Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! This recipe for homemade biscuits and creamy, tangy cream cheese is the perfect answer for a quick breakfast, a delightful brunch, or even a satisfying afternoon snack. Forget store-bought – this recipe delivers the ultimate homemade experience, filled with buttery, flaky goodness that will melt in your mouth. Get ready to elevate your baking game with this simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for even the busiest weeknights.
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly fluffy biscuits.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Working quickly with cold butter is key to achieving flaky layers.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough biscuits.
- Shape & Bake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Together: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works great for this step.
- Sweeten & Flavor: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
Assembling the Delight:
- Split & Spread: Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, split them in half horizontally.
- Generous Filling: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the bottom half of each biscuit.
- Top & Serve: Top with the other half of the biscuit and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, comforting goodness!
Tips for Perfect Biscuits:
- Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter and buttermilk is crucial for achieving flaky biscuits.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Gentle Handling: Handle the dough gently to avoid toughening it.
Variations:
- Sweet Biscuits: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the biscuit dough for a sweeter treat.
- Savory Biscuits: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the biscuit dough for a savory twist. Serve with savory fillings like pulled pork or roasted vegetables.
- Different Fillings: Experiment with different fillings like jam, honey, or Nutella.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe for biscuits and cream cheese is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. The homemade touch elevates this classic combination, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious dish, and remember to share the recipe with your friends and family!