About the Recipe
A plate of freshly baked budget biscuits—each one a golden marvel, with a crisp exterior giving way to a soft and fluffy interior. This classic biscuit recipe is a testament to simplicity and homemade goodness, offering a delightful treat that's perfect for any time of day.
Fill a bowl with a blend of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of salt. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your biscuits, providing structure and lift for that perfect biscuit texture.
Next, add cubes of cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout. This step is crucial as the butter creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in those coveted flaky layers.
Gradually pour in the milk—whether it's whole milk for richness or tangy buttermilk for extra flavor—and gently mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should come together easily but avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, where the magic truly begins. With a gentle hand, pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures a hearty biscuit that's substantial yet tender.
Using a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife, cut out rounds of dough, gently pressing straight down without twisting to preserve those lovely layers. Gather any remaining dough scraps and shape them into additional biscuits, wasting nothing in this homely endeavor.
As the biscuits bake in a preheated oven, your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of warm biscuits, promising comfort and satisfaction with every breath. Watch as they transform into golden wonders, their tops lightly browned and their interiors fluffy and inviting.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3/4 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk)
Optional: 2 tablespoons sugar for sweeter biscuits
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a soft, slightly sticky ball.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it holds together but avoid over-kneading, as this can make the biscuits tough.
Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut out biscuits. Gather any remaining dough scraps and gently press them together to cut out more biscuits.
Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Serve the biscuits warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite toppings.
These homemade biscuits are tender, flaky, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish with soups and stews. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture!
Be still, and in the quiet moments, listen to the voice of your heavenly Father,
His words can renew your spirit. No one knows you and your
needs like He does. Janet L. Weaver Smith