South Carolina Angel Biscuits

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Light, fluffy angel biscuits with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who love tender, flavorful baked goods with a flaky texture.

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Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 cups self-rising flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 1 package yeast

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. Sift self-rising flour, add sugar.
  3. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add buttermilk and yeast mixture to the flour mixture.
  5. Mix dough until combined.
  6. Place dough in the icebox to chill.
  7. Take out as much dough as needed at a time for baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use chilled ingredients and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the biscuits light and flaky. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. These biscuits can be frozen before baking; just layer them with parchment paper and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

These Angel Biscuits are delicious served warm with butter and honey. For a heartier meal, pair them with Sheepherder'S Hearty Soup or alongside roasted meats. They also make a delightful breakfast option when served with jam or alongside scrambled eggs. For a unique twist, try them alongside All-Time Favorite Potato Salad for a picnic.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of South Carolina Angel Biscuits contains roughly 618 calories, with 14g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1149mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

618 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.6g 27% DV
Total Fat 49.7g 64% DV
Carbs 31g 11% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 6.6g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1149.4mg 50% DV
Potassium 857.2mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 13.8mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 58.8mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 5.4mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 1.6mcg 8% DV
Calcium 182.5mg 14% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
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

Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it convenient for busy mornings. Just take out the desired amount, shape, and bake as needed.

What can I substitute for shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will add a rich flavor, though the texture may vary slightly. Ensure that the butter is cold, similar to how you would handle shortening.

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 by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow. Bake until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F for optimal texture.

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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