Flaky Homemade Biscuits

Ingredients

• 3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed; plus more for brushing)
• 1 cup buttermilk (cold; plus more for brushing)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. 3

   Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to work the butter into the flour until the pieces are about the size of peas.

4. 4

   Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk.

5. 5

   Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.

6. 6

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle.

7. 7

   Fold the dough in thirds (like a letter), then rotate 90 degrees and pat out into a rectangle again. Repeat this folding process 5-6 times to create the flaky layers.

8. 8

   Pat the dough out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a 2.5-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting.

9. 9

   Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet so they are just touching; this helps them rise taller.

10. 10

    Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little extra buttermilk.

11. 11

    Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

12. 12

    Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter. Serve warm.

Notes

For the best rise, ensure your butter and buttermilk are very cold. Do not twist the biscuit cutter when cutting, as this seals the edges and prevents the layers from expanding.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• side dish
• baking
• biscuits
• vegetarian
• southern