Melt-In-Your-Mouth Butter Biscuits Recipe
A Tradition of Love for Biscuits
Biscuits held a special place in our family’s Sunday traditions when I was growing up. The aroma of freshly baked biscuits would fill the air as we gathered around the table, bringing with it a sense of warmth and comfort. That is why I want to share this Butter Biscuits Recipe with you – because I believe everyone deserves a taste of that same comfort. In a household where every penny counted, biscuits were a budget-friendly yet delicious way for Mom to nourish our hungry bellies. With just basic pantry staples like flour and butter, she worked her magic, turning simple ingredients into a meal that felt like a feast. This love affair with biscuits began not just because of their affordability but because of the memories they created – each biscuit a reminder of family, love, and togetherness.
What You’ll Need for These Butter Biscuits
With just a few pantry staples and some cold butter, you’ll be ready to whip up some delicious, buttery biscuits in no time.
- • All-purpose flour: This flour provides the right balance of structure and fluffiness to create perfect biscuits.
- • Baking powder: This gives your biscuits that light, airy rise. Fresh baking powder ensures the best result.
- • Salt: A little salt to balance the flavors and bring out the richness of the butter.
- • Sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the savory flavor of the biscuits without being overpowering.
- • Cold milk (whole milk preferred, but any type works): Whole milk brings a richness that helps create a moist biscuit. But feel free to use half and half or even heavy cream if you prefer. Just know that it may affect the rise a little, but no matter what, they’ll still be oh so good!
- • Cold butter (the colder the better, mix with shortening or lard if desired): Butter is the star, adding richness and that perfect flaky texture. For an even flakier result, you can mix in some shortening or lard, but butter is still the way to go for that indulgent, buttery flavor.
Perfecting Your Biscuit Rise: The Importance of Dry Ingredients
When it comes to baking the perfect butter biscuits, starting with the right dry ingredients is key. We’re keeping it simple with everyday pantry staples, like all-purpose flour and baking powder. Here are a few tips to make sure your biscuits rise up just right.
Fluff Up Your Flour for Accuracy
Before you measure your flour, take a second to make sure it hasn’t settled too much in the bag or container. This is an easy step that helps ensure you’re getting the right amount. Give it a gentle shake or whisk it up to fluff it back up. If you prefer, you can sift it, too. This way, your biscuits won’t turn out dense or heavy, and your measurements will be spot-on.
Baking Powder: Make Sure It’s Fresh
Baking powder is what helps your biscuits get that light, fluffy texture. But if it’s past its prime, your biscuits won’t rise like they should. Here’s an easy way to make sure your baking powder is still good to go.
How to Test Your Baking Powder
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Water Test:
Put a teaspoon of baking powder in a small bowl and pour in some hot water. If it’s still active, it’ll start fizzing and bubbling right away. That’s your sign it’s still fresh. -
Vinegar Test:
Add a teaspoon of baking powder to a bowl, then pour in a little vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works fine). If it bubbles up, it’s still good to use.
These simple tests help make sure your biscuits rise the way they should, giving them that soft, fluffy texture you want. If your baking powder doesn’t fizz in either test, it’s time to toss it and get a fresh batch.
With these quick checks, you’ll be set up for biscuit success, every time.
Fats: The Secret to a Fluffy, Flavorful Biscuit
Now, let's talk about the fat in these biscuits. Personally, I’m all about using butter—it adds such a rich flavor and gives the biscuits that golden, flaky texture. But here's the thing: butter contains water, and that can sometimes make your biscuits a little denser than you’d like.
If you’re after that classic, fluffy biscuit texture, you might want to consider using shortening or lard. Both will give you that light, airy rise and work well on their own or mixed with butter. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you.
At the end of the day, the flavor of the biscuit is just as important as the gravy it’s going to be smothered in. So, whether you go with straight butter or mix in a little shortening or lard, you’re bound to end up with a biscuit that’s both tender and delicious.
Check out the video for a closer look at how Me and the family put these biscuits together!
Choosing the Right Liquid for Your Biscuits
When it comes to biscuit dough, the liquid you use can make all the difference. I recommend sticking with whole milk—it’s rich, creamy, and helps achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and flakiness we all crave in a biscuit. The richness of whole milk adds depth of flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.
Alternative Liquids for Extra Flavor
Now, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can switch things up with buttermilk. But be aware, buttermilk has a little acidity, so you'll need to add some baking soda to help with the leavening. It’s a simple swap, but it’s something to keep in mind.
And if you're after an extra indulgent twist, heavy cream is a great option. It adds a richness that’ll make your biscuits even more decadent. Just know that they may not rise quite as high as with whole milk, but they’ll still be oh so delicious.
The fun part is figuring out which liquid you like best—whether it’s the classic richness of whole milk, the tang of buttermilk, or the creamy goodness of heavy cream. So go ahead, pick your favorite, and enjoy some homemade biscuit perfection!
Rich Butter Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
- 1 cup cold milk may need a little more
- 1 stick cold butter the colder, the better
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold, diced butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.
- Add Milk: Pour in the cold milk and mix gently until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Shape Dough: Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Gently form into a ball and flatten to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut Biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or glass (2 1/2 to 3 inches) to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking sheet (or skillet) and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Bonus Recipe: Jam Biscuit
When it comes to enjoying your biscuits, you have two delightful options. First, you can stick with the biscuit recipe as written above. This creates a perfect balance, with the savory biscuit complementing the sweetness of the jam beautifully. Alternatively, if you're craving a slightly sweeter treat, you can increase the sugar in the biscuit recipe up to 2 tablespoons. This simple adjustment adds just the right amount of sweetness to your biscuits, making them a perfect match for your favorite jam or preserves. Whichever option you choose, you're in for a delicious treat!
The Perfect Biscuit for Any Southern Meal
If you need a quick bread to sop up all the goodness of a Southern meal or a base for your sausage and gravy, this is the perfect recipe. Tell me below in the comments what’s your favorite biscuit texture: flaky, buttery, fluffy, rich, or all of the above? I can't wait to hear what you think!
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!