Risen Biscuits
Risen Biscuits are flaky, tender, and buttery treats with a light airy texture, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to both traditional and modern palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients together: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder.
- Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Dissolve the yeast in 1 tablespoon warm water and let it activate.
- Combine all liquids: buttermilk, sweet milk, and the dissolved yeast, then mix thoroughly into the dry ingredients.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured board.
- Roll the dough thin.
- Cut into rounds.
- Stack the rounds one on another.
- Brush the top and layers with melted butter.
- Let rise for about 2 hours before baking.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 12 to 14 minutes, watching closely.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter biscuits, ensure your baking powder is fresh and your ingredients are at room temperature. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter for a richer flavor. Make sure to let the yeast activate properly to achieve the best rise. If you prefer a sweeter biscuit, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These risen biscuits are delightful served warm with butter and jam or honey. They pair beautifully with savory dishes like fried chicken or alongside a hearty soup. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Fat Free Oven French Fries or a fresh garden salad. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover risen biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, retaining their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Risen Biscuits contains roughly 218 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% 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 for these biscuits. However, bread flour will yield a slightly chewier texture due to its higher protein content. If you opt for all-purpose, the biscuits will still be fluffy and delicious, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by combining 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This acidic mixture will mimic the tanginess of buttermilk and help with rising the biscuits.
How can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
To prepare these biscuits ahead of time, you can mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. The night before, combine the liquids and yeast, and then mix everything together in the morning. Let the dough rise and proceed with baking for fresh biscuits anytime.
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).