Joy of Cooking Biscuit Recipe: Easy & Fluffy Guide

There’s something truly comforting about the smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast, alongside a hearty stew, or simply with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey, biscuits have a way of bringing warmth and joy to any meal.

The Joy of Cooking biscuit recipe captures that nostalgic, homemade feeling with a simple and reliable method that anyone can master. This recipe yields biscuits that are flaky, tender, and golden brown—perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring on your own.

Making biscuits from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few pantry staples and a little bit of patience, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create these tender, buttery rounds.

The best part? You can customize them with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or even a touch of sweetness.

Dive into this recipe and discover why biscuits hold a special place in the heart of home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This biscuit recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to follow, uses common ingredients, and delivers consistently delicious results.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

Flaky layers: The secret to perfect biscuits lies in cold butter and gentle mixing, which creates those coveted flaky layers.

Versatility: These biscuits are fantastic plain, but they also serve as a blank canvas for countless variations—from savory herb biscuits to sweet cinnamon rolls.

Quick to make: No yeast or long rising times here! You can have fresh biscuits on your table in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup whole milk, cold

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or two knives (for cutting in butter)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Biscuit cutter or a floured glass
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
4. Add the milk: Pour in the cold milk gradually, stirring gently with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
5. Turn out and knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 3-4 times to bring it together, then pat it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
6. Cut biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or a floured glass to cut out rounds, pressing straight down without twisting to ensure they rise evenly. Gather scraps, gently re-pat and cut more biscuits.
7. Place on baking sheet: Arrange biscuits close together on the prepared baking sheet—this helps them rise tall and fluffy.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
9. Cool slightly and serve: Remove from the oven and let biscuits cool for a few minutes before serving warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For flakier biscuits, keep all your ingredients as cold as possible and handle the dough gently.

• Cheese biscuits: Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
• Herb biscuits: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, chives, or thyme.
• Buttermilk substitution: Replace whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and tender crumb.
• Sweet biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet breakfast treat.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Biscuits are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them warm with a dollop of butter and honey or your favorite jam for a simple treat.

For a savory meal, try them alongside fried chicken, sausage gravy, or a bowl of chili.

They also make an excellent base for breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage. If you’re feeling adventurous, split a biscuit and layer on some smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh dill for a delightful brunch option.

Conclusion

Mastering the Joy of Cooking biscuit recipe is a rewarding step toward homemade comfort food perfection. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can create warm, flaky biscuits that elevate any meal or snack.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a reliable and delicious result every time.

Remember, the magic lies in using cold butter and handling the dough gently to ensure those perfect layers. Experiment with add-ins or enjoy them plain—the possibilities are endless.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the joyful process of biscuit baking fill your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. Don’t forget to check out other comforting classics like Homemade Chicken Gravy Recipe, Classic Southern Fried Chicken, and Easy Mashed Potatoes to complete your meal!

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