How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits - Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits - Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $2.02 total, $0.34 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (white, sifted)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (double-acting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (ensure it's fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into thin slices and frozen briefly)
  • 3/4 cup Buttermilk (very cold, can substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is light and aerated, about a dozen strokes.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Cut in the Butter

    Add the frozen butter slices to the dry mixture. Using a wire pastry cutter, press and cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs; this should take about 5‑6 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

  3. Add Buttermilk

    Make a well in the center of the crumb mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently stir with a fork or spatula just until the dough comes together into a shaggy, crumbly mass.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Fold the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board. Gently shape into a rough rectangle, then fold it into thirds like a letter. Rotate 90°, repeat the fold two more times (total three folds).

    Time: PT5M

  5. Roll and Cut Biscuits

    Roll the dough to about ½‑inch thickness. Using a 2½‑inch cutter, press straight down to cut biscuits. Gather scraps, reshape, and cut additional biscuits if desired (up to 12 total).

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare for Baking

    Place biscuits on a silicone mat or parchment‑lined sheet. Lightly press the center of each biscuit with a thumb to create a small indentation.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Egg Wash (Buttermilk Brush)

    Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little extra buttermilk for a golden finish.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Bake

    Bake in a pre‑heated 425°F oven for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits feel firm to the touch.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 425°F

  9. Cool Slightly and Serve

    Remove from oven, let cool on a rack for 2‑3 minutes, then serve warm with butter, jam, or gravy.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
8g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits - Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Recipe by Food Wishes

Flaky, tender buttermilk biscuits made with cold butter and buttermilk, using a classic folding technique for a light, airy texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to soups and gravies.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.02
Total cost
$0.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Keeping butter and buttermilk extremely cold before incorporation.
  • Cutting the butter into fine crumbs without melting.
  • Gentle folding to create layers without over‑working the dough.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp cutter carefully to prevent cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of buttermilk biscuits in Southern American cuisine?

A

Buttermilk biscuits are a staple of Southern cooking, originating from 19th‑century farm households where buttermilk was a common by‑product of butter making. They became a beloved side for fried chicken, gravy, and breakfast spreads, symbolizing comfort and hospitality.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of buttermilk biscuits in the United States?

A

In the Deep South, biscuits are often made with a higher fat content and a light hand on mixing, resulting in a flaky texture. In the Midwest, they may include a bit of sugar for a slightly sweet biscuit, while some New England versions add cream instead of buttermilk for richness.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve buttermilk biscuits in Southern cuisine?

A

Traditionally, warm biscuits are split and slathered with generous pats of butter, honey, or jam, and served alongside gravies, fried chicken, or breakfast plates. They are also enjoyed with a drizzle of honey butter for a sweet‑savory balance.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are buttermilk biscuits traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Biscuits appear at family brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Thanksgiving), and church potlucks. They are also a comfort food served during casual gatherings and Sunday dinner.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with buttermilk biscuits from Food Wishes?

A

They pair beautifully with Country Fried Steak, Sausage Gravy, Chicken Fried Chicken, and a hearty bowl of Gumbo or Chili. A drizzle of honey butter also complements them nicely.

cultural
Q

What makes Food Wishes' buttermilk biscuits special compared to other biscuit recipes?

A

Chef John emphasizes keeping all ingredients ice‑cold and uses a simple three‑fold technique that creates distinct layers without a stand mixer, yielding a light, flaky crumb that rivals bakery biscuits.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making buttermilk biscuits from Food Wishes?

A

Common errors include using warm butter or buttermilk, over‑mixing the dough, and handling the dough too much during shaping. These mistakes prevent the formation of steam pockets that give biscuits their lift and flakiness.

technical
Q

Why does this buttermilk biscuit recipe use a three‑fold folding method instead of a traditional rolling‑and‑cutting only approach?

A

The three‑fold method creates multiple layers of butter within the dough, producing a more pronounced flaky texture. Rolling alone can develop gluten, making biscuits tougher.

technical
Q

Can I make Food Wishes' buttermilk biscuits ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Shape and cut the biscuits, then freeze them on a tray before baking. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Baked biscuits can also be refrigerated and reheated.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the buttermilk biscuits are done?

A

The tops should be golden‑brown with a slight sheen from the buttermilk brush. The biscuits should feel firm to the touch but give slightly when pressed, indicating a tender interior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?

A

Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step video recipes that blend humor with clear culinary instruction, covering a wide range of cuisines and classic comfort foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Wishes focuses on simplifying classic techniques—like the cold‑butter folding method for biscuits—while adding Chef John's personable narration, making traditionally tricky dishes feel accessible to home cooks of any skill level.

channel

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