How to make Butter Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are a delicious and versatile food that is enjoyed by people of all ages
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small pieces
3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a coarse meal.
Pour in the buttermilk and mix until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it is smooth.
Pat the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut the dough into circles and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside.
Serve the biscuits warm, with butter and your choice of toppings.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Facts for one serving (1 biscuit, approximately 2.5 inches in diameter):
Calories: 200 kcal | Total Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 420mg | Total Carbohydrates: 20g | Dietary Fiber: 0.6g | Sugars: 1.2g | Protein: 3.5g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. However, since the recipe already includes salt, using unsalted butter allows you to have better control over the overall saltiness of the biscuits.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
While buttermilk provides a distinct tang and richness to the biscuits, you can substitute it with regular milk.
To create a similar buttermilk substitute, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly.
Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it for later use. After cutting the dough into circles, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I freeze the unbaked biscuit dough for future use?
Absolutely! After cutting the dough into circles, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough circles to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough circles on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I get taller and fluffier biscuits?
To achieve taller and fluffier biscuits, handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough can result in tougher biscuits.
Additionally, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active, as it is responsible for the biscuits’ rise during baking. When cutting the dough circles, press the biscuit cutter straight down without twisting to help the biscuits rise evenly.
Also, make sure to place the biscuits close together on the baking sheet as they rise and bake.
Can I use a food processor instead of a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture?
Yes, you can use a food processor to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. Simply pulse the cold butter and dry ingredients together until you achieve a coarse meal texture.
Be careful not to over-process, as you want to avoid overheating the butter, which could affect the biscuits’ texture.
How can I make the biscuits flakier?
To achieve flakier biscuits, make sure your butter is cold and stays cold throughout the process. Cold butter creates steam as it melts during baking, which leads to flaky layers.
You can also try incorporating the butter into the flour mixture using a technique called “grating” the butter.
Freeze the butter and grate it directly into the dry ingredients, then gently mix it in.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion or all of the all-purpose flour to make the biscuits healthier.
Keep in mind that whole wheat flour can result in slightly denser biscuits compared to those made with all-purpose flour alone.
Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to curdle and thicken before using it in the recipe.
The acidity in the homemade buttermilk substitute helps activate the baking powder and adds a similar tang to the biscuits.
Can I freeze the baked biscuits for later?
Yes, you can freeze the baked biscuits for later enjoyment. Allow the baked biscuits to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the frozen biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crisp.