Edna'S Baking Powder Biscuits
Fluffy, buttery biscuits with a hint of sweetness and a little tang, perfect for breakfast or a quick side, ideal for families or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt and sugar.
- Add shortening and blend with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Combine egg and milk; beat well.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dough and stir with a fork until just blended.
- Place dough on a floured board and knead about 5 minutes.
- Roll the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut biscuits with a biscuit cutter.
- Place biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter biscuits, use cold shortening and avoid over-mixing the dough. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder. For a slightly sweeter version, consider adding a bit more sugar. If you're out of shortening, unsalted butter works well too, providing a rich flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are best served hot, paired with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast. They also complement savory dishes well, making them a perfect side for Home Town Potato Salad or as a base for biscuits and gravy. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Edna'S Baking Powder Biscuits contains roughly 915 calories, with 15g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, adding a bit more milk to achieve the right consistency.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the biscuits?
Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist or shredded cheese for a cheesy biscuit. A touch of garlic powder can also elevate the flavor, making them a great accompaniment to dishes like Asparagus Spears With Lemon Tarragon Butter.
How can I make these biscuits more flaky?
To achieve flakier biscuits, ensure your shortening is very cold and handle the dough as little as possible. You can also fold the dough a few times before rolling it out to create layers, which will result in a more tender and flaky biscuit.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).