How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits

How to Make Perfect Buttermilk Biscuits

Do I have to use buttermilk?

To create the best flavor AND texture, yes. I’d highly recommend using real buttermilk.

I’ve done extensive side-by-side testing on buttermilk vs. buttermilk substitutes (including powdered buttermilk) or vs. regular milk. You can read about my science of baking & buttermilk experiments here: Buttermilk 101.

At the end of the day, I find nothing quite compares to the tangy taste and thick texture of the real thing.

If you can’t use real buttermilk, you can use this substitute: 1 scant cup whole milk + 2 teaspoons distilled vinegar or lemon juice. If you’re using this substitute then I’d recommend adding some other flavor additions to the dough, such as shredded cheese, diced jalapeno, garlic powder, green onion, or everything bagel seasoning.

How to Make TENDER Biscuits

This all comes down to be super gentle with the dough. I usually make biscuits by hand with a pastry cutter because you’re less likely to overwork the dough and it’s still super quick and easy. I’ve also included instructions for using a food processor in the recipe below, if you’d prefer.

I like my biscuits to be slightly crunchy on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside, which is what this recipe produces.

However, If you like very tender biscuits, try using a southern-style flour such as White Lilly which has a lower percentage of protein. If you can’t find that, you can create a ratio of All-purpose flour combined with pastry flour to get a similar result.

Whichever flour you use, make sure to MEASURE CORRECTLY. Too much flour will result in dense, dry, and tough biscuits.

Butter or Shortening?

I’ve also done side-by-side testing with biscuits made with butter vs. shortening and found I really prefer the taste and texture of 100% butter.

However, biscuits made with shortening create a more traditional Southern-style texture. If you want, use half shortening and half butter.

How to Make TALL Biscuits

The first step to creating tall biscuits is to do a quick “lamination” of the dough. Basically, you pat the dough out into a rectangle then fold it up into an envelope then repeat that process. I’ve included pictures below.

Note: this trick applies to scones too. Take a look at the picture below to see what a difference this step makes, and then check out my How to Make Tall Scones & Biscuits article for even more tricks:

Now this step is optional if you don’t want to spend the time or energy on it the biscuits will still come out great. However, by taking this extra step you’re guaranteeing the biscuits will bake up tall with distinct layers of flaky goodness.

Tall biscuits require tall dough, 1-inch in height to be exact. You could even pat the dough out to 1 1/4-inches for mile high biscuits but note you’ll end up with fewer biscuits.

Another trick to ensuring you get tall biscuits is to use a metal biscuit cutter. You want to create sharp edges when you shape the biscuit dough so nothing prevents the biscuits from rising. Do NOT twist the biscuit cutter as you shape the dough. That’s why a biscuit cutter with a handle is extra useful – but if you are just using a round cookie cutter (like the one in my Perfect Cookie Kit), that’s fine too!

Baking Biscuits

A great trick to further ensure tall & flaky biscuits is to pop the tray of unbaked shaped biscuits in the freezer while your oven preheats. This keeps the butter extra cold. That way when the biscuits hit the heat of the oven the steam from the water in the butter creates those tall flaky layers. It’s the same idea as pie dough.

I prefer my biscuits to develop a golden crust, but I also know people who prefer their biscuits to be super pale and tender all the way through. Adjust the baking time for your unique oven and preferences. Whatever you do, just make sure your oven is fully preheated and hot enough. This is what helps the biscuits rise tall. Play it safe by waiting at least 10 minutes after your oven tells you it’s preheated.

How to Make Biscuits Ahead of Time

Since biscuits are best served the day they’re baked, use these instructions for making them ahead of time. You can do this with the whole batch of whatever you don’t want to eat in a day.

Place the unbaked shaped biscuit dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Remove to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake as directed, adding an additional 5 minutes to the baking time, or until golden brown.