Biscuits

Flaky, buttery, and easy to make, these homemade biscuits are perfect for breakfast or dinner. Learn the best ingredients, tips, and techniques for perfect biscuits every time.

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What Are The Biscuits?

Biscuits are a type of baked bread product that is typically soft, flaky, and buttery. They are especially popular in American cuisine, where they are served as a side dish—often with butter, gravy, or jam.

• In British English, the word “biscuit” refers to what Americans call a cookie or cracker, whereas in American English, it refers to a soft, fluffy bread.

01. Important Characteristics Of American-Style Biscuits

• composed of milk or buttermilk, baking powder or soda, flour, and butter (or shortening).

• Not yeast, and yet baking soda or powder is being used to leaven.

• Often flaky or crumbly due to the cold fat used in the dough.

• Can be savory or sweet.

• Commonly eaten for breakfast or dinner, with toppings like gravy, honey, jam, or eggs.

Health Benefits Of Biscuits

While traditional biscuits are often considered a comfort food rather than a health food, they do offer a few benefits depending on the ingredients used and portion size:

01. Source Of Energy

Biscuits provide quick energy due to their carbohydrate content, which helps fuel your body and brain—especially in the morning or before physical activity.

02. Contains Essential Nutrients

If made with fortified flour, biscuits can contain small amounts of:

• Iron

• B vitamins (like folate and niacin)

• Calcium (especially if buttermilk or milk is used)

03. Customizable For Added Nutrition

You can boost the nutritional value by:

• Adding whole wheat flour for fiber

• Including cheese or seeds for protein and minerals

• Using Greek yogurt instead of butter or cream for more protein and less fat

04. Mood And Comfort

While not a direct nutrient benefit, many people find homemade biscuits emotionally comforting, which can support mental well-being when eaten in moderation.

05. Note On Moderation

Traditional biscuits are high in:

• Saturated fat (from butter or shortening)

• Refined carbohydrates

• Sometimes sodium

Eating them occasionally as part of a balanced diet is fine, but daily consumption of large portions may contribute to weight gain or blood sugar spikes.

Tips For Making Biscuits

Follow these tried-and-true tips to get soft, flaky, and delicious biscuits every time:

01. Use Cold Ingredients

• Cold butter or shortening is key. It creates steam pockets that make biscuits flaky.

• Chill your butter and even your flour before mixing for best results.

02. Don’t Overmix The Dough

• Mix the dough just until it comes together. Once gluten is developed through overmixing, biscuits become tough instead of tender.

03. Fold The Dough For Flaky Layers

• Gently fold and flatten the dough 2–3 times before cutting. This technique creates layers, similar to puff pastry.

04. Use A Sharp Biscuit Cutter (No Twisting!)

• Cut biscuits with a sharp round cutter or glass.

• Don’t twist—twisting seals the edges and prevents them from rising properly.

05. Place Biscuits Close Together (For Soft Sides)

• For soft-sided biscuits, place them touching each other on the baking sheet.

• For crispier sides, leave space between them.

06. Don’t Skip The Resting Time (Optional)

• Before baking, let the cut biscuits rest in the refrigerator for ten to fifteen minutes. This helps maintain their shape and height.

07. Brush With Butter (Before Or After Baking)

• For golden tops, brush with milk or egg wash before baking.

• For added flavor, brush with melted butter right after they come out of the oven.

FAQ Biscuits

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying biscuits:

01. Why Didn’t My Biscuits Rise Properly?

Answer:
This could be due to:

• Expired baking powder/soda

• Overmixing the dough

• Twisting the cutter when shaping biscuits

• Not using cold ingredients

02. Can I Make Biscuits Without Buttermilk?

Answer:
Yes! Substitute with:

• Milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice (per 1 cup)

• Or use plain yogurt thinned with a little water

03. Can I Freeze Biscuit Dough?

Answer:

Yes. Cut the dough into biscuit shapes and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag.
Bake straight from the refrigerator, enabling an additional 2 to 3 minutes for baking.

04. What’s The Best Flour For Biscuits?

All-purpose flour is a good choice.
Use low-protein flour, such as White Lily, if it’s available, for added softness.
Although it might make biscuits denser, whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier version.

05. Can I Make Biscuits Ahead Of Time?

Answer:
Yes. You can:

• Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking

• Or bake biscuits and reheat them in the oven for 5–10 minutes before serving

06. How Do I Store Leftover Biscuits?

Answer:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them, then reheat before eating.