Perfect Buttermilk Biscuits

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

Buttermilk biscuits are flaky, tender, and buttery, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals. Their simple, comforting flavor makes them a family favorite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 heaping tsp. baking powder
  • 8 Tbsp. melted shortening
  • buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
  2. Add the melted shortening and combine until crumbly.
  3. Gradually add buttermilk until a soft, sticky dough forms.
  4. Pour the dough onto a floured board.
  5. Work the dough with additional flour until manageable.
  6. Pinch off biscuits from the dough.
  7. Place biscuits in a pan with at least 1/4 inch of melted shortening.
  8. Bake at 400°F until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For lighter biscuits, use cold buttermilk and work the dough minimally to avoid overmixing. If you don't have buttermilk, a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice can be a great substitute. For a touch of flavor, consider adding herbs or cheese, which pairs beautifully with Cheesy Puffins.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are perfect for breakfast or brunch and can be served with butter, jam, or honey. They also make a great side for savory dishes like fried chicken or oven baked fish. For a delightful treat, enjoy them with a bowl of Lemon Fruit Dip as an appetizer.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover biscuits, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Perfect Buttermilk Biscuits contains roughly 313 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 27g fat.

313 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 27.1g 35% DV
Carbs 14.6g 5% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 371.8mg 16% DV
Potassium 97.2mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 6.6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 108.1mg 8% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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

Why are my biscuits not rising?

If your biscuits aren't rising, it may be due to expired baking powder or not working the dough enough. Ensure your ingredients are fresh and try to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain the air pockets needed for rising.

Can I freeze the biscuits?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked biscuits. After cutting them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly fresh biscuits.

How do I know when the biscuits are done?

The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature; they should reach at least 200°F for optimal fluffiness.

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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