Are you craving that warm, comforting feeling of biting into a perfectly fluffy biscuit? Then you've come to the right place! Today, we're sharing a recipe rumored to be a favorite of the legendary Dolly Parton herself – a recipe that embodies the simple pleasures of homemade cooking and delivers a taste of pure Southern comfort. These aren't just any biscuits; they're light, flaky, and bursting with buttery goodness. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to create these delicious dishes in your own kitchen! Get ready to experience the magic of these incredibly easy recipes and add this quick dinner idea to your regular meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 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
- 1 cup buttermilk, cold
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This thorough mixing is key to achieving a light and airy texture.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing at this stage; pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal. The cold butter creates those wonderful flaky layers.
- Add Buttermilk: Gently stir in the cold buttermilk until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits.
- Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a knife) to cut out biscuits. Reroll scraps and cut out more biscuits.
- Bake: Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a pat of butter and a smear of your favorite jam!
Tips for the Best Biscuits:
- Cold Ingredients are Key: Using cold butter and buttermilk is crucial for creating flaky biscuits. The cold fat doesn't melt as quickly, resulting in a layered texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, leading to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Handle Gently: Handle the dough gently to prevent tough biscuits.
- Bake at a High Temperature: A high oven temperature helps the biscuits rise quickly and evenly.
Variations:
- Cheese Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough.
- Herb Biscuits: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the dough for a sweeter biscuit.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used. This healthy meal option is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy these delicious, homemade biscuits as part of your next meal! They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to any meal. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them on your own. These easy recipes are a testament to the joy of simple, wholesome cooking.