My Mom'S Up And Down Biscuits

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

Up and Down Biscuits are flaky, sweet, and buttery treats perfect for breakfast or dessert, combining tender layers with cinnamon-sugar topping to delight any palate.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. cream of tartar
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • ½ c. shortening
  • ⅔ c. milk
  • ¼ c. melted margarine
  • ¼ c. sugar

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder, cream of tartar, and sugar.
  2. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add milk and knead gently for half a minute.
  4. Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness.
  5. Brush the top with melted margarine.
  6. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
  7. Cut into 2-inch strips and stack five high.
  8. Cut off 2-inch pieces and place cut side down in greased muffin pans.
  9. Bake at 425°F for 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter biscuit, consider substituting half of the shortening with Greek yogurt or applesauce, which adds moisture without extra fat. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can omit it, though it helps with the biscuit's rise. For added flavor, try infusing the milk with vanilla or using buttermilk instead. These biscuits are also delightful when made with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are perfect for breakfast or brunch, served warm with butter and jam. They also pair beautifully with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad, making them a versatile addition to any meal. For a sweet twist, consider serving them alongside a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, enhancing their flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.

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 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring they retain their flakiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of My Mom'S Up And Down Biscuits contains roughly 248 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (25% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 862mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

248 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 13.7g 18% DV
Carbs 30.3g 11% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 7.4g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 862mg 37% DV
Potassium 1156.6mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 19.9mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 94.2mg 7% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 these biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough a day in advance. Refrigerate it in plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to bake, simply roll it out and proceed with the recipe. This can save you time on busy mornings.

What can I substitute for shortening?

If you're looking for a substitute for shortening, you can use an equal amount of butter or margarine. Coconut oil is also a great alternative, providing a subtle flavor. Just keep in mind that different fats may slightly alter the texture of the biscuits.

How can I add more flavor to these biscuits?

To enhance the flavor of these biscuits, consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. You can also mix in dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, or incorporate grated cheese for a savory twist, similar to the deliciousness found in Cheesy Mixed Vegetable Casserole.

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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