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Flaky Buttery Homemade Biscuits

These homemade biscuits are a delightful breakfast treat that are flaky and tender. With a hint of buttermilk and fresh herbs, they are perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder (aluminum free)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt (we use fine sea salt)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, 8 Tbsp = 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup half and half (minus 2 Tbsp)*
  • 1/2 Tbsp melted butter (to brush the baked biscuits)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the biscuit dough.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk them together for about 30 seconds until fully blended. This step is crucial for even distribution!
  3. Cut in the butter: Take your cold, diced unsalted butter and add it to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to break it down until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Aim for pea-sized bits of butter; this ensures flakiness.
  4. Add the half and half: Pour in the 1 cup of half and half (minus 2 tablespoons) and gently stir with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; a few dry spots are okay. The dough should be somewhat shaggy.
  5. Turn out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Knead it gently 3-4 times until it comes together. Avoid excessive kneading, which can make the biscuits tough.
  6. Roll and cut: Roll the dough to a thickness of about 1 inch. Use a floured biscuit cutter or glass to cut out rounds. Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to keep them close but not touching.
  7. Brush with melted butter: Using a pastry brush, generously apply the melted butter over the tops of the biscuits. This adds flavor and promotes browning.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The biscuits should have risen nicely and feel light to the touch.
  9. Cool slightly: Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. This helps maintain their soft texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Keep everything cold for the best flaky layers, and avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough biscuits. Use a straight down cutting technique for the biscuits to ensure they rise properly.