Homemade Biscuits

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Flaky, golden, and irresistibly tender—Homemade Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food. Whether slathered in butter, topped with jam, or used to sop up hearty gravy, there’s something timeless and nostalgic about a fresh, warm biscuit straight from the oven. These biscuits bake up with tall layers and a soft interior, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or cozy dinner sides.

What sets this biscuit recipe apart is its simplicity and reliability. With just a few pantry staples and a couple of key techniques, you can achieve bakery-style results in your own kitchen. The secret? Cold ingredients, gentle handling, and a hot oven. Once you master these, you’ll never reach for the store-bought version again.

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What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Homemade Biscuits?

For the fluffiest results, opt for all-purpose flour or a low-protein flour like White Lily. The lower the protein, the softer and more tender your biscuit will be. Self-rising flour also works beautifully, as it already contains the right balance of leavening agents and salt.

If you’re going the self-rising route, you can skip adding baking powder and salt—just follow the flour’s ratio instructions. But if you’re using all-purpose flour, don’t forget to include your baking powder and salt to ensure a proper rise and flavor.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Biscuits

• All-Purpose Flour or Self-Rising Flour: The foundation for structure and softness.
• Baking Powder: Essential for that airy lift in each biscuit layer.
• Salt: Just the right amount balances the flavor.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: The key to flakiness; cold bits of butter melt during baking and create steam pockets.
• Buttermilk: Gives biscuits that signature tang and tender crumb.
• Honey or Sugar (Optional): Adds a light hint of sweetness without overpowering.

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How To Make the Homemade Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour. This ensures the biscuits don’t stick and promotes a golden bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If using self-rising flour, skip the extra leavening and salt.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to break it down until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Visible chunks of butter are a good sign—they’ll help form those beautiful layers.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk

Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix! The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky but not wet.

Step 5: Fold for Flaky Layers

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then gently flatten again. Repeat this process 2 to 3 times—this folding technique builds those signature flaky layers.

Step 6: Cut the Biscuits

Pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness and use a round cutter to press straight down—no twisting! Twisting can seal the edges and prevent a good rise.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, edges just touching for a softer side or spaced apart for crispier edges. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.

Step 8: Brush and Serve

Optional but delicious: Brush the tops with melted butter or a honey-butter mix right out of the oven. Serve warm and enjoy the fluffiest biscuits of your life!

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Serving and Storing Homemade Biscuits

Homemade Biscuits are best enjoyed fresh from the oven—warm, buttery, and ready to melt in your mouth. Pair them with classic toppings like salted butter, fruit preserves, or honey, or turn them into a savory delight with gravy or eggs. They also make fantastic breakfast sandwiches when layered with bacon, egg, and cheese.

To store, allow the biscuits to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute using 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt slightly to balance the flavor.

Why didn’t my biscuits rise?

There are a few culprits: overmixing, warm butter, or old baking powder. Always use cold ingredients and fresh leavening agents for the best lift.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the biscuits, then refrigerate or freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from cold, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the time.

How do I get golden tops?

Brushing the tops with buttermilk, egg wash, or melted butter before baking will give your biscuits a rich, golden finish.

Should biscuits touch when baking?

It depends on your texture preference. For soft sides, place them close together. For crispy edges, space them apart.

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Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving these fluffy homemade biscuits, you’ll want to explore more comforting bakes from the Life with Nina kitchen:

• Homemade Naan Bread for a chewy, skillet-style flatbread.
• Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread loaded with gooey cheese and festive flair.
• Easy Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls when you crave warm, sweet spirals without the yeast fuss.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for something quick yet bright and zesty.
• Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs if you love savory with a melty middle.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip up fluffy biscuits whenever the craving hits.

Let me know in the comments how your biscuits turned out! Did you go classic with butter or turn them into breakfast sandwiches? Maybe you added herbs or cheese?

I’d love to hear what you created. Questions are always welcome—let’s bake better together!

👉 For daily recipe inspiration, check out my boards on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes.

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