Melissa'S Fairy Biscuits
Melissa's Fairy Biscuits are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet biscuits with a unique yeast flavor, perfect for breakfast or teatime and enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over shortening and stir until melted and cooled.
- Drop in eggs, yeast, and sugar; beat with an egg beater until well combined.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and add to the mixture gradually.
- Let the dough rise for about 2 hours.
- Roll out the dough and cut into biscuit shapes.
- Let the shaped biscuits rise for 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening instead of all shortening. If fresh yeast is unavailable, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Ensure the water is just boiling; too hot can kill the yeast, while too cool may not activate it properly. Always sift the dry ingredients to prevent lumps.
Serving Suggestions
These fairy biscuits are delightful on their own or served with butter and jam. They pair beautifully with Cloud Salad for a light meal or can be enjoyed alongside a hearty soup. For a sweet treat, serve them with Lazy Lady Banana Pudding for a comforting dessert 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, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their warmth and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Melissa'S Fairy Biscuits contains roughly 687 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2319mg per serving (101% 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 all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour provides more structure and chewiness due to its higher protein content, which is ideal for biscuits. If using all-purpose flour, consider adding a bit more to achieve the desired dough consistency.
What can I do if my biscuits don't rise properly?
If your biscuits don't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm water. Also, allow enough time for the dough to rise in a warm place, and don't skip the rising steps, as they are crucial for achieving fluffy biscuits.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before rolling and cutting into shapes.
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).