Recipe for Classic Homemade Biscuits

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the smell of freshly baked homemade biscuits wafting through the kitchen. Whether served warm at breakfast, paired with a hearty dinner, or enjoyed as a simple snack, these classic homemade biscuits are guaranteed to impress. Made with basic pantry staples, they deliver on taste, texture, and simplicity. Here’s the ultimate guide to making the perfect homemade biscuits that will have your family and friends asking for more.

Ingredients for Classic Homemade Biscuits

Before we dive into the process, let’s start with the key ingredients you’ll need for this foolproof recipe:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour (AP flour)
• 1/3 cup baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 large egg, for egg wash (optional)

These ingredients are simple but come together to create a beautiful batch of biscuits. The cold butter gives the biscuits their flaky texture, while the baking powder ensures they rise perfectly in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Biscuits

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar (if using). These dry ingredients form the base of the dough, and whisking them ensures even distribution.

3. Cut in the Cold Butter

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is crucial here—it creates those irresistible, flaky layers in the biscuits. Aim for pea-sized butter chunks throughout the dough.

4. Add the Milk

Pour in the whole milk or buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable. Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits, which we definitely want to avoid.

5. Knead the Dough Lightly

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a couple of times to bring it together. The key here is to handle the dough as little as possible to keep the biscuits tender.

6. Roll and Cut the Biscuits

Pat the dough out to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out your biscuits. Ensure you press straight down when cutting to maintain the layers. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion.

7. Optional: Egg Wash for a Golden Finish

If you’d like a glossy, golden finish on your biscuits, lightly beat one large egg and brush it over the tops of the biscuits before baking. This step is optional but adds a beautiful sheen to the finished biscuits.

8. Bake to Perfection

Place the biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake—biscuits should be light and fluffy, with a soft golden crust.

9. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm, spread with butter, or alongside your favorite meal.