There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked biscuits filling your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, a side for dinner, or just craving a warm, flaky treat, this easy biscuit recipe will have you enjoying crispy, buttery goodness in just 20 minutes. No special equipment or fancy ingredients are needed—just a few pantry staples and a little love.
Why You’ll Love These Biscuits
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Crispy on the Outside, Buttery on the Inside – The perfect texture combination.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with common household staples.
- Versatile – Enjoy them with jam, butter, honey, or even as a sandwich base.
Crispy, Buttery Biscuits in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional for a slightly sweet flavor
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup cold milk whole or buttermilk for best results
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing on top
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a consistent rise.
- Cut in the Butter
- Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small butter pieces create pockets of flakiness when baked.
- Add the Milk
- Slowly pour in the cold milk and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
- Shape the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently pat (not roll) the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a floured glass to cut out biscuits. Gather the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.
- Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each. Brush the tops with melted butter for an extra golden, flavorful finish. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite spread!
Notes
Variations to Try
- Cheddar Biscuits – Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar to the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Biscuits – Mix in a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a savory flavor.
- Sweet Biscuits – Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtly sweet version.
- Garlic Parmesan Biscuits – Stir in 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for a flavorful side dish.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.
Reheating: Warm biscuits in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds to restore their freshness.
Final Thoughts
In just 20 minutes, you can have a batch of delicious, homemade biscuits that are crispy on the outside and buttery on the inside. Whether paired with breakfast, a hearty stew, or simply enjoyed on their own, these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite. Try them today and enjoy the magic of homemade baking!