Classic Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

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Classic Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Golden on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, these traditional Southern buttermilk biscuits are rich, buttery, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. They’re quick to prepare and require only a few simple ingredients. The key is cold butter and gentle handling to create those irresistible flaky layers.

 Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed

  • ¾–1 cup (180–240ml) cold buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

  3. Cut in butter: Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

  4. Add buttermilk: Gradually stir in cold buttermilk until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.

  5. Shape dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat to about 1-inch thickness.

  6. Fold for layers (optional but recommended): Fold dough over itself 3–4 times to create layers.

  7. Cut biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter (do not twist) and place biscuits on baking sheet so they just touch.

  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

  9. Optional: Brush tops with melted butter after baking.

 Servings

Makes 8–10 biscuits
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

 Notes & Tips

✔ Use very cold butter for flakier biscuits.
✔ Don’t overwork the dough — this keeps them soft and tender.
✔ If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.
✔ For extra height, place biscuits close together on the tray.
✔ Freeze unbaked biscuits for later baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit – Approximate)

  • Calories: 210

  • Carbohydrates: 24g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Fat: 11g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

  • Sodium: 320mg

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 2g

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

🌟 Benefits

  • Quick and easy comfort food

  • Made with simple pantry ingredients

  • Versatile — pairs with sweet or savory dishes

  • No yeast required

  • Great for meal prep and freezing

Q & A

Q: Why are my biscuits dense instead of fluffy?
A: Overmixing the dough or using warm butter can make biscuits dense.

Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze cut biscuits.

Q: Can I use self-rising flour?
A: Yes. If using self-rising flour, omit baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk with vinegar or lemon juice.

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