Homemade Biscuits are so easy to make, and these are the fluffiest biscuits you’ll try – buttery and super soft! I’ll share my best tip for cutting them to get that impressive rise. This Biscuit Recipe has just six simple ingredients that come together fast, and there is no rising time required.

Homemade Biscuits served in a bread bowl

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Of all of the different breads I bake, I’m convinced that biscuits are the easiest home-baked bread! There’s no kneading or waiting as with yeast doughs, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Watch my video tutorial below, and you’ll see how easy it is to whip up a batch of biscuits from scratch. These are so good on their own, but also excellent in Strawberry Shortcake or Biscuits and Gravy.

Homemade Biscuits Video

Helpful Reader Reviews

“I forgot to move my butter from the freezer to the fridge the night before, so I just grated it directly into the dry ingredients. It worked very well. I’ve been trying out a lot of biscuit recipes recently and this is by far the best one! So delicate and moist inside with a nice crust on the top and bottom.” – Johanna ★★★★★

“These are the very best biscuits I’ve ever made! This recipe is my ‘go to’ because they are tall, flaky, and have an excellent crumb! I freeze and shred my butter into the flour before adding the half & half. It all comes together so well and the biscuits are delicious! Thank you for posting!” – Brenda ★★★★★

Biscuit Recipe

If you love homemade bread and fresh dinner rolls, but don’t like to wait for them to rise and proof, this biscuit recipe is for you. They’re perfect for any cooking skill level and taste way better than store-bought biscuits out of a can.

Up close fluffy homemade biscuit with soft layers

Ingredients for Biscuits

I love that this uses pantry and refrigerator staple ingredients.

  • Flour – all-purpose flour works best for a tender crumb
  • Baking Powder – use aluminum-free and make sure to sift if you see clumps in your baking powder.
  • Salt and sugar – add just the right amount of flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter – be sure it’s cold, right from the refrigerator. If you prefer to use salted butter, you will want to reduce the salt in the recipe.
  • Half and Half – this is also called “light cream.” If you don’t have half and half, you can make it by combining equal parts of milk and heavy whipping cream.
Ingredients to make biscuits with butter, flour, half and half, baking powder, salt and sugar

Tips for the Best Homemade Biscuits

  • Measure flour correctly – spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level the top. Read our post on how to measure ingredients.
  • Dip your pastry cutter into flour between each cut. This will create a cleaner cut for a better rise.
  • Cut Biscuits straight down. Don’t turn your cutter side to side and do not use a sawing motion. Cutting straight down is the KEY to help the biscuits rise better.
  • Use cold butter. The key to making great biscuits is to use cold butter. We dice up the butter and then refrigerate it until ready to use. Cold butter will produce the fluffiest layers in your biscuits.
  • Do not over-mix – once liquids touch the flour, mix just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Cold diced butter for the best biscuits

Tools for Making Biscuits

The best thing about making homemade biscuits is that you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here are the tools we use to make the process super quick and easy:

  • Baking Sheet – line it with a sheet of parchment paper
  • Biscuit Cutter – we used a 2 1/2″ diameter round cutter. You can also use a knife or bench cutter to cut the biscuits into squares.
  • Pastry Blender – to cut butter into the flour. You can also use a fork with wide tines, two knives, or a food processor (see instructions for this below).
  • Mixing Bowl – this dough comes together in 1 bowl (we used a 4 qt).
  • Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir in the liquid ingredients
Biscuit cutter for making biscuits

How to Make Biscuits

  • Dice butter – Cut into 1/2″ cubes and refrigerate until needed.
  • Whisk dry ingredients – In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk until really well combined before adding butter and liquids.
  • Add diced butter to the flour mixture and cut it into the flour until the largest pieces are pea-sized. It’s easy with a pastry blender.
  • Add liquids -Pour in all the half and half at once and stir it in until the dry ingredients are just moistened then transfer to a floured surface. If the dough is too moist, dust the top with flour.
  • Shape the dough into a rectangle and fold in half. Shape into a rectangle again and fold a second time. Shape dough into a 5×10″ rectangle and cut out 8 2 1/2″ diameter circles. You can pull together the scraps to form 2 more biscuits.
  • Bake – Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 450˚F for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Brush hot biscuits with melted butter.
step by step how to make biscuit dough

Pro Tip:

For the Softest Biscuits, be sure not to overmix the dough so it doesn’t develop gluten strands, which can cause the biscuits to be tough. Mix just until it comes together and you should still be able to see bits of butter in the dough.

how to cut out biscuits and bake

Can I Make Biscuits in a Food Processor?

To use a food processor, pulse together dry ingredients, then add chilled diced butter and pulse just until the largest pieces are pea-sized. Add just 3/4 cup half and half and pulse only until combined.

What is the Secret to a good biscuit?

