Morning Biscuits
Morning Biscuits are flaky, tender homemade biscuits with a buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or brunch, suitable for family gatherings or weekend treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Sift dry ingredients: flour, salt, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk.
- Mix just until ingredients are combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently until it is soft and elastic, not sticky.
- Pat the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out biscuits using a cookie cutter or drinking glass.
- Place the biscuits 1/2-inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet for a crisp crust or touching for a softer biscuit.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For flakier biscuits, ensure your shortening is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This will mimic the acidity and help create a tender biscuit. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to maintain its light texture.
Serving Suggestions
These flaky morning biscuits are perfect with butter and jam or honey. They pair beautifully with scrambled eggs or a side of sausage, making them a delightful addition to a breakfast spread. For a sweet treat, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or alongside your favorite American recipes like Gumdrop Bars.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Morning Biscuits contains roughly 49 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1010mg per serving (44% 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 make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shape the biscuits and store them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing them in the oven.
What can I use if I don't have shortening?
If you're out of shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cold butter or margarine. This will add a rich flavor to your biscuits. Alternatively, vegetable oil can also be used, but it may result in a slightly different texture.
How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and have risen nicely. You can also check the bottom; it should be lightly browned as well. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating they're fully cooked.
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).