🧈 Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern comfort food—flaky, buttery, tender, and golden on the outside with soft layers inside. They’re perfect for breakfast, served with gravy, jam, honey, fried chicken, or as a side for hearty meals.

Prep Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Bake: 12–15 minutes
• Total: About 30 minutes

Servings

8–10 biscuits

Ingredients

• 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
5. Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

2. Shape the Biscuits

1. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Gently fold the dough over itself 4–5 times to create layers.
3. Pat dough to about ¾-inch (2 cm) thick.
4. Cut biscuits using a round cutter (do not twist the cutter).
5. Place biscuits close together on the baking sheet for softer sides or spaced apart for crispier edges.

3. Bake

1. Bake for 12–15 minutes until tall and golden brown.
2. Brush with melted butter while warm.
3. Serve immediately.

Serving Ideas

• 🧈 Butter and honey
• 🍓 Strawberry jam
• 🍳 Breakfast sandwiches with eggs and sausage
• 🍗 Chicken biscuits
• 🥘 Biscuits and sausage gravy

Variations

Cheddar Garlic Biscuits

Add:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Honey Butter Biscuits

Brush with:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey

Herb Biscuits

Add:

• Fresh chives
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Storage

• Room Temperature: Best eaten fresh; keep covered up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked biscuits for up to 3 months.

Tips for Flaky Biscuits

• Keep butter and buttermilk very cold.
• Handle the dough as little as possible.
• Fold the dough several times to create flaky layers.
• For extra-tall biscuits, place them touching each other in the pan.
• Bake at a high temperature for a beautiful rise and golden crust.