Buttermilk Biscuits are the perfect combination of buttery flavor, flaky layers, and a tender crumb. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or alongside your favorite comfort meal, these homemade biscuits are simple to make with pantry staples and come together in under an hour. This easy recipe delivers bakery-style results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wonderfully light, flaky, and buttery texture.
- Easy to prepare with simple everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or holiday meals.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
- Delicious served with butter, honey, jam, or savory gravy.
- Beginner-friendly recipe with consistently great results.
Ingredients
Dry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
Wet
- 1/2 cup cold buttermilk, shaken
- 1 large cold egg
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Grate the cold butter using a box grater directly into the flour mixture. Place the bowl in the freezer for 5–7 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk and egg until combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg wash ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Remove the flour mixture from the freezer and gently toss the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture all at once. Stir just until combined.
- Lightly knead the dough until it comes together without overworking it.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut using a 2½-inch biscuit cutter to make about 6 biscuits. Gather the scraps once to make approximately 2 additional biscuits.
- Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. If needed, chill the tray in the freezer for 5 minutes to keep the butter cold.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash.
- Bake the Buttermilk Biscuits for 10–15 minutes or until tall and golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, fruit preserves, or your favorite breakfast spread.
Tips & Tricks
- Always use very cold butter and buttermilk.
- Avoid twisting the biscuit cutter to help biscuits rise evenly.
- Mix only until the dough comes together.
- Chill the shaped biscuits before baking for extra flaky layers.
- Use a sharp cutter for clean edges.
- Bake immediately after cutting for the best rise.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve alongside soups, stews, fried chicken, or breakfast eggs.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
- Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
- Enjoy fresh from the oven for the best texture.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Biscuit)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
FAQ
Why are my biscuits not flaky?
Overmixing the dough or using warm butter can reduce flaky layers. Keep ingredients cold and handle the dough gently.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and freeze the unbaked biscuits. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Reduce the added salt slightly to balance the flavor.
How do I get taller biscuits?
Press the dough instead of rolling it, avoid twisting the cutter, and keep the butter cold before baking.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes. Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1½ teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Storage
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked or unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds.
Similar Recipes
Buttermilk Biscuits
Ingredients
Dry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter cold
Wet
- 1/2 cup cold buttermilk shaken
- 1 large cold egg
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Grate the cold butter using a box grater directly into the flour mixture. Place the bowl in the freezer for 5–7 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk and egg until combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg wash ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Remove the flour mixture from the freezer and gently toss the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture all at once. Stir just until combined.
- Lightly knead the dough until it comes together without overworking it.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut using a 2½-inch biscuit cutter to make about 6 biscuits. Gather the scraps once to make approximately 2 additional biscuits.
- Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. If needed, chill the tray in the freezer for 5 minutes to keep the butter cold.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash.
- Bake the Buttermilk Biscuits for 10–15 minutes or until tall and golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, fruit preserves, or your favorite breakfast spread.
Notes
- Serve alongside soups, stews, fried chicken, or breakfast eggs.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
- Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
- Enjoy fresh from the oven for the best texture.
Conclusion
These homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are soft, buttery, and packed with flaky layers that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making a cozy family breakfast or serving them with dinner, this easy biscuit recipe is sure to become a favorite. Once you try these warm, freshly baked biscuits, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.