Buttermilk Biscuits

Few baked goods are as comforting and universally loved as classic Buttermilk Biscuits. Soft and fluffy on the inside with tender, buttery layers and lightly crisp edges, these biscuits are a timeless staple of American baking. Whether served warm at breakfast, alongside a hearty dinner, or simply enjoyed with butter and jam, buttermilk biscuits have a way of making any meal feel special.

This recipe focuses on traditional technique while keeping the process approachable for home bakers. No fancy tools or complicated steps—just cold butter, good buttermilk, and a light touch. The result is bakery-quality biscuits that taste homemade in the very best way.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers consistently fluffy, tender biscuits every single time. The balance of buttery richness and subtle tang from the buttermilk is perfection. These biscuits are incredibly versatile, easy to make, and always impressive, whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because homemade buttermilk biscuits are far superior to store-bought versions. They’re fresher, more flavorful, and free from preservatives. Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a go-to bread that pairs with almost any meal and can be adapted in countless ways.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Serving Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 8 biscuits

Calories: Approximately 210 calories per biscuit

Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: American (Southern)

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk, plus extra for brushing

Cooking Directions

These biscuits come together quickly using cold ingredients and gentle handling. The butter is cut into the flour to create flaky layers, then buttermilk is added to form a soft dough. After shaping and cutting, the biscuits are baked until golden and fluffy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Step 3: Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingers until pea-sized crumbs form.
Step 4: Pour in cold buttermilk and gently stir until just combined.
Step 5: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
Step 6: Fold the dough over itself 2–3 times to create layers.
Step 7: Cut out biscuits using a round cutter without twisting.
Step 8: Place biscuits close together on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Brush tops lightly with buttermilk.
Step 10: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and risen.

How to Serve

Serve buttermilk biscuits warm for best flavor and texture. Enjoy them with butter, honey, jam, or gravy. They’re also perfect as a base for breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, or as a side to soups, stews, and roasted meats.

Recipe Tips

For perfect biscuits every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use very cold butter and buttermilk.
• Handle the dough as little as possible.
• Do not twist the cutter when cutting biscuits.
• Place biscuits close together for taller rise.

Variations

Cheddar Biscuits:
Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of garlic powder to the dry ingredients.

Herb Biscuits:
Mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or thyme.

Whole Wheat Biscuits:
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and add 1–2 tbsp extra buttermilk.

Sweet Biscuits:
Increase sugar to 2–3 tbsp and serve with berries and whipped cream.

Vegan Biscuits:
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free buttermilk (almond milk + lemon juice).

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator:
Store baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze unbaked or baked biscuits for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly.

Special Equipment Needed

You will need the following tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Biscuit cutter or round glass
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Buttermilk Biscuits are a true classic—simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile. With just a handful of ingredients and a little care, you can create fluffy, golden biscuits that rival any bakery. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Once you taste a warm, homemade buttermilk biscuit fresh from the oven, there’s no going back.