There’s nothing quite like warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits fresh from the oven. With crisp golden tops and soft, tender layers inside, these classic Southern-style biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side for dinner. Best of all, they’re simple to make with just a few pantry staples.
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
🍳 Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowl
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Pastry cutter (or fork)
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Biscuit cutter (or drinking glass)
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper (optional)
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Pastry brush (optional)
🛒 Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
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¾–1 cup cold buttermilk
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1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing tops, optional)
📝 Ingredient Notes
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Cold Butter: The key to flaky layers. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
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Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps create tenderness. Shake before measuring.
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Sugar: Optional, but adds a slight sweetness and promotes browning.
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No Buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5–10 minutes.
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3️⃣ Cut in Butter
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Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
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Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces are ideal).
4️⃣ Add Buttermilk
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Pour in ¾ cup cold buttermilk.
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Gently stir just until dough comes together.
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If dry, add a little more buttermilk (1 tbsp at a time).
Do not overmix.
5️⃣ Shape the Dough
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Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
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Gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
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Fold dough in half, pat down again, and repeat folding 2–3 times to create layers.
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Pat to 1-inch thickness and cut biscuits using a cutter.
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Place biscuits close together on baking sheet for softer sides (or spaced apart for crispier edges).
6️⃣ Bake
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
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Brush with melted butter immediately after baking (optional).
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Approximate per biscuit, makes 8)
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Calories: 210
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Sodium: 350mg
Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients.
💡 Tips for Extra Fluffy Biscuits
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Keep ingredients cold—especially butter and buttermilk.
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Handle the dough gently to avoid tough biscuits.
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Do not twist the cutter; press straight down to help biscuits rise evenly.
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For extra height, chill cut biscuits for 10 minutes before baking.
🔄 Variations
🧀 Cheddar Biscuits
Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and ½ tsp garlic powder.
🌿 Herb Biscuits
Mix in 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives.
🍯 Honey Butter Biscuits
Add 1 tbsp honey to the dough and brush tops with honey butter.
🥓 Bacon Biscuits
Fold in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of black pepper.
