Fluffy, tender, and irresistibly buttery – homemade biscuits hold a special place in the world of comfort food. This recipe yields the ultimate in light and airy biscuits, perfect for slathering with butter and jam, or making the base of a delicious sausage gravy. The best part is, they’re surprisingly easy to make and come together quickly!
* Ingredients:
YEAST MIXTURE:
● 1/4 cup warm water (125 F)
● 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
● 1 package Rapid Rise Instant yeast (1/4 oz), (2¼ teaspoons)
* BISCUITS:
● 2½ cups all-purpose flour (I prefer White Lily flour)
● 1/4 cup granulated sugar
● 1 teaspoon baking powder
● 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
● 1 teaspoon salt
● 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chopped + more for brushing finished biscuits
● 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
● 1 cup buttermilk
● 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
* Directions:
1️⃣ First, proof the yeast by adding warm water and sugar to a glass measuring cup or bowl. Stir in the yeast. Let yeast proof while moving on to the next step.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, sift or whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles small crumbs.
3️⃣ Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in the yeast mixture and buttermilk, stirring to combine just the yeast and buttermilk. Next, begin pushing the flour mixture into the well, until everything is combined and a dough has formed.
4️⃣ Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto the work surface. Gently knead the dough to incorporate all the crumbs until you have a mound of soft, pliable dough. Fold the dough several times (this will create layers in your finished biscuits).
5️⃣ Pat the dough out into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Using a floured 2.5-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out 8-10 biscuits. (Do not twist the cutter; simply go straight down and pull up.) Place biscuits on a lightly greased pan, about 1/2 inch apart. (A 9-inch pan held 8 biscuits.)
6️⃣ Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and place in a very warm, draft-free location. (I put mine in the oven with just the pilot light on.) Let rise for 1 hour and then preheat the oven to 400 F.
7️⃣ Remove plastic wrap and gently brush the tops with a light coating of heavy whipping cream. (This will help with browning.) Bake for 10-12 minutes. (Check on it at the 8-minute mark.) Turn the oven to a low broil during the last minute to create golden tops (be sure to watch it constantly while broiling to prevent burning).
8️⃣ Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
These biscuits truly are a delight! Remember to serve them warm for the best possible experience. They’re perfect for everything from breakfast to a side for a hearty dinner. I like to make extra and freeze them for later, so I always have the pleasure of homemade biscuits at my fingertips. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think – be sure to leave a comment below!