Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, very cold
- 3/4 to 1 cup cold whole milk or buttermilk
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Biscuit cutter or sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the butter in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before starting. Very cold butter is essential for flaky layers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar if using.
Whisk or stir well so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Remove the butter from the freezer and cut it into small cubes.
Add the butter to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
Do not overmix. These butter pieces will create steam during baking, forming flaky layers.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
Pour in 3/4 cup of the cold milk or buttermilk.
Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. If the dough is too dry, add more milk one tablespoon at a time.
The dough should be slightly shaggy and soft, not wet or sticky.
Step 5: Fold the Dough for Flakiness
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently press the dough into a rectangle about 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick.
Fold the dough in half, then rotate it and fold again.
Repeat this folding process 2 to 3 times. This creates layers without overworking the dough.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Biscuits
Press or roll the dough to a thickness of about 2.5 cm (1 inch).
Use a biscuit cutter or sharp knife to cut biscuits.
If using a cutter, press straight down without twisting to allow the biscuits to rise properly.
Place the biscuits close together on the prepared baking sheet for softer sides, or spaced apart for crisp edges.
Step 7: Bake the Biscuits
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are tall and golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Flaky Biscuits
- Keep all ingredients cold, especially the butter and milk.
- Handle the dough as little as possible.
- Do not twist the cutter when cutting biscuits.
- For extra richness, brush the tops with melted butter after baking.
- For higher rise, place biscuits so they just touch on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
Flaky homemade biscuits are delicious served:
- Warm with butter and honey
- With jam or preserves
- As a side for soups or stews
- With sausage gravy
- Split and used for breakfast sandwiches
