How to Make the Best Homemade Biscuits

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of golden, flaky biscuits out of the oven. The aroma? Divine. The taste? Irresistible. And the process? Easier than you might think—if you know the secrets.

The Secret Is in the Ingredients

Let’s start with the basics. Flour, butter, and milk. Simple, right? Not quite. The flour you choose matters—a lot. All-purpose flour is the go-to for most, but if you want a tender crumb, consider using a mix of all-purpose and cake flour.

Now, the butter. Cold butter is non-negotiable. Icy cold. Why? Because those tiny chunks of butter create steam pockets when baking, leading to flaky layers. Margarine? Don’t even think about it.

Milk or buttermilk? That depends on your taste buds. Buttermilk gives your biscuits a tangy twist, while regular milk keeps it neutral. Experiment. The choice is yours!

Mixing: The Art of Not Overdoing It

This is where many biscuit dreams crumble—literally. Over-mixing is the enemy. Start by combining your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add your cold butter, and then use a pastry cutter (or your fingers, if you’re brave) to mix until you have pea-sized crumbs.

When you pour in the liquid, stir gently. A few streaks of flour are okay! Over-mixing toughens the dough, and tough biscuits? Tragic.

Shaping and Baking

Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and gently press it together—no rolling pin required! Fold the dough over itself 3-4 times to create layers. Then, pat it down to about ¾-inch thick. Use a round cutter for classic biscuits or a knife for squares (no wasted dough!).

Arrange them on a baking sheet—touching each other if you like soft sides or spaced apart for crispy edges. Bake in a blazing hot oven (450°F) for 12-15 minutes, and watch the magic happen.

Finishing Touches

Brush the tops with melted butter straight out of the oven. This isn’t just about looks—it adds a rich, buttery finish. Want to get fancy? Sprinkle on flaky sea salt or a pinch of herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

And there you have it—perfect homemade biscuits, ready to steal the show. Whether slathered with jam, topped with gravy, or eaten straight off the pan (we won’t judge), these biscuits are destined to impress.