Are you craving those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits but worried about the sugar content? Then you're in the right place! This low-sugar biscuit recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic biscuit without the guilt. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking that's both easy and healthy, ideal for a quick dinner, brunch, or even a satisfying snack. These biscuits are so good, you won't believe they're a lighter, healthier alternative!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat for added fiber)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar added, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, to taste)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). 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.
Step 2: Cut in the 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. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. Cold butter is key to flaky biscuits!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the buttermilk (or your milk mixture) and sugar to the flour mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Tips for the Best Low Sugar Biscuits:
- Use cold ingredients: This is crucial for flaky biscuits. Make sure your butter and buttermilk are well-chilled.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing leads to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough, as this will also make the biscuits tough.
- Bake at a high temperature: This helps the biscuits rise quickly and evenly.
Delicious Variations:
- Savory Biscuits: Omit the sugar and add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
- Cheese Biscuits: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the dough for a cheesy delight.
- Sweet Biscuits (with a touch more sweetness): Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a slightly sweeter biscuit, but remember this will increase the sugar content.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 2-3g
- Protein: 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These low-sugar biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal. They're easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for a weekend brunch. Enjoy the deliciousness!