Butter Biscuits are soft, flaky, and rich with buttery flavor. They’re golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for breakfast, dinner, or serving with gravy, jam, or honey. These classic homemade biscuits come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 biscuits
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Biscuit cutter or glass
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup cold milk or buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Ingredient Notes
- Cold butter: Essential for flaky layers.
- Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and slight tang.
- Baking powder: Helps biscuits rise high and fluffy.
- Do not overmix: Keeps biscuits soft, not dense.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture looks crumbly.
- Slowly add cold milk or buttermilk and mix until dough just comes together.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently pat to about 1-inch thickness.
- Fold dough over itself 2–3 times for flaky layers.
- Cut biscuits using a round cutter—do not twist.
- Place biscuits close together on baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush tops with melted butter while warm.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
(Approximate per biscuit)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
Tips
- Keep butter and milk very cold for best flakiness.
- Don’t overwork the dough or biscuits will be tough.
- Place biscuits close together for softer sides.
- Brush with extra butter right after baking for shine and flavor.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Biscuits: Add garlic powder and parsley.
- Cheddar Biscuits: Mix shredded cheese into the dough.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add more sugar and drizzle honey on top.
- Buttermilk Drop Biscuits: Skip rolling and drop spoonfuls onto tray.