Nothing brings me more joy than baking a delicious batch of sugar biscuits. Sugar biscuits are a perfect blend of sweetness and light, fluffy texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, you’ll love how simple and rewarding these homemade treats can be.
When I mix the flour and sugar with cold grated butter, the dough comes together beautifully. This unique method ensures the biscuits turn out tender and flaky every time. Pair these biscuits with a cup of tea or enjoy them as a standalone snack – they’re sure to be a hit.
Adding buttermilk into the mix gives these sugar biscuits an extra moist and rich flavor. The combination of buttermilk and a generous amount of vanilla extract transforms basic ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Trust me, once you try this sugar biscuit recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your baking repertoire.
Sugar biscuits recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 3/4 to 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two forks until the butter pieces are the size of small peas.
- Add Milk: Gradually add milk to the mixture, stirring just until the dough starts to form a ball.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about a minute, or until fully combined.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the dough to a thickness of 1 inch. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits.
- Coat Biscuits: Dip each biscuit in melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated, then dip both sides in the granulated sugar. Place the coated biscuits on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy the biscuits warm, straight from the oven.
Preparing the biscuit dough
Preparing the biscuit dough is a fun and essential step in making delicious sugar biscuits. We will choose the right ingredients and blend them together to create a dough with just the right texture and flavor.
Selecting the ingredients
When making sugar biscuits, the choice of ingredients is crucial. I always start with plain or all-purpose flour because it provides a great base. Butter is another important ingredient; I prefer using cold unsalted butter as it blends well and doesn’t add extra salt.
For leavening agents, I use baking powder. This helps the biscuits to rise and become fluffy. Kosher salt is my go-to for adding a touch of flavor. Finally, buttermilk is the liquid that brings everything together, making the biscuits tender and moist.
Mixing the dry ingredients
First, I whisk together the dry ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed. This includes the flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of sugar for sweetness. The whisk helps to break up any clumps.
I like to sift these ingredients together, too. Sifting not only mixes them well but also adds air to the mix, making the biscuits lighter. I keep a large bowl handy for this step, giving me plenty of space to work.
Incorporating the butter
Next, I add the cold butter to the dry ingredients. Cold butter is key here; it’s what creates those delightful, flaky layers in the biscuits. I cut the butter into small pieces first to make this step easier.
Using a pastry cutter or my fingers, I work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The pieces of butter should be about the size of peas. This way, they create pockets in the dough that melt during baking, making the biscuits extra tender.
Adding the buttermilk
Now comes the buttermilk, which brings everything together. I measure the buttermilk and keep it cold until ready to use. Pouring it into the flour-butter mixture, I use a fork to stir everything gently.
The goal is to form a soft dough without over-mixing. Overworking the dough can make the biscuits tough. Once the dough holds together, I turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Using a light touch, I pat the dough into a rectangle, fold it, and pat it out again. This step adds layers to the dough for a flaky texture. Then, it’s ready to be cut into rounds and baked.
Baking and serving
To make perfect sugar biscuits, attention to detail during baking and serving is essential. I’ll guide you through cutting, arranging, setting the oven, baking, and serving suggestions to achieve delicious results.
Cutting and arranging the biscuits
After mixing your dough, transfer it to a lightly floured counter or work surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 3/4-inch thick. Use a 3-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out individual biscuits. Gather any scraps, fold and press them to maximize dough usage and avoid waste. Arrange the biscuits on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking and expansion. Precise placement helps create light, fluffy layers.
Setting the oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to have a consistent temperature for even baking. Adjust your oven racks so that your baking sheet is in the center of the oven. This positioning ensures even heat distribution and helps achieve a perfect, golden brown color on both the top and bottom of your biscuits.
The baking process
Before placing your biscuits in the oven, brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream or melted butter for extra flavor and a nice golden brown finish. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are light brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving suggestions
For serving, consider adding a finishing touch. A light dusting of granulated sugar on top, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, can add a nice touch of sweetness. Serve your sugar biscuits warm with butter, jam, or honey. They also pair well with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a delightful treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and consume within a day or two for the best taste and texture.