West Virginia Biscuits
West Virginia Biscuits are fluffy, slightly sweet, and tender biscuits with a rich flavor from shortening and powdered milk, perfect for breakfast or with hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, yeast, and warm water; let stand for 10 minutes.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, salt, powdered milk, baking powder) together.
- Add shortening and cut into the flour mixture until crumbly.
- Add the yeast mixture and mix well to form dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut with a biscuit cutter.
- Let the biscuits rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter biscuit, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have cake yeast, use 2 packages of active dry yeast instead. You can also substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Remember to sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps, which can affect the texture of your biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
These West Virginia Biscuits are delicious when served warm with butter and honey or jam. They pair beautifully with hearty stews or fried chicken. For a sweet touch, enjoy them with a drizzle of maple syrup or alongside a slice of Grand Champion Apple Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through, restoring their fluffy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of West Virginia Biscuits contains roughly 3396 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 361g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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 make these biscuits without yeast?
Yes, you can use baking powder instead of yeast for a quicker version. Replace the yeast with 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and make sure to mix it well with the dry ingredients. However, the texture will differ slightly, resulting in a denser biscuit.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour while kneading until you reach a workable consistency. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the biscuits tough. Dust your work surface with flour to help prevent sticking.
Can I add flavors or herbs to these biscuits?
Absolutely! You can incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist. For a sweet variation, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Just be mindful of the balance so that the flavors complement rather than overpower the biscuit.
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).