There are a few ‘secrets’ that are important for good biscuits. Make sure you don’t overwork the dough, cut straight down when you cut out your biscuits, and avoid overbaking.

three fluffy biscuits stacked

Serve Biscuits with

  • Gravy – there’s nothing more classic than biscuits and gravy.
  • Jam – spread sweet jam over biscuits and enjoy them with tea.
  • Honey Butter – we love how butter melts onto a warm biscuit
  • Breakfast Sandwiches – break the biscuit in half and use it for a sandwich.
Biscuits served with jam

Make-Ahead and Storage

It’s easy to make biscuits in advance. You can prep them in advance and enjoy freshly baked biscuits in the morning.

  • Overnight Make-Ahead Biscuits – Cut the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake before serving. Bake the cold biscuits in a fully preheated oven.
  • Storage – once the biscuits are cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Biscuits can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Make ahead biscuits cooling on wire rack

Homemade biscuits truly are easy and such a treat. These always disappear fast and are a hit with our whole family. The kiddos can’t resist a warm buttered biscuit.

More Quick Bread Recipes

Quick Breads are great because they don’t need rising time. Instead of using yeast, they use baking soda or baking powder for leavening to give them a beautiful rise. If you love these homemade biscuits, then you won’t want to miss our top-rated quick-bread recipes.

Easy Homemade Biscuits

4.98 from 477 votes
Homemade Biscuits served in a bread bowl
This is the only Biscuit Recipe you will need. Homemade Biscuits are super soft and these are quick and easy to make with just 6 ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 biscuits
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder, (aluminum free)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt, (we use fine sea salt)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold (8 Tbsp = 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup half and half (minus 2 Tbsp)*
  • 1/2 Tbsp melted butter, to brush the baked biscuits

Instructions

Make the Biscuit Dough:

  • Dice butter into 1/2" cubes and refrigerate until needed.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Whisk thoroughly.
  • Add diced cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry blender (or two knives or a fork), until the largest butter pieces are pea-sized.
  • Add 1 cup – minus 2 Tbsp of Half and Half all at once and stir until mixture comes together and is mostly moistened. Do not over-mix.

Fold Dough and Cut Biscuits:

  • Turn dough out onto a floured surface. If dough is very sticky, lightly sprinkle the top with flour.
  • Pat dough into a rectangle then fold it in half and pat into another rectangle. Fold a second time and pat into a 5"x10" rectangle or 3/4" thickness. Dip a 2 1/2" round biscuit cutter into flour and cut out 8 biscults. Pull together scraps and form into a rectangle to cut an extra 2 biscuits.

Bake Biscuits:

  • Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet 1-inch apart and bake at 450˚F for 12-15 minutes or until tops are golden brown and biscuits are baked through. While biscuits are hot, brush tops with 1/2 Tbsp melted butter. Transfer to a wire rack to cool 10 minutes then serve.

Notes

*Notes on half and half – you can substitute with equal parts heavy cream and milk. In very humid climates, reduce the amount of half and a half to 3/4 cup. 

Nutrition Per Serving

212kcal Calories21g Carbs3g Protein13g Fat8g Saturated Fat35mg Cholesterol193mg Sodium240mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar387IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C110mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Homemade Biscuits
Amount per Serving
Calories
212
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
 
8
g
50
%
Cholesterol
 
35
mg
12
%
Sodium
 
193
mg
8
%
Potassium
 
240
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
21
g
7
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
387
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
110
mg
11
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: biscuit recipe, biscuits, homemade biscuits
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 212
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.98 from 477 votes (284 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Amanda
    August 12, 2024

    Any dairy free options to sub for the half and half?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 12, 2024

      I haven’t tried any dairy free substitution yet for this recipe to advise.

      Reply

  • Joe
    August 12, 2024

    Oh my! I whipped these up this morning. I followed the directions completely. The biscuits were perfect.

    Reply

  • Kimberly
    August 9, 2024

    I’ve been making your recipes for years so when I needed a new biscuit recipe I knew you wouldn’t let me down. Simple recipe and the biscuits are soft and fluffy. Toddler approved too!

    Reply

  • YooperDog
    August 1, 2024

    The biscuits turned out great, I added some buttermilk powder to the mix. I was hoping that they would raise a bit more, but maybe that was my cause. I ended up with 12 instead of 10, so I may need to get them a bit thicker before I cut them out next time. Good recipe, Happy wife

    Reply

  • Jennifer J.
    July 31, 2024

    Absolutely delicious! My husband and kids loved them…even my elderly neighbor who I took a couple of biscuits to said they were perfect. I told her all about you and your website….Since I didn’t have half and half on hand I did have to make the suggested change with the milk and heavy cream. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with the world. It’s my new favorite biscuit recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 31, 2024

      I’m so happy it was a hit with you all! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Jennifer!

