These Easy Lofty Biscuits are fluffy, buttery treats that are perfect for breakfast or a snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have soft, tall biscuits that make everyone smile!
Baking these biscuits is a breeze. Honestly, it’s hard not to sneak a warm, buttery bite straight from the oven! I love pairing them with jam or enjoying them plain. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your biscuits. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, which works well in baking recipes.
Baking powder: This helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy. Make sure your baking powder is fresh; old powder won’t give the same lift. If you run out, try using baking soda with a bit of cream of tartar.
Cold unsalted butter: Cold butter is key for flaky layers. If you don’t have unsalted butter, salted butter can work too, just reduce the added salt slightly. For a dairy-free alternative, use cold coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Cold milk: Whole milk gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with any milk, including non-dairy options like almond or oat milk. Just keep it cold!
How Do I Make Sure My Biscuits are Fluffy?
To achieve those tall, fluffy biscuits, focus on handling the dough gently. Overmixing can develop gluten which makes them tough instead of light. Here are the essential tips:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and milk help create steam when baking, leading to fluffiness.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix until just combined, then knead gently only a few times. Less is more here!
- Crowd the biscuits on the baking sheet: Placing them close together allows them to rise upwards instead of spreading out.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfect biscuits every time!
Easy Lofty Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup cold milk (whole milk preferred)
- Optional: Butter and jam for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll be enjoying your flaky, delicious biscuits in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine them well. This is where the magic begins!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, small pieces of butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to mix the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. This helps create those wonderful flaky layers!
4. Combine with Milk:
Next, pour in the cold milk and gently stir with a spoon or spatula. Mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
5. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently by folding it over itself 3 to 4 times, just until it’s smooth. Remember, treat it gently to keep those lofts high!
6. Roll and Cut the Dough:
Now, pat or roll the dough out to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness. Using a biscuit cutter or a knife, cut the dough into squares or rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are close together; this helps them rise up tall!
7. Bake Them Up:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with butter and your favorite jam or honey for that extra delicious touch.
Enjoy your fluffy, tender Easy Lofty Biscuits! They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but your biscuits may be denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain some fluffiness.
How Can I Make My Biscuits Even More Flaky?
To achieve extra flakiness, make sure your butter is very cold and even try grating it into the flour instead of cutting it in. This creates smaller pieces that incorporate better into the mixture, leading to lighter layers.
Can I Freeze the Dough for Later Use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. They might take a minute or two longer in the oven!
What Are Some Flavor Variations I Can Try?
Feel free to add flavor! You can mix in shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even sweeten the dough with a tablespoon of sugar for a hint of sweetness. Just be mindful of added moisture from ingredients like cheese.
