Flaky Biscuits

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Flaky, buttery biscuits with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or as a side. Ideal for gatherings, brunch, or simple comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients together: flour, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Add milk to the dry mixture and stir together until combined.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board or pastry sheet.
  4. Knead for about 30 seconds.
  5. Press the dough to about 1/2 inch thick for fluffy biscuits.
  6. Cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter.
  7. Place the cut biscuits on a greased cookie sheet.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flaky biscuits, try using cold butter instead of shortening. Cut it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you don't have milk, you can substitute with buttermilk for a richer flavor. Always handle the dough gently to keep it from becoming tough. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. For a fun twist, add shredded cheese or herbs to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these flaky biscuits warm with butter and honey or alongside a hearty bowl of Pumpkin Soup - Ii for a comforting meal. They also pair wonderfully with jam or gravy for breakfast. Consider serving them with a side of scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a fulfilling brunch experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they stay soft and flaky.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Flaky Biscuits contains roughly 123 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

123 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.6g 3% DV
Carbs 22.7g 8% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 9.2g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1029.2mg 45% DV
Potassium 62.1mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 1.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 216.2mg 17% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and cutting out the biscuits.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, unsalted butter is a great alternative. Use the same amount and make sure it's cold for best results. You can also try using coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it might alter the flavor slightly.

Why did my biscuits not rise?

If your biscuits didn’t rise, it could be due to expired baking powder or overworking the dough, which can develop gluten. Make sure to check your baking powder's freshness and knead the dough just until combined for optimal flakiness.

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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