If you love the magical combination of warm, buttery biscuits and the nostalgic sweetness of cinnamon sugar, you’re in for a real treat with these Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits. Each bite melts in your mouth, boasting a fluffy, rich interior drenched in golden butter, crowned with a sparkling cinnamon sugar crust. This is a recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something downright enchanting, worthy of breakfast, brunch, or even an easy dessert. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe friends beg you to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits is that they call for everyday ingredients, but each one is truly essential. Every component helps build the irresistible layers of flavor and texture that make these biscuits unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the hearty base and gives the biscuits their signature tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the biscuits their lofty rise and perfectly soft center.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the dough and the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Salt: Balances the sweet elements and enhances all the flavors.
- Buttermilk: Provides tang and tenderness, making the biscuits unbelievably moist and fluffy.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The star of the recipe—creates that luscious “swimming” effect, crisping up the bottom and infusing every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a classic spiced note that pairs perfectly with the sugar and butter.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
To set yourself up for Biscuit Bliss, start by heating your oven to a piping hot 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures a golden crust and tender middle. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish, since the square size helps with those perfectly portioned biscuits later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the salt. Whisking helps to lighten the dry mixture and evenly distribute the baking powder, which means every biscuit will rise evenly.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk straight into the bowl with your dry mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula—just until everything’s combined and a sticky dough forms. Resist the urge to overmix; keeping it slightly lumpy is key for those tender biscuits.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This little blend will be sprinkled on top for an irresistible, crackly crust.
Step 5: Butter the Baking Dish and Add the Dough
Pour the melted butter into your 8×8-inch dish, letting it fully coat the bottom. Carefully spoon the sticky dough over the butter, gently spreading it to cover the pan. Try not to stir the dough into the butter; you want those golden, buttery edges!
Step 6: Top with Cinnamon Sugar and Score the Biscuits
Evenly scatter the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, letting it settle into a shimmering layer. Next, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the unbaked dough into 9 squares—this trick helps you separate the biscuits easily when they’re done.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are deeply golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve while they’re still warm and decadently buttery!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits

Garnishes
These biscuits are absolute showstoppers straight from the oven, but a few easy finishing touches can send them over the top. Try a simple drizzle of vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk, a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, or even a swirl of softened butter on each warm square.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits pair beautifully with fruit salads, bacon, or creamy scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory brunch. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit smoothie or a cup of strong, black coffee to balance the sweetness and round out your breakfast table.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your biscuits into smaller pieces and serve as mini bites for brunch buffets, or sandwich them with whipped cream and berries for a Southern-inspired strawberry shortcake. For a decadent dessert, top a warm biscuit with ice cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slip any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits into an airtight container once they’re fully cooled. They’ll stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for four to five days.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Store for up to three months. When a craving strikes, just pull out a few and reheat.
Reheating
Warm biscuits taste like they just came out of the oven. To reheat, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10–12 minutes or microwave individually for 20–30 seconds. If you froze your biscuits, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these with self-rising flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! Just skip the baking powder and salt if you use self-rising flour, since those are built right in. The result will be just as fluffy and delicious.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Yes! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar into regular milk, then letting it sit for 5 minutes. This adds the tangy flavor and tender texture you want in Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Certainly—you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. The biscuits will need a few extra minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on that golden-brown top!
What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch baking dish?
Feel free to use a similarly sized dish, such as a 9-inch round cake pan. Just keep the dough thickness as even as possible for uniform baking.
Can I make these ahead for brunch?
You sure can! Prepare the dough and add to the buttered pan, then cover and chill in the fridge overnight (don’t add the cinnamon sugar just yet). Next morning, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake as directed for fresh biscuits without the early morning rush.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with breakfast (or dessert) all over again, don’t let another weekend pass you by without trying Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits. Every bite is a memory in the making—so gather your favorite people, pour some coffee, and bake up a batch that’s sure to become a new classic in your kitchen.
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Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon sugar with buttery biscuit goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet dessert, these biscuits are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Prepare topping: Combine ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Assemble: Pour melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spoon biscuit dough over the butter without stirring. Spread evenly and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Cut and bake: Cut dough into 9 squares. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These biscuits are best served warm and can be drizzled with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg