Flakey Biscuits

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Flaky, tender biscuits with a rich, buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Ideal for making ahead and serving to guests or family.

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Ingredients

  • 5 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 package yeast
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Sift flour, baking powder, and soda together.
  2. Cut in shortening into the dry ingredients.
  3. Dissolve yeast with sugar and warm water.
  4. Add yeast mixture and buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix lightly with a fork.
  5. Do not knead the dough.
  6. Refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for at least overnight.
  7. Pinch off the needed amount of dough.
  8. Knead the dough well.
  9. Roll out and cut into biscuits.
  10. Bake at 450°F (232°C) for about 10 minutes.
  11. Do not allow biscuits to rise before baking.
  12. The longer they sit in the refrigerator, the better they taste.
  13. Biscuits can be made several days ahead when entertaining.

Tips & Substitutions

For flakier biscuits, ensure your shortening is cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the biscuits light and airy. If you prefer a sweeter biscuit, consider adding a bit more sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These flaky biscuits are perfect for breakfast, served warm with butter and jam or alongside eggs. They also make an excellent side for soups and stews or can be enjoyed with fried chicken. For a delightful dessert option, pair them with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, creating an indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them briefly, but they may lose their flakiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Flakey Biscuits contains roughly 407 calories, with 19g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1482mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

407 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.2g 38% DV
Total Fat 18.1g 23% DV
Carbs 43.6g 16% DV
Fiber 4.6g 16% DV
Sugar 15.2g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1482.1mg 64% DV
Potassium 1180.8mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 33.7mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 142.8mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 18.2mg 20% DV
Vitamin D 3.9mcg 20% DV
Calcium 459.8mg 35% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop as it sits, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to pinch off the amount you need and knead it lightly before rolling out.

What should I do if my biscuits don't rise?

If your biscuits don't rise, ensure your baking powder and yeast are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to dense biscuits. If you’re using cold ingredients, bring them to room temperature before mixing for better results.

Can I freeze the biscuits?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.

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).

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