Delight in the art of baking with this foolproof flaky buttermilk biscuit recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a buttery, flaky treat.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of cold butter and buttermilk creates layers upon layers of flaky goodness.
- Minimal handling ensures the dough stays tender and doesn’t become tough.
- A hot oven gives these biscuits their golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Biscuit cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents.
Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should remain cold for flaky layers.
Add Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir until just combined. Overmixing will lead to tough biscuits, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Shape and Bake
Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle, and cut out biscuits with a floured cutter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips and Tricks
For the flakiest biscuits, handle the dough as little as possible. If you notice the butter melting while you work, pop the dough in the fridge for a few minutes to chill. Always use cold ingredients straight from the fridge. And for an extra golden top, brush the biscuits with a little buttermilk before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients.
- Herb Biscuits: Mix in 2 tbsp of your favorite fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add 2 tbsp of sugar to the dry ingredients and serve with jam or honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but the biscuits won’t be as tender. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why are my biscuits tough?
Overmixing the dough develops gluten, which makes biscuits tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Summary
This flaky buttermilk biscuit recipe is a game-changer, offering layers of buttery goodness with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, these biscuits are sure to impress.