a slight tangy flavor.
✔ Cut Straight Down – When using a biscuit cutter, press straight down without twisting to help them rise properly.
✔ Bake Close Together – Placing biscuits close together helps them rise higher and stay soft.
Serving Suggestions
Butter biscuits are super versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
🍯 Sweet Option: Serve warm with honey, jam, or Nutella.
🍳 Savory Option: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage gravy.
🥪 Sandwich: Use as a base for a breakfast sandwich with ham and cheese.
🥘 Side Dish: Serve alongside soups, chili, or roasted meats.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing Biscuits
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Biscuits
- Place baked biscuits in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To freeze unbaked biscuits, place cut-out dough on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a ziplock bag.
Reheating Biscuits
- Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but they won’t be as crispy.
- Toaster Oven: Heat at 325°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, roll, cut, and bake as directed.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the biscuits will be denser. Try using 1 cup whole wheat flour + 1 cup all-purpose flour for a balance of texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup milk + 1 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use as directed.
Can I add cheese or herbs?
Absolutely! Try adding ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, or chopped chives for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These homemade butter biscuits are soft, buttery, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, they’re always a hit!
So don’t lose this recipe—try it today and enjoy the best, most flaky butter biscuits ever! 🧈🍪
👉 Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! 😊
