Here’s a classic, flaky, and buttery Southern-style Butter Biscuit recipe — perfect for breakfast, dinner sides, or smothered in gravy or jam. They’re easy to make and come out golden, tall, and tender.
🧈 Homemade Butter Biscuits
Makes about 8 biscuits | Ready in 30 minutes
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional for a slightly sweet touch)
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½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
No buttermilk? Mix ¾ cup milk with 2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
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Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in the butter:
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Add cold butter cubes to the flour mixture.
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Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the mix looks like coarse crumbs (pea-sized bits of butter are ideal).
4. Add buttermilk:
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Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
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Don’t overmix — it’s okay if it looks rough.
5. Fold the dough (for layers):
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Turn dough out onto a floured surface.
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Gently pat into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
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Fold into thirds like a letter, turn, and repeat 2 more times.
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Final pat should be about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
6. Cut the biscuits:
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Use a round biscuit cutter (2½ inches is standard).
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Press straight down — don’t twist or they won’t rise evenly.
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Gather scraps gently and repeat.
7. Bake:
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Place biscuits close together on the baking sheet (for softer sides) or spaced out (for crispier edges).
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Brush tops with buttermilk or melted butter.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
8. Serve:
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Best warm from the oven, brushed with melted butter or served with honey, jam, or gravy.
📝 Tips:
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Cold ingredients = flaky biscuits. Chill the flour or butter if your kitchen is warm.
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Want extra rich biscuits? Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk.
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For cheddar biscuits, fold in ½–¾ cup shredded cheese before adding the liquid.