Plain Biscuits

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Simple and versatile, these classic plain biscuits are soft, flaky, and lightly buttery. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving alongside meals, they appeal to all ages and can be customized with add-ins or toppings. Their quick preparation makes them a go-to for homemade comfort food.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3/4 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt) together.
  3. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Combine milk and beaten egg, then slowly add to the dry ingredients until the mixture is wet enough to hold together.
  5. Turn the dough onto a floured board.
  6. Knead briefly, then roll out to 1/2-inch thickness.
  7. Cut with a biscuit cutter and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier texture, ensure your butter is cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients. If you don't have milk, you can substitute with buttermilk or yogurt for added richness. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or cheese to the dough. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can lead to tough biscuits. Serve with Sour Cream Whipped Potatoes for a delicious side.

Serving Suggestions

These plain biscuits are perfect for breakfast, served warm with butter and jam, or as a side for savory dishes. They pair beautifully with Cream Cheese Clouds for a delightful brunch spread. Try them alongside a hearty soup or stew, or serve them with fried chicken for a comforting meal. You can also use them to make biscuit sandwiches with your favorite fillings.

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, place frozen biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Plain Biscuits contains roughly 169 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value).

169 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 5g 6% DV
Carbs 29.1g 11% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 457.3mg 20% DV
Potassium 176.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 85.2mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 126mg 10% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg 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 dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply roll out and cut the biscuits as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze the cut biscuits before baking and cook them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I do if my biscuits are too dry?

If your biscuits turn out dry, it may be due to overmixing or not enough liquid. To remedy this, you can brush them with melted butter right after baking to add moisture. For future batches, pay close attention to the mixing process and add a little more milk if the dough seems too crumbly.

How can I add flavor to these plain biscuits?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients. You can also mix in shredded cheese or chopped cooked bacon for a savory twist. Sweet variations can include adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of warmth.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →