Classic Southern butter biscuits with a golden, flaky crust and a tender, buttery center, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. These biscuits are easy to make and bring the comforting warmth of Southern kitchens to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The biscuits are incredibly versatile, perfect as a side for savory dishes or a sweet treat with honey or jam.
Their flaky layers and buttery flavor make them irresistible.
The recipe is simple and uses pantry staples, making it a reliable go-to option for any occasion.
Brushing buttermilk on top creates a golden, bakery-worthy finish.
You can enjoy these fresh out of the oven in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more for brushing)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly pour in the buttermilk, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or fork until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times. Pat or roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half and repeat 2-3 times to create layers.
Roll the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter or a floured glass to cut out biscuits, re-rolling scraps as necessary.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, sides slightly touching for soft biscuits or spaced apart for crispier edges.
Brush the tops with buttermilk for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam for a classic Southern treat.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8-10 biscuits
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Variations
Cheesy Biscuits: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese for an added savory kick.
Herbed Biscuits: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for a fragrant twist.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Sweet Biscuits: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a lightly sweet biscuit perfect for desserts.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: Warm biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
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FAQs
How can I ensure my biscuits turn out flaky?
Keep the butter and buttermilk as cold as possible to create steam pockets during baking, which result in flaky layers.
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Why are my biscuits dense instead of light and fluffy?
Overmixing the dough can cause dense biscuits. Mix gently and only until the dough comes together.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavor.
What’s the best way to cut biscuits without a cutter?
Use a floured glass or even a knife to cut squares if you don’t have a biscuit cutter.
Conclusion
These Southern butter biscuits are the epitome of comfort food, with their golden crust, tender crumb, and rich buttery flavor. They’re quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, making them a staple recipe in any home. Serve them fresh from the oven, and enjoy a taste of the South!
📖 Recipe:
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Southern Butter Biscuits
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 biscuits
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Southern butter biscuits with a golden, flaky crust and tender, buttery centers. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these easy biscuits are made with simple ingredients, delivering comfort and warmth straight from the oven.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter and blend with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in buttermilk, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times. Pat or roll into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half and repeat 2-3 times for layers.
- Roll to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with a floured cutter or glass. Reroll scraps as needed.
- Place biscuits on the baking sheet. For soft edges, place them close together; for crispier edges, space them apart.
- Brush tops with buttermilk. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Notes
Tips for Flaky Biscuits: Use cold butter and buttermilk. Avoid overmixing the dough.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Breads and Biscuits
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10 biscuits
- Calories: 200 kcal
