Easy Homemade Biscuits

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the kitchen. Whether slathered with butter and jam or served alongside a hearty bowl of gravy, these Easy Homemade Biscuits are a staple that can elevate any meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can create flaky, buttery biscuits that will impress family and friends alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Easy Homemade Biscuits recipe is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of biscuits that are flaky on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, they come together in no time, making them an excellent option for a quick breakfast or a last-minute side dish.

Ingredient Rundown

To create these delightful biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of your biscuits. Be sure to measure correctly for the best texture.
• 1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder (aluminum free) – This helps your biscuits rise and become fluffy.
• 1 tsp granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• 3/4 tsp salt (fine sea salt) – Enhances the overall flavor of the biscuits.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold (8 Tbsp = 1/2 cup) – Cold butter creates those flaky layers we love in biscuits.
• 1 cup half and half (minus 2 Tbsp) – This rich liquid adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• 1/2 Tbsp melted butter – For brushing on top of the baked biscuits, adding a lovely golden finish.

Equipment & Tools

To make the process as smooth as possible, gather the following equipment:

• Mixing bowl – For combining your dry ingredients and mixing the dough.
• Pastry cutter or fork – To cut the cold butter into the flour mixture.
• Baking sheet – To bake your biscuits on, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Rolling pin – For rolling out the dough, although you can also pat it out with your hands.
• Cookie cutter or glass – To cut out the biscuits; any round object will work!

Build Easy Homemade Biscuits Step by Step

Making these Easy Homemade Biscuits is a simple, rewarding process. Follow these steps to create your biscuits:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for creating those beautifully risen biscuits.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. It’s perfectly fine to have some larger chunks of butter, as they will create flakiness.

Step 4: Add the Half and Half

Pour in the half and half (remember to reserve 2 tablespoons). Stir gently until the mixture just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

Step 5: Turn Out the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.

Step 6: Cut the Biscuits

Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut out biscuit shapes from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each biscuit.

Step 7: Brush with Butter

Brush the tops of the biscuits with the reserved half and half and melted butter. This will help them achieve a lovely golden color.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t over-bake.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

Better-for-You Options

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to this Easy Homemade Biscuits recipe, consider these options:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Greek Yogurt: Replace half of the half and half with plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.
• Plant-Based Butter: Use a dairy-free alternative if you prefer a vegan option.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Substitute half and half with almond milk or oat milk, adding a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Pro Tips & Notes

• For the best results, keep your ingredients cold. This helps your biscuits stay flaky.
• Don’t overwork the dough; this can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until combined.
• If you want to add herbs or cheese, do so by folding them into the dough during the mixing step.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs to the dry ingredients.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you have leftover biscuits, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked biscuits by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Ask the Chef

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can! If you use self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains these ingredients.

What should I do if my biscuits don’t rise?

If your biscuits don’t rise, it could be that your baking powder is old or not activated. Make sure to check the expiration date, and remember to use cold ingredients to help with rising.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cutting out the biscuits.

How can I make my biscuits extra flaky?

For extra flaky biscuits, try folding the dough over itself a couple of times before cutting out the biscuits. This will create more layers and enhance the flakiness.

If you love these Easy Homemade Biscuits, you’ll want to try out these other delicious recipes:

Final Bite

There’s truly nothing like the experience of biting into a warm, flaky biscuit fresh from the oven. These Easy Homemade Biscuits are not just a recipe; they’re a comforting reminder of home and good times spent around the table. With this recipe in your back pocket, you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to create these delightful biscuits, I encourage you to gather your ingredients and get baking. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these Easy Homemade Biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite!