Flaky and Buttery Homemade Biscuits

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Ingredients: Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 450°F (232°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. Prepare the Butter: Cut 1 cup of butter into 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) slices. Gradually add slices to the flour mixture, tossing to coat. Press each slice with floured fingers to break into flat, nickel-sized pieces. Repeat with remaining butter, then freeze the mixture for 15 minutes to chill.
3. Mix in Buttermilk: Gradually add 1 cup of chilled buttermilk to the flour-butter mixture, stirring with a fork until incorporated. Knead lightly in the bowl until a shaggy dough forms. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons more buttermilk to ensure most flour is hydrated.
4. Shape and Layer the Dough: Lightly flour a working surface. Press dough into a roughly 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20 cm) square, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Cut into 4 squares and stack evenly to create extra layers. Dust a rolling pin and roll dough out to 8 x 8 inches, keeping ¼-inch (0.6 cm) border along edges.
5. Cut Biscuits: Using a 2 ½-inch (6.5 cm) floured biscuit cutter, press straight down without twisting. Transfer biscuits to a parchment-lined sheet pan. Repeat with remaining dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill before baking.
6. Prep for Baking: Transfer chilled biscuits to a new parchment-lined pan, spacing at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Melt 2 tablespoons butter, brush tops of biscuits, and sprinkle lightly with salt.
7. Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 10–11 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow biscuits to cool 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, gravy, or your favorite jam.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10–11 minutes
• Total Time: 55–60 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 biscuits
• Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheesy Biscuits: Add ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar to the dough before layering.
• Herb-Infused: Mix 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives into the flour mixture for aromatic biscuits.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use plant-based buttermilk.

Serving Suggestions