There’s something magical about homemade angel biscuits—light, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. These biscuits are a cross between traditional biscuits and yeast rolls, making them incredibly tender with a slight tang from the buttermilk. Whether served warm with butter, drizzled with honey, or as the perfect base for a breakfast sandwich, this recipe guarantees soft, golden biscuits every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – No yeast required, meaning faster prep!
✔ Flaky & Buttery – Cold butter creates perfect, airy layers.
✔ Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for any meal.
✔ Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples for a foolproof biscuit.
Ingredients & Their Roles
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – The key leavening agent for a good rise.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the flavor and enhances browning.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the rich, buttery taste.
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces) – Creates flaky layers when it melts during baking.
- ¾ cup buttermilk – Adds a tangy depth of flavor and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing) – Gives the biscuits a golden, glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to break the butter into pea-sized crumbs. The key is to work quickly to keep the butter from melting.
4. Add the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or the biscuits may turn out dense.
5. Shape the Biscuits
Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough. Gently pat or roll it to 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds. Avoid twisting the cutter—this helps the biscuits rise evenly.
6. Arrange & Brush with Butter
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and a golden finish.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool & Serve
Let the biscuits cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, honey, or gravy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Angel Biscuits
✔ Use cold butter – The key to flaky biscuits is keeping the butter cold. Try freezing the butter for 10 minutes before cutting it into the flour.
✔ Don’t overwork the dough – The less you handle it, the lighter your biscuits will be.
✔ For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for buttermilk.
✔ Make drop biscuits – Skip rolling the dough and drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet for a rustic look.
✔ Want even taller biscuits? Place them closer together on the baking sheet so they push against each other as they bake.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Breakfast: Serve warm with butter and jam.
- Savory Twist: Pair with sausage gravy for a Southern-style meal.
- Sandwich-Style: Use as a base for egg & cheese biscuits.
- Sweet Option: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Place in a cold oven, set to 350°F (175°C), and warm for a few minutes.
- Freeze: Wrap cooled biscuits in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
These homemade angel biscuits are everything you could want—flaky, buttery, and irresistibly soft. With simple ingredients and foolproof techniques, you’ll never go back to store-bought biscuits again. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a side dish, or as part of a comforting meal, these biscuits will quickly become a household favorite.
Try this recipe today and let me know how they turn out!