Few things are as comforting as warm, flaky biscuits fresh out of the oven. Whether you enjoy them with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty meal, biscuits are a timeless classic. If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade biscuits, you’ll be surprised to learn that the process is simple, fun, and doesn’t require fancy equipment.
In this blog, we’ll cover the step-by-step method for making biscuits from scratch, share baking tips, and answer common questions to help you bake light, fluffy biscuits every time.
Why Make Biscuits at Home?
Homemade biscuits are far better than store-bought ones for a few reasons:
- Fresher taste – Nothing beats the aroma of warm biscuits straight from the oven.
- Better texture – You can make them flakier and softer than packaged versions.
- Simple ingredients – No preservatives or artificial flavors, just real baking goodness.
- Customizable – You can add cheese, herbs, or even garlic butter for variety.
So, let’s get started with the basics!
Ingredients Required to Make Biscuits at Home
Here’s what you need for a classic, fluffy biscuit recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice as a substitute)
Optional: Melted butter for brushing on top after baking.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Biscuits
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps biscuits rise quickly and become fluffy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is key to flaky biscuits.
4. Add the Milk
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
5. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a ¾-inch thick rectangle. Fold it over itself 2–3 times to create layers, then flatten again.
6. Cut the Biscuits
Use a round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut biscuits. Press straight down—don’t twist—or they won’t rise evenly.
7. Bake Until Golden
Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
- Keep ingredients cold – Cold butter and milk give the best rise.
- Don’t overmix – Handle the dough as little as possible.
- Use sharp cutters – This helps biscuits puff up instead of slanting.
- Bake close together – Placing biscuits near each other on the tray makes them rise taller.
- Experiment with flavors – Try cheddar cheese, garlic powder, or herbs for a twist.
Variations of Homemade Biscuits
Once you know the basics of how to make homemade biscuits, you can experiment with different versions:
- Buttermilk Biscuits – Richer flavor and fluffier texture.
- Cheddar Biscuits – Add shredded cheese for a savory option.
- Sweet Biscuits – Add extra sugar and a cinnamon glaze for dessert biscuits.
- Drop Biscuits – Skip rolling and just drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet for a rustic look.
Conclusion
Learning how to make homemade biscuits is easier than you think. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create soft, buttery biscuits that taste far better than store-bought ones. The key is to keep your ingredients cold, handle the dough gently, and bake in a hot oven.
Whether you enjoy them with gravy, jam, or a warm bowl of soup, homemade biscuits are a versatile treat that brings comfort to any meal. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to packaged biscuits again!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make biscuits without buttermilk?
Yes! Mix regular milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
2. Why are my biscuits hard and dry?
This usually happens if you overmix the dough or overbake the biscuits. Handle the dough gently and bake just until golden.
3. Can I freeze biscuit dough?
Absolutely. Cut out the biscuits, place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes to baking time.
4. Do I need a biscuit cutter?
No, you can use a glass or even shape them by hand. A cutter just helps make them uniform.
5. How long do homemade biscuits last?
They’re best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore fluffiness.