The Best Homemade Biscuits: Flaky, Buttery, and Irresistible
There’s nothing quite like a warm, flaky biscuit fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re slathering it with butter, drizzling it with honey, or serving it alongside a hearty breakfast, a good biscuit is pure comfort food. My scratch biscuits are unbeatable—tender, buttery, and perfectly golden brown.
Why These Biscuits Are the Best
This recipe is simple, requiring just a few staple ingredients, but the technique makes all the difference. By grating the butter, carefully folding the dough, and baking at the right temperature, you get biscuits with perfect layers and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cold)
- 3/4 cup cold whole milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Using the largest holes on a cheese grater, carefully grate the cold butter directly into the dry ingredients. This ensures small, evenly distributed bits of butter that create perfect flaky layers.
Step 4: Add Milk and Form Dough
Pour in the cold whole milk and gently mix until just combined. The dough should be shaggy and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Create Flaky Layers
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Be careful not to overwork it! Flatten the dough to about 1 1/2 inches thick, then fold it in half. Repeat this process five times to build layers for an ultra-flaky texture.
Step 6: Cut the Biscuits
Use a floured drinking glass or biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Press straight down and twist slightly, then shake to release. Place biscuits about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. You can gather the scraps and re-roll, but the second batch won’t be quite as pretty.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Biscuits
- Keep everything cold: Cold butter and milk help create the signature flakiness.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make biscuits tough.
- Use a sharp cutter: A clean, sharp cut helps biscuits rise properly instead of sealing the edges shut.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are versatile and delicious with:
- Homemade jam or honey
- Sausage gravy for classic biscuits and gravy
- Soft scrambled eggs and bacon
- A drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet twist
