Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of warm, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that feel like a soft, buttery cloud, wait until you try this Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits are the perfect balance of tender crumb and golden crust, blending a touch of yeast with the classic buttermilk base to create a pillowy texture that simply can’t be beat. Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast, a comforting side for dinner, or a treat to impress your loved ones, this recipe invites you to dive into biscuit heaven with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in crafting the perfect biscuit. From the richness of cold butter and shortening to the tangy buttermilk and a hint of yeast for lift, every component works together to deliver that heavenly texture and flavor.

• 5 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and that classic biscuit chew.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess and richness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for initial leavening, helping the biscuits rise nicely.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Boosts rise and browning, especially when combined with buttermilk.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping the dough balanced.
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The cold butter is key for flakiness; it melts while baking creating those coveted layers.
• 1/2 cup shortening: Helps keep the biscuits tender and moist without weighing them down.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast: Adds a subtle rise and gives a wonderful lightness and complexity to the dough.
• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast for that lovely frothy start.
• 2 cups buttermilk: Provides moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang for perfect biscuit flavor.

How to Make Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, setting a solid foundation for your biscuit dough’s rise and flavor.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Shortening

Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the cold cubed butter and shortening into the flour mixture until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. This technique creates tiny pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in flaky, tender layers.

Step 3: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step wakes up the yeast, which gently puffs up the dough for a lighter biscuit.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients into Dry

Add the yeast mixture and buttermilk to the dry ingredients and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.

Step 5: Lightly Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently about 3 to 4 times, just enough to combine everything. Overworking the dough can result in tougher biscuits, so keep it light and easy.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Biscuits

Roll the dough to roughly 1-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut out circles. Don’t worry if the scraps aren’t perfect—gently re-roll them to get every last biscuit.

Step 7: Let the Dough Rise

Place your biscuit rounds on a baking sheet, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and allow them to rise for 30 minutes. This final rise gives your biscuits that delightful fluffiness.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake your biscuits for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once they come out of the oven, enjoy these warm or with a pat of butter and your favorite honey or jam. Trust me, these are best savored fresh and hot!

How to Serve Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes

While these biscuits are spectacular on their own, adding a little honey drizzle or a smear of homemade jam elevates their flavor beautifully. For a savory twist, try a pat of herb-infused butter or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese right after baking to let it melt slightly.

Side Dishes

Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe shines alongside creamy dishes like chicken and gravy, hearty soups, or fresh scrambled eggs. Their tender, mild flavor also pairs well with spicy chili, making your meal even more comforting and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by slicing your biscuits and using them as the base for mini breakfast sandwiches with sausage and egg, or split them open for a sweet biscuit shortcake with fresh fruit and whipped cream. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely), store your biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from drying out, wrap them gently in foil or a clean towel.

Freezing

These angel biscuits freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, place them in a freezer-safe zip bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a quick warm-up, but the oven method keeps the crust delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While regular milk can substitute in a pinch, buttermilk is key for the tender crumb and slight tang that define this Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why do these biscuits use yeast in addition to baking powder?

The yeast adds a subtle fermentation that produces a fluffier, more tender texture and a light, slightly sweet flavor that sets these biscuits apart from run-of-the-mill recipes relying solely on chemical leaveners.

How important is keeping the butter cold?

Very important! Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts during baking, which is what gives biscuits their flaky layers. If the butter melts before baking, your biscuits could turn out dense or tough.

Can I make these biscuits vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter and shortening with plant-based alternatives and use a non-dairy milk mixed with vinegar to mimic buttermilk. Just be aware the yeast activity and final texture might vary slightly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover biscuits?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes helps restore their fresh-baked crispness. Microwaving is faster but can sometimes make the biscuits a bit soggy, so wrapping them in foil beforehand can help retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe is truly a gift you give yourself and everyone you share it with. It takes simple, humble ingredients and turns them into something magical and memorable. So tie on your apron, warm up your oven, and get ready to experience biscuit bliss — you won’t regret it!

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