      Reply

  • Paula Tessier
    July 28, 2024

    Question! Has anyone tried this recipe with buttermilk instead of half n half? I love this recipe as is, but am thinking of experimenting since I love the tanginess of a buttermilk biscuit so much.. any thoughts?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 28, 2024

      Hi Paula! Many of my viewers reported using buttermilk in place of half and half successfully in this recipe. I hope you love it.

      Reply

  • Anonymous
    July 26, 2024

    Mine turned out looking like Popeyes biscuits but a little less appetizing. Not sure if it was me or the recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 27, 2024

      Hi! Can you be more specific as to what the issue was? I’d be happy to help troubleshoot.

      Reply

    • Amber
      August 22, 2024

      Were they bitter? Mine were so bitter! We had to throw them away.

      Reply

  • Dara Tuulik
    July 22, 2024

    Best Biscuit Recipe I’ve tried! Fluffy layers and great taste!

    Reply

  • Birgit Bayer
    July 10, 2024

    Hello Natascha,
    for us from Europe, you can tell us how much Gramm of flour, Butter, is a cup?
    How much liter is a Cup?
    Half and half means = half Milk, half ?
    Please 😊

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 10, 2024

      Hi Birgit. Click on the metric button in the recipe card for the conversions. Most of my recipes have this option.

      Reply

    • Ava LaPrise
      August 14, 2024

      half and half means half milk half creamer😉

      Reply

  • Eva
    July 6, 2024

    So good and easy to make. I had everything on hand for an impulse to make biscuits. My family had only compliments!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 6, 2024

      That’s wonderful, Eva!

      Reply

  • Anne
    June 28, 2024

    Making biscuits from scratch has always seemed intimidating to me – I’d only ever made drop biscuits with Bisquick, and that’s been years ago. Much to my delight, your recipe was easy to follow and the biscuits were delicious! They’re my go-to for when I make strawberry shortcake now!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 28, 2024

      Hi Anne! That’s great to hear. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I’m glad you love the recipe!

      Reply

  • Gloria Griggs
    June 27, 2024

    I made these this morning as a means to feed myself and my son. I had everything but the half and half. I just used milk and they still turned out amazing! Thank you for this easy delicious recipe ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 27, 2024

      I’m so glad it worked well with milk, Gloria! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Carole
    June 23, 2024

    Made these and my grand children absolutely couldn’t stop eating them until they had eaten them all. I made them a little smaller for them and they loved them so much. Making again this morning for my husband’s birthday breakfast. Thanks for such a lovely recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 23, 2024

      You’re very welcome, Carole! I’m glad they’re a hit!

      Reply

  • Cat
    June 22, 2024

    Literally said “that’s it?!” So easy and the best with some butter and honey ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 22, 2024

      It really is that easy! Thank you for your lovely comment, Cat!

      Reply

  • Kathy
    June 16, 2024

    These are the easiest and most delicious biscuits I’ve made.

    Reply

  • Brooklyn
    June 15, 2024

    These are amazing! Even for a novice in the kitchen. Can I make them ahead and refrigerate until I’m ready to eat? Would the cooking instructions be different? Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 15, 2024

      Hi Brooklyn! I’m so glad to hear you loved the recipe. See the section above titled, “make-ahead” for instructions.

      Reply

  • Courtney
    June 12, 2024

    Can I sub buttermilk? I have some leftover from another recipe and I’d like to use it up.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 12, 2024

      Hi Courtney, most people have half and half on hand over buttermilk, but my viewers reported using buttermilk in place of half and half successfully in this recipe. We believe we found the perfect balance with it in this recipe. I hope you love it.

      Reply

  • Lynsey
    June 5, 2024

    I have searched for years trying to find the perfect biscuit recipe that was simple, but produced that fluffy, delicate yet dense biscuity goodness, and this is that recipe! I made them for my chicken a la king dinner. I will be making these on repeat. And your video on how to make is delightful. Thanks for this bread goodness.

    Reply

  • ChrisO
    June 2, 2024

    Great light and fluffy biscuits. First time I used a newly bought can of baking powder from Amazon. It didn’t rise so that’s garbage and now for perfection a new batch with a new can of baking powder. SMH you never know when you get a bad product so at least try this again if it doesn’t work out the first time.
    All in all great fluffy biscuits. This is my go to recipe now.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 2, 2024

      Thank you for sharing that with us! I’m glad you finally got it right on your next try!

      Reply

  • Tamara
    May 27, 2024

    My first time making biscuits and they turned out fantastic. I used them for strawberry short-cake and they were just perfect. So quick and easy to make too! I’ll definitely keep this recipe. Honestly, all your recipes are so great!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 27, 2024

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Tamara!

      Reply

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