Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that's both delicious and refreshing? Look no further! These mint cream biscuits are the perfect homemade treat for any occasion. They're surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time, yet deliver a burst of cool, minty flavor that's incredibly satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert, an addition to your afternoon tea, or a delightful surprise for guests, this recipe will become a new favorite in your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- Optional: Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Make the Biscuit Dough:
-
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 the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Working quickly with cold butter prevents the biscuits from becoming tough.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract is what gives these biscuits their signature refreshing flavor.
-
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
Bake and Serve:
-
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each biscuit.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
-
Let the biscuits cool slightly on the baking sheet before topping with whipped cream and optional chocolate shavings.
Tips for the Best Mint Cream Biscuits:
- Cold ingredients are key: Using cold butter and buttermilk helps create flaky, tender biscuits.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet biscuit, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup.
- Get creative with toppings: Try adding fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra deliciousness.
Variations:
- Chocolate Mint Biscuits: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent twist.
- Lemon Mint Biscuits: Replace the peppermint extract with lemon extract for a zesty alternative.
- Reduced-Fat Biscuits: Substitute the heavy cream with a lighter whipped topping or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy option for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a satisfying treat. These easy recipes are perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks, offering flexibility and delicious results. Enjoy!