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 479 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 479 votes (284 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Joanne
    September 3, 2022

    These are by far the best biscuit recipe I’ve ever made. And believe me I have made a lot including yeast biscuits, but nothing compares to these.
    So light and fluffy!

    Reply

    • Joanne
      September 3, 2022

      I just submitted a review saying how amazing these biscuits are and I forgot to do the star rating. Absolutely five stars

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        September 3, 2022

        Aww, thank you, Joanne!

        Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 3, 2022

      I’m so glad these were a hit, Joanne! Thank you for your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Britt
    August 28, 2022

    What do you do with the 2 tablespoons of half and half? Does it ever say? Or is that just leftover.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 28, 2022

      Hi Britt, it is in #4 in the instructions.

      Reply

  • Ashley
    August 27, 2022

    What do you recommend if you cannot find aluminum free baking powder?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 27, 2022

      Hi Ashley, it’s better to avoid aluminum, but also some people can taste an off-flavor with aluminum baking powder. It will still work for this recipe of course, but something to be mindful of.

      Reply

  • Renee K
    August 25, 2022

    I really wanted to love these as i always love your recipes and they never let me down. I followed everthing to a T and it was a fail. I was going to pair with your chicken pot pie soup (soup was delectable we all loved it) but the biscuits im really bummed about. even after 15 minutes on 450 they seemed to not be where they were supposed to be. please help

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 25, 2022

      Hi Renee! I’m happy to help troubleshoot, what seems to be the issue? Were they still raw or unbaked at 15min? If so, be sure to preheat the oven fully before putting them in and I recommend using an internal oven thermometer to check the temperature. Also how large of a biscuit cutter or glass did you use to cut them? If they were larger, this could affect the baking time.

      Reply

      • Renee K
        August 30, 2022

        Yes! I think they were slightly big. But also didn’t rise. I was determined to make them so I started again and made a fresh batch. They turned out great!!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          August 31, 2022

          Happy to hear that!

          Reply

  • Kristie
    August 22, 2022

    Hi I have made these so many times and i had a question can you make the dough ahead of time (the night before) and still have them turn out? Or freeze the dough?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 22, 2022

      It’s easy to make biscuits in advance. Cut the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake before serving.

      Reply

  • Cal
    August 15, 2022

    Wow, I made good biscuits! I have been using a Betty Crocker recipe for many years with little luck (maybe I was missing something?). I thought maybe I just wasn’t destined to make good biscuits. I’m going to experiment with this but this will be my reliable recipe. All of the advice here seems solid. Thank you so, so very much.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 15, 2022

      You’re welcome! I hope it becomes your new go-to recipe.

      Reply

  • Tracy Caldwell
    August 13, 2022

    Can I use evaporated carnation milk in the can? I haven’t tried this recipe yet. Thank you.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 13, 2022

      Hi Tracy! I have not tested this but one of my readers mentioned using this and they were great.

      Reply

  • Carrie Burgett
    August 12, 2022

    this recipe turned out wonderful
    I used frozen butter cut up in my bowl and I used buttermilk and white lily flour. They are so good thank you. You helped direct me.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 12, 2022

      So glad that I could be helpful! I’m happy this recipe was enjoyed. Thank you for the review. 🙂

      Reply

  • Anneme Kruger
    August 3, 2022

    I really measured my ingredients the way you suggested, but my dough was dry and not moist and sticky. I ended up with dough on my surface that was still very floury. I then added extra milk and used my hands to make a dough. I cut my scones out and baked them. They are ok, but not right. Please help!! 😂😂😂😂
    I bake a lot and I don’t understand why I have issues baking scones. I would love to bake perfect scones.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 3, 2022

      Hi Anneme, Be sure to measure by fluffing the flour first with a spoon then spoon it into a dry ingredient measuring cup and scrape off the top. If you push your measuring cup into a flour bin, you will get up to 25% too much flour. Also, do not tap the flour down in the measuring cup.

      Reply

  • Kerima Thilakasena
    July 30, 2022

    I am a follow of your recipes and they are easy to make. I enjoy watching you videos. Thank you. Kerima Thilakasena from Sri Lanka

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 30, 2022

      So glad you enjoy my recipe. Thank you

      Reply

  • Ruth Gollop
    July 30, 2022

    I am definitely going to make these love your recipes from Canada

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 30, 2022

      I hope you love these biscuits! They are definitely a must-try!

      Reply

  • Jo Ann
    July 21, 2022

    Total disaster had to use lot more flour. Was sooooo sticky. Didn’t rise. Followed directions to the t. Very humid here could that be the problem? Sorry

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 22, 2022

      Hi Jo Ann, we’ve never had that issue before. I recommend double-checking if the measurements of the ingredients were all followed. This article can help too

      Reply

  • Noelle Maine
    July 16, 2022

    Ahmazing! Had to sub buttermilk for the half-n-half as we had none of the latter on hand. Buttermilk rarely fails and was no exception here as the biscuits were light, fluffy and everything we need biscuits to be. We also grated the butter instead of cubing it. Thank you much for this great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 16, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Noelle!

      Reply

  • Paula Tessier
    July 6, 2022

    I made these, omitting the sugar and they were still delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 6, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Paula!

      Reply

  • Nat
    July 2, 2022

    These are amazing! The only recipe I use. Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 2, 2022

      So glad to hear that! You’re welcome.

      Reply

  • Gary Beckner
    July 1, 2022

    We have made these twice and have decided that they are our go to recipe for biscuits. Thank you for taking the time to post these recipes. Best wishes to you and your family.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 1, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Gary!

      Reply

  • Paulet's Kitchen
    June 6, 2022

    Good morning All, I’m sending greetings from the Caribbean SKN. I felt like buscuits today.it is Whit Monday a holiday here on the Islands.
    I decided to try your recipe and it came out very well..breakfast was perfect. I made a veggie omelet and coffee with mango..
    Thank you very much..I will keep for future use.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 6, 2022

      So wonderful to hear! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Kristin Hamilton
    June 4, 2022

    Biscuits were wonderful! Had such a great flavor and soft and tender on the inside with crunchy tops. I baked mine for 10 mins and it was perfect. This will be my forever go-to biscuit recipe now. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 4, 2022

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Kristin!

      Reply

  • Joel
    May 29, 2022

    OMG! These biscuits are to DIE for! and soooo easy to make, especially if you use a food processor to cut in the butter. Followed the recipe to a “T”, although I did brush the tops of the biscuits before baking with an egg wash to brown them up a bit more.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 29, 2022

      Thanks for following the recipe exactly as written. We appreciate it and we’re so glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Susan
    May 24, 2022

    These were fantastic! This will be my go to biscuit recipe from now on

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 24, 2022

      So glad you found a go-to! Thank you for the review, Susan.

      Reply

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