To make biscuits, a basic recipe involves mixing dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt), cutting in cold butter until pea-sized pieces form, adding a liquid like milk or half-and-half until just moistened, shaping and folding the dough to create layers, cutting out biscuits, and baking them in a hot oven until golden. The biscuits are often brushed with melted butter after baking for extra flavor. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 to 1.5 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes or grated)
- ¾ to 1 cup milk, buttermilk, or half-and-half
- Melted butter for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 to 450°F (218 to 232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter. Use a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Pour in the milk or dairy all at once and stir gently until the dough just comes together; avoid over-mixing.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat or roll into a rectangle about ½ inch to ¾ inch thick.
- Fold the dough into thirds and pat or roll out again. Repeat folding 2-3 times to create flaky layers.
- Cut out biscuits with a round cutter or knife. Place on baking sheet 1 inch apart for crisp edges or touching for soft sides.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter while hot if desired, then cool slightly before serving.
This method produces soft, flaky, buttery biscuits perfect for serving warm with butter, jam, or gravy.
