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.
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.
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: 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)
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 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.
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.
For perfect biscuits every time, keep these tips in mind:
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).
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.
You will need the following tools:
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.
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.
