American Biscuits

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Yield: 8–10 biscuits

Cuisine: American

Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Introduction

Few things are as comforting as a warm, golden-brown American biscuit fresh from the oven. With their flaky layers and buttery flavor, they are a staple in Southern cuisine and a versatile addition to many meals. Whether served alongside gravy for breakfast, as a base for shortcake, or a companion to fried chicken, biscuits are a beloved American classic.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make traditional fluffy American biscuits from scratch—using simple ingredients, a little love, and just 30 minutes of your time. This is a great beginner-friendly recipe and can be customized with add-ins like cheese, herbs, or even a hint of honey.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 6 tablespoons (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ¾ cup (180ml) cold buttermilk (plus more for brushing)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

• 1 teaspoon honey for a sweet touch

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl

• Pastry cutter or fork

• Biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Pastry brush (optional)

• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

Whisk together until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This step ensures your biscuits rise evenly and have the right texture.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some pea-sized butter chunks are okay—these will melt during baking and create those desirable flaky layers.

Pro Tip: For extra flakiness, chill the bowl and flour before adding the butter. Cold ingredients are the key to great biscuits.

Step 4: Add Buttermilk

Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough biscuits.

If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of extra buttermilk at a time. The dough should be slightly sticky but still workable.

Step 5: Knead and Fold (Gently!)

Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, pat the dough into a rough rectangle about 1-inch thick.

Now for the secret to flaky layers: folding!

• Fold the dough in half like a letter.

• Turn it 90 degrees and flatten it again to 1 inch thick.

• Repeat this folding process 3 to 4 times.

This creates those signature buttery layers.

Step 6: Cut Out the Biscuits

Using a biscuit cutter (or a floured drinking glass), cut the biscuits out of the dough. Press straight down—don’t twist the cutter—as twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising.

Place the biscuits close together on the prepared baking sheet. This encourages them to rise upward rather than spread out.

Gather the dough scraps, gently pat them out, and cut more biscuits until all the dough is used.

Step 7: Bake

Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little buttermilk for a golden finish.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits have risen beautifully.

Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—oven times can vary!

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Step 8: Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm with butter, jam, honey, or gravy.

These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

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Variations & Tips

• Cheddar Chive Biscuits: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 tablespoon chopped chives to the dry ingredients.

• Sweet Biscuits: Mix in 1 tablespoon sugar or a drizzle of honey for a sweeter flavor.

• Make Ahead: Cut out the biscuits and freeze them raw. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Serving Suggestions

• With Breakfast: Top with sausage gravy or scrambled eggs.

• For Dinner: Serve with fried chicken, barbecue, or chili.

• For Dessert: Slice in half and serve with strawberries and whipped cream for a homemade shortcake.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Biscuit – Approximate)

Note: Values vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and optional add-ins like cheese.