Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are soft and tender on the inside with beautifully golden, flaky layers on the outside. Made with simple ingredients like flour, cold butter, and buttermilk, these classic biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting Southern-style dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flaky layers: Cold butter creates delicious layers as the biscuits bake.
- Tender texture: Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples.
- Versatile: Serve them with butter, honey, jam, sausage gravy, or alongside dinner.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
How to Make Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some small pieces of butter remaining.
4. Add the Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
5. Fold the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle, then fold it in half. Repeat the folding process 2–3 times to create flaky layers.
6. Cut the Biscuits
Pat the dough to about ¾-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. Press the cutter straight down rather than twisting it.
Place the biscuits close together on the prepared baking sheet for softer sides.
7. Bake
Brush the tops with melted butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown.
8. Serve
Brush the hot biscuits with a little more melted butter if desired. Serve warm with butter, honey, jam, or your favorite gravy.
Tips for the Best Buttermilk Biscuits
- Keep the butter and buttermilk very cold for the flakiest texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough or the biscuits can become tough.
- Fold the dough several times to create distinct layers.
- Press the biscuit cutter straight down without twisting.
- Bake the biscuits close together so they rise nicely.
- For extra golden tops, brush them with melted butter before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are buttery, flaky, tender, and incredibly easy to make. Fresh from the oven with a little butter or honey, they make a delicious addition to breakfast, brunch, or any comforting Southern-style meal.
