Recipe for Classic Homemade Biscuits

 

Classic Homemade Biscuits

These classic homemade biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and perfect for breakfast or as a side for any meal. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 large egg (optional, for egg wash)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).

Cut in the Butter:

1. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the Milk:

1. Pour the milk (or buttermilk) into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky.

Knead the Dough:

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together.

Roll Out and Cut the Biscuits:

1. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Prepare the Egg Wash (Optional):

1. If you want a shiny, golden top on your biscuits, beat the egg and brush the tops of the biscuits with the egg wash.

Bake the Biscuits:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and puffed up.

Cool and Serve:

1. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips:

• Cold Butter: Ensuring the butter is cold is key to creating flaky layers in the biscuits.
• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Variations:

• Cheese Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients for a cheesy twist.
• Herb Biscuits: Mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or rosemary, for added flavor.

Enjoy your homemade biscuits fresh out of the oven, perfect with a pat of butter, jam, or as a side to your favorite meal!