Description
These Southern Butter Biscuits are flaky, tender, and perfectly golden. Made with cold butter and buttermilk, the dough is layered for buttery, flaky texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for breakfast or as a side with any meal, these classic biscuits are easy to prepare and bake to perfection in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with butter pieces throughout.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the 3/4 cup buttermilk, stirring gently just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits tender.
- Knead and Layer Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times. Pat or roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Fold it in half and repeat folding 2-3 times to create layers which enhance the flakiness.
- Roll and Cut Biscuits: Roll the dough to 3/4-inch thickness. Use a floured biscuit cutter or glass to cut out biscuits. Gather and reroll scraps as needed to make more biscuits.
- Place Biscuits on Baking Sheet: Arrange cut biscuits on the lined baking sheet. For soft, tender edges, place biscuits close together. For crisper edges, space them apart.
- Brush with Buttermilk: Lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with extra buttermilk for a golden, glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until biscuits turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Serve the biscuits warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam for an irresistible treat.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender and light.
- Folding the dough multiple times creates flaky layers similar to puff pastry.
- Buttermilk adds tanginess and reacts with baking powder for a good rise.
- For softer edges, place biscuits close together before baking; separate for crisper edges.
- Biscuits are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
