If you are craving a warm, tender treat that perfectly balances sweet and buttery flavors, the Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. These biscuits stand apart with their unique “swim” method where melted butter pools beneath the dough during baking, infusing each bite with moisture and a delightful richness. With generous pockets of semi-sweet chocolate chips folded throughout, every square delivers a gooey, chocolatey surprise that makes them impossible to resist. Whether fresh from the oven or enjoyed later, these biscuits are a hug in food form that’s ideal for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this recipe so approachable. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and depth that defines the Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits Recipe.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups or 312.5 g): The structural base of the biscuits, providing a tender crumb.
- Buttermilk (2 cups or 490 g): Adds subtle tanginess and reacts with baking powder to help biscuits rise.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup or 113 g): Melts into the pan, creating the “swim” effect and enriching the biscuits.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ¼ cups or 227.5 g, divided): Loaded both inside and atop the biscuits for melty chocolate pockets.
- Baking powder (4 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that makes these biscuits fluffy and light.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate without overpowering.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 450°F. This high heat is key to helping the biscuits rise quickly and develop that perfect golden-brown top with slight crispiness. The temperature jumpstart is part of what makes the texture so irresistible.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients with Chocolate Chips
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, 1 cup of your semi-sweet chocolate chips, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures every ingredient is evenly combined, which translates to consistent flavor and texture in each biscuit.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Combine
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir just until the flour disappears. The secret here is not to overwork the dough to keep the biscuits tender and avoid toughness. A few lumps are totally fine.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish with Butter
Pour the melted unsalted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish. This step creates the “swim” environment where the biscuits will soak in butter from below while baking, resulting in a super moist interior and a slightly crispy edge.
Step 5: Spread the Dough Evenly
Drop your dough into the baking dish on top of the butter and use a spatula or your hands to spread it evenly. Make sure it reaches all corners and edges so the biscuits bake uniformly. An even spread helps each piece share in the buttery goodness.
Step 6: Score the Dough
Using a sharp knife, lightly score the raw dough into 9 equal squares arranged in a 3 by 3 grid. This thoughtful step ensures you can separate the biscuits easily once baked and also promotes even cooking across the pan.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips over the scored dough. This topping layer bakes into a beautiful melty chocolate crust that’s just as delightful to bite into.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the color; if the tops brown too fast, loosely cover with foil after 20 minutes to avoid burning. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs, and the aroma radiates inviting chocolate and buttery warmth.
Step 9: Rest and Enjoy
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. The resting time allows the butter to soak into every nook and cranny, creating moist, tender insides and a perfectly crunchy top. Then dive right in!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, try dusting the biscuits with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling with warm honey. Fresh berries and mint leaves also add a lovely brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate and buttery biscuit.
Side Dishes
Serve these biscuits alongside a cup of strong coffee or your favorite tea for a cozy moment. They also make a fun partner to homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by stacking the biscuits with layers of whipped cream and sliced strawberries for an easy dessert parfait. You can also slice them in half and create decadent biscuit sandwiches filled with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a playful treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them moist and fresh. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the biscuits.
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, perfect for quick snacks anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the biscuits and warm them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and revives the melty chocolate pockets.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
While buttermilk is preferred for the tang and rise, you can mimic it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness and richness. However, you can experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level, but if you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added kosher salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or two 8×8 pans, and adjust the baking time slightly as needed—check for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Just fold them into the dry ingredients before combining with buttermilk.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits Recipe is a delightful blend of simple ingredients and a clever baking technique that creates a cozy, chocolatey treat perfect for any time of day. These biscuits are not only delicious but also fun to make, bringing a little extra magic to your kitchen adventures. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones—it’s sure to become a favorite in your home as it is in mine!
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Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
These Chocolate Chip Swim Biscuits are a delightful blend of tender, buttery dough infused with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked at a high temperature with melted butter beneath the dough, they achieve a unique texture with a crunchy top and moist, soft interior as the butter ‘swims’ through the biscuits. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or snack, these biscuits offer a comforting combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups (227.5 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (1 cup approx. 181 g and ¼ cup approx. 46 g)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is critical for the biscuits to rise properly and develop a golden-brown crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup (approx. 181 g) of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures the ingredients are evenly combined, which is key for consistent texture.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and gently stir until the mixture is mostly combined. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until no dry flour remains to keep the dough tender and avoid toughness.
- Prepare Butter Base: Pour the melted unsalted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish. This butter pool will create the signature ‘swimming’ effect as the biscuits bake, keeping them moist from the bottom up.
- Spread Dough: Transfer the dough onto the melted butter in the baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, spread the dough evenly to cover the entire surface and reach all edges, ensuring even baking throughout.
- Score Dough: With a sharp knife, lightly score the unbaked dough into 9 equal squares laid out in a 3×3 grid. This scoring helps the biscuits bake evenly and makes them easy to separate after baking.
- Add Remaining Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup (approx. 46 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the scored dough for an extra chocolatey touch.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown on top. If the tops begin to brown excessively before the center is done, loosely cover with foil after 20 minutes to prevent burning. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This resting step lets the butter mixture absorb fully, resulting in a biscuit with a soft, moist interior and a delightful crunchy top. Cut along the scored lines and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the biscuits tender and avoid toughness.
- If the biscuit tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Using melted butter under the dough is crucial for the signature ‘swim’ effect and moist texture.
- Serve biscuits warm for best flavor and texture.
- These biscuits freeze well; reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
