These Easy Lofty Biscuits are fluffy and warm, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. They come together quickly with simple ingredients – flour, baking powder, and butter!
Add a little jam or honey on top, and they become a delightful treat. I can hardly resist sneaking a bite while they’re still warm! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the biscuits. If you want a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat flour for more fiber. Just note, it may change the texture slightly.
Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy. If you don’t have baking powder, you could use baking soda mixed with cream of tartar (1 tsp baking powder = 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar).
Butter: I use unsalted butter for control over the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or coconut oil can also be used. Just chill it beforehand!
Milk: Whole milk makes the biscuits rich and creamy, but you can substitute with any milk (dairy or plant-based) you have on hand. I like oat milk for a slight sweetness!
How Do I Make Sure My Biscuits Are Fluffy?
Getting that lofty texture is all about handling the dough correctly. Here are some key tips:
- Keep everything cold! Cold butter and milk help create steam as they bake, making your biscuits rise.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until combined, and a little stickiness is fine. This keeps your biscuits light.
- When cutting the biscuits, press straight down without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
- Make sure your oven is hot enough before baking. Preheating it to 450°F is crucial for that burst of steam!
Easy Lofty Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cold milk (whole or 2%)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 to 12 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at about 30 minutes total from start to finish! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper to line it.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until they are evenly mixed. This helps the biscuits rise nicely!
3. Incorporate the Butter
Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, quickly work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, with some small chunks of butter remaining. This will create rugged flaky layers!
4. Combine with Milk
Create a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour in the cold milk. Mix gently with a spoon until the dough just comes together. Remember, it’s okay if the dough is a bit sticky; try not to overmix.
5. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently only 5 to 6 times to make it cohesive. Pat or roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness to prepare for cutting.
6. Cut the Biscuits
Using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you have scraps, gather and reshape them to cut out more biscuits.
7. Brush for Golden Perfection
If you want, brush the tops with a little milk or melted butter to make them golden brown when baking.
8. Bake to Perfection
Put your biscuits in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle warm biscuits with honey or spread them with butter for a delicious treat!
These biscuits are light, fluffy, and slightly crumbly on the inside with a golden crust on the outside — perfect for pairing with honey as pictured!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option! However, the texture might be denser, so consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter biscuit while still adding fiber.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Powder?
No problem! You can substitute baking powder by using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar for every teaspoon of baking powder needed. This will still give your biscuits the lift they need!
How Do I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Ingredients Like Cheese or Herbs?
Absolutely! You can stir in shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even diced ham into the dough before baking for a delicious variation. Just remember to adjust the salt according to your add-ins!
