There’s nothing quite like baking up a batch of Southern Butter Biscuits and watching them rise golden and tall in your own kitchen. These biscuits are so much more than a breakfast side—they’re warm, flaky, impossibly tender, and infused with that rich comforting taste that only real butter can deliver. Whether you’re a biscuit beginner or already obsessed, this simple recipe will help you master the art of classic Southern Butter Biscuits that melt in your mouth every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Southern Butter Biscuits rely on just a handful of kitchen staples, but every ingredient plays a crucial role. Each adds something special, from a tender crumb to that signature buttery flavor, so let’s break down why they matter.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, creating biscuits that are sturdy yet delightfully soft.
- Baking powder: The main leavening agent that gives the biscuits their beautiful height and fluffiness.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk’s acidity to ensure a tender texture and perfect rise.
- Salt: Just enough to wake up every flavor and balance out the richness of the butter.
- Granulated sugar (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with golden browning, but it’s totally up to your personal taste.
- Unsalted butter (very cold and cubed): The star of the show—makes every bite rich, flaky, and full of that unmistakable Southern charm.
- Buttermilk (cold): Promotes tenderness and adds a gentle tang that rounds out the flavor.
- Melted butter (for brushing): For a glossy, golden finish and a final hit of buttery goodness right out of the oven.
How to Make Southern Butter Biscuits
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Blending the dry ingredients first guarantees every biscuit will rise evenly and taste perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Cut in the Cold Butter
Scatter cold, cubed butter over your flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is where the biscuit magic happens—those little cold butter bits are what create those irresistible, flaky layers in Southern Butter Biscuits.
Step 3: Stir in the Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently just until the dough comes together. The secret here is not to overmix: a light touch keeps your Southern Butter Biscuits feathery and tender instead of tough or dense.
Step 4: Fold and Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half, pat it out, and repeat this process two or three more times. These folds are key for those flaky, beautiful layers you want in every Southern Butter Biscuit.
Step 5: Cut and Arrange Your Biscuits
Pat the dough out to 1-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter, pressing straight down rather than twisting to keep the edges high and flaky. Place the biscuits on your baking sheet so they just touch—this guarantees soft, pillowy sides with perfectly golden tops.
Step 6: Bake and Finish with Butter
Bake your Southern Butter Biscuits for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are gloriously golden brown. As soon as they’re out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Southern Butter Biscuits
Garnishes
There’s truly no wrong way to dress up these biscuits! A drizzle of honey, generous dollops of jam, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes them to another level, while a pat of extra butter is always a classic move.
Side Dishes
Southern Butter Biscuits are the ultimate sidekick to so many dishes. Pair them with scrambled eggs and grits for a comforting Southern breakfast, nestle them next to a bowl of steaming chili, or use them to soak up creamy sausage gravy. Their down-home charm fits any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling inspired? Turn your biscuits into mini sandwiches filled with fried chicken, egg and cheese, or ham. Slice them in half and toast under the broiler for biscuit “crostini,” or serve a short stack alongside fruit for a brunch centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Southern Butter Biscuits (though let’s be honest, that’s rare!), let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep on the counter for about two days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to keep them at their freshest!
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully! Arrange completely cooled biscuits in a single layer, freeze until firm, then stash them in a zip-top freezer bag with as much air pressed out as possible. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready for last-minute cravings or impromptu breakfast spreads.
Reheating
To revive your biscuits, simply pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, just until heated through. This brings back their crisp, buttery edges and keeps the centers soft. Avoid microwaving—while quick, it can make them chewy instead of tender.
FAQs
Why do my biscuits turn out tough or flat?
The two main culprits are overmixing the dough and using butter or buttermilk that’s too warm. Keep everything cold and handle the dough gently for soft, tall Southern Butter Biscuits every time.
Can I add cheese, herbs, or other flavors?
Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, chopped chives, or fresh herbs make a fantastic twist. Just stir them in with the dry ingredients before you add the butter for a flavorful spin on classic Southern Butter Biscuits.
What’s the best way to cut out biscuits?
Use a sharp biscuit cutter and press straight down—don’t twist. Twisting seals the edges together, which prevents the biscuits from rising as high and flakey as they could be.
Can I make these without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can quickly make a substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics buttermilk’s signature tang and reacts with the baking soda.
How do I get the most layers in my Southern Butter Biscuits?
The folding step is key! Pat the dough out, fold, and repeat a few times to create beautiful layers. Don’t skip it, and don’t roll too thin—about 1 inch thick is biscuit perfection!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that’s simple, heartfelt, and sure to win over any crowd, Southern Butter Biscuits are the answer. They’re easy enough for weekday mornings but special enough for a celebratory brunch. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why these biscuits are cherished at Southern tables everywhere!
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Southern Butter Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flakiness and richness of these Southern Butter Biscuits. These homemade delights are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, offering a buttery, tender crumb that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings or spreads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (very cold and cubed)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (cold)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until a dough forms.
- Shape and Cut: Turn out the dough, pat into a rectangle, fold, and repeat to create layers. Cut out biscuits and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish: Brush the warm biscuits with melted butter before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are cold for the best texture.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in shredded cheddar or herbs.
- Leftover biscuits can be reheated in a toaster oven for a crisp finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
