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 480 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 480 votes (284 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Germaine
    January 9, 2021

    Can these be frozen before baking them?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 9, 2021

      Hi Germaine, I haven’t tried freezing this before baking to advise.

      Reply

  • Charmaine Dean
    January 9, 2021

    I Love Your Recipes and Love to watch your videos

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 9, 2021

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles

      Reply

  • Ellen
    January 8, 2021

    Would the biscuits rise higher if the biscuits were touching when they baked?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 10, 2021

      Hi Ellen, that is true for dinner rolls but not necessarily for biscuits. They should be spaced.

      Reply

  • Angeline Neiman
    January 8, 2021

    Natasha…
    I really just love your recipes. They
    Are easy to watch and understand.
    I really stink at making biscuits. But I saw your recipe lol.I told my hubby I am going make biscuits. He’s say But why it’s ok .I said no this is Natasha’s recipe. So no pressure .Tomorrow morning I am making these
    Little beauty’s .
    .Wish me luck I’ll let you know how they come out.NO HOCKEY PUCKS HERE.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 9, 2021

      Best of luck Angeline! I hope you all love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Diane A Colwell
    January 8, 2021

    Natasha, Please be advised that Half & Half and Light Cream are two separate and distinct items. Half & Half is Half Milk and Half Cream,. Light Cream is just light Cream. I’m not sure how it is made light and Heavy Cream is a minimum of 36% Butterfat.

    Reply

  • Eileen
    January 8, 2021

    Can you use buttermilk?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 9, 2021

      Hi Eileen, I honestly haven’t tried that yet to advise. If you experiment, please share with us here how you liked that version.

      Reply

  • La Donna Van Belle
    January 8, 2021

    Very good recipes 😋

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 8, 2021

      I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes!

      Reply

  • Liz miller
    January 8, 2021

    Can you adjust for high altitude? We live at 5400’ and baking is difficult for me since I need to adjust each recipe. New to this elevation for the last 6 months! Thanks

    Reply

  • Morena
    January 8, 2021

    Two ingredients make the best biscuits ever-not a lot of ingredients necessary to make great biscuits.

    Two cups of light self rising flour like White Lily-two cups of heavy cream.. Knead about 15 times -cut and bake 350 for about 15 minutes.That’s it.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 8, 2021

      Thanks for your input and suggestion, Morena.

      Reply

  • Maegan
    January 7, 2021

    I made these for my kids today and we all loved them! Thanks for such a super simple and delicious recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

      You are most welcome, Maegan. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and feedback.

      Reply

  • Monica
    January 7, 2021

    Thank you so much for this great recipe. It was quick and easy and they tasted yummy. I’ve been looking for an easy biscuit recipe and this one did not disappoint.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Bibi
    January 7, 2021

    I thought this was a Biscuit recipe.. its for scones

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 7, 2021

      Hi Bibi, they are similar but this is a classic biscuit recipe.

      Reply

    • Stacey Nicole Kohler
      January 8, 2021

      This may be a cultural difference – were you looking for the flat, sweet treats that are called cookies in America?

      Reply

  • Heidi Migliori
    January 7, 2021

    Worked so perfect. Thanks.
    Easy and fun!!!
    I am loving all your recipes

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

      You’re welcome, Heidi! Thank you for that wonderful review.

      Reply

  • debbie flood
    January 7, 2021

    can biscuits be frozen before cooking?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

      Hi Debbie, I haven’t tried freezing this before baking to advise.

      Reply

  • Michelle Tadian
    January 7, 2021

    Well those look amazing, any way I can make those GF?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

      Thanks, Michelle. I honestly haven’t tried making this GF yet, I also checked the comments and no one shared that they have tried it. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Anna
    January 6, 2021

    I didn’t quality get how to make ahead
    Should I put raw dough in a fridge or baked already?

    Thank you for amazing recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

      Hi Anna, to make this ahead, cut the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake before serving.

      Reply

  • Rita
    January 6, 2021

    OMG!! These are sooooooo goooood!!
    Some raspberry jam on it, and I am in heaven 😍
    Merci Natasha ☺️☺️☺️

    Reply

  • Ann
    January 6, 2021

    These are called scones in the uk & can be made sweet or savoury with dried fruit or cheese etc.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 6, 2021

      Nice to know that, thanks for the info, Ann!

      Reply

      • sleeper54
        January 7, 2021

        Biscuits are *not* scones . . .and vice versa.

        …tom…

        Reply

    • yana
      January 12, 2021

      we have scones here too but these aren’t scones these are biscuits

      Reply

  • Sara
    January 6, 2021

    I tried it it is so yummy and soft like cotten

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 6, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Mary
    January 6, 2021

    Mmmm these look so good! These may pair well with Joanna Gaines classic sausage gravy 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 6, 2021

      Hi Mary, I haven’t tried her gravy but it looks like I need to give it a go! Thank you for the suggestion.

      Reply

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