Butter Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, packed (if using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (omit if using self-rising flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using self-rising flour)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, cold, cut into small pieces (if using unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon extra salt)
- 1 cup milk (regular or buttermilk)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet or iron skillet. No greasing is required.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to ensure even distribution.
- Cut in the butter:
- Add the small pieces of butter to the flour mixture. Using your hands, a pastry blender, or a fork, combine until the butter is about pea-sized, and the mixture looks crumbly.
- Pro Tip: Work quickly to keep the butter cold; cold butter ensures flaky biscuits.
- Add the small pieces of butter to the flour mixture. Using your hands, a pastry blender, or a fork, combine until the butter is about pea-sized, and the mixture looks crumbly.
- Incorporate the milk:
- Pour in the milk, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Roll out the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Lightly knead it a few times to bring it together, then roll it out to about 3/4 inch thick.
- Pro Tip: For fluffier biscuits, handle the dough as little as possible.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Lightly knead it a few times to bring it together, then roll it out to about 3/4 inch thick.
- Cut the biscuits:
- Use a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure an even rise.
- Arrange the biscuits on your baking sheet or skillet so that they are touching slightly; this helps them rise higher during baking.
- Bake:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Optional: Brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor and a glossy finish.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite gravy.
Tips for Success
- Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and milk as cold as possible. You can even chill your mixing bowl for extra flakiness.
- Flour Alternatives: For a heartier texture, substitute 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to revive their texture.
This simple recipe delivers fluffy, buttery biscuits perfect for breakfast, dinner, or any occasion. 😊