How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits

How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Michelle Cottrell on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $2.44 total, $0.31 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted, loosely packed)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Granulated Sugar (optional, can use 2 tbsp for sweeter biscuits)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 0.75 teaspoons Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter (cold, grated directly from freezer)
  • 3/4 cup Buttermilk (cold)
  • 1 large Egg (optional, for egg wash; beaten)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients

    Sift 2 cups of all‑purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Add 1½ tsp sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, ¾ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp baking soda. Stir to combine and break up any lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Grate Cold Butter

    Take a stick of unsalted butter straight from the freezer and grate it using a coarse grater into the flour mixture. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Incorporate Butter

    Using your fingertips, gently rub the grated butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea‑size pieces. Do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Buttermilk

    Pour ¾ cup cold buttermilk over the crumb mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together; it will be slightly sticky.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Shape Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a ½‑inch thick rectangle, sprinkling flour as needed to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Fold and Roll (Layering)

    Fold the rectangle into thirds like a letter, then gently roll it out again to ½‑inch thickness. Repeat the fold‑and‑roll process twice more to create layers.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Cut Biscuits

    Using a biscuit cutter or a floured glass, press straight down to cut rounds. Reroll scraps and cut additional biscuits. Place them on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, touching slightly for soft sides.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Brush Tops (Optional)

    If desired, brush the tops with a little beaten egg or extra buttermilk for a golden finish.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Bake

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake biscuits for 12‑15 minutes, until tops are golden brown and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 425°F

  10. Cool and Serve

    Remove biscuits from the oven, transfer to a cooling rack for 5 minutes, then serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits

Recipe by Michelle Cottrell

Fluffy, buttery Southern-style buttermilk biscuits that are quick to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a side with dinner. This recipe follows Michelle Cottrell’s step‑by‑step video, emphasizing cold butter and buttermilk for tender layers.

EasyAmericanServes 8

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

Source Video
24m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.44
Total cost
$0.31
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Keep butter and buttermilk cold until combined
  • Do not over‑mix or over‑work the dough
  • Fold and roll the dough multiple times to create flaky layers
  • Cut biscuits with a straight press, no twisting

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when grating frozen butter – the grater is sharp
  • Handle hot baking sheet with oven mitts
  • Do not leave the oven unattended while baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Buttermilk biscuits are a staple of Southern cooking, originating from British scones brought by early settlers and adapted with local buttermilk, which adds tenderness. They are traditionally served with breakfast, fried chicken, or gravy, embodying comfort and hospitality in Southern households.

cultural
Q

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

A

In the Deep South, biscuits may include a dash of hot sauce or cheese for extra flavor. In the Gulf Coast, they are often served split and topped with honey butter, while in the Appalachian region they may be made with cornmeal for a slightly gritty texture.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way buttermilk biscuits are served in Southern cuisine?

A

Traditionally, hot biscuits are split and slathered with generous pats of butter, honey, or jam, and often accompany fried chicken, gravy, or eggs for a hearty breakfast or dinner side.

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), church potlucks, and as a comforting side at Sunday dinner gatherings in the South.

cultural
Q

How does the buttermilk biscuit fit into the broader Southern United States cuisine tradition?

A

Biscuits exemplify Southern cuisine’s emphasis on simple, pantry‑based comfort foods that rely on dairy and wheat. They complement rich dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and country gravies, balancing flavors and textures.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for buttermilk biscuits versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients are all‑purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, cold buttermilk, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a small amount of baking soda. Substitutes include using milk plus lemon juice for buttermilk, or a mix of shortening and butter for a different crumb, though flavor may change.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with buttermilk biscuits?

A

Serve biscuits alongside fried chicken, country ham, sausage gravy, shrimp and grits, or a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup for a classic Southern meal.

cultural
Q

What makes buttermilk biscuits special or unique in Southern cuisine?

A

The combination of cold butter layers and acidic buttermilk creates a light, flaky interior with a tender crumb—qualities that set Southern biscuits apart from denser British scones or Northern biscuits.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making buttermilk biscuits at home?

A

Common errors include using warm butter or buttermilk, over‑mixing the dough, and cutting the biscuits with a twisting motion. These mistakes prevent proper rise and flakiness.

technical
Q

Why does this buttermilk biscuit recipe use cold grated butter instead of cutting butter into cubes?

A

Grating frozen butter creates tiny, evenly distributed pieces that melt quickly in the oven, forming steam pockets that lift the dough. Cubed butter can clump and lead to uneven layers.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes—shape and cut the raw biscuits, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the bake time, or bake fresh and store cooled biscuits in the refrigerator for up to three days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making buttermilk biscuits?

A

The biscuits should have a golden‑brown top, a slightly crisp edge, and a soft, airy interior with visible flaky layers when split. The crumb should be tender, not dense or crumbly.

technical
Q

How do I know when the buttermilk biscuits are done cooking?

A

Biscuits are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean, or when the bottoms sound hollow when tapped lightly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Michelle Cottrell specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Michelle Cottrell focuses on approachable home cooking tutorials, often featuring comfort food classics, quick meals, and family-friendly recipes with clear, step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Michelle Cottrell's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Michelle Cottrell emphasizes simplicity and practicality, using everyday kitchen tools and stressing cold ingredients for flaky results, whereas many channels rely on specialized equipment or elaborate techniques.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How to Make Perfect Biscuits from Scratch
6

How to Make Perfect Biscuits from Scratch

Flaky, buttery, tall biscuits that are soft yet sturdy. This recipe uses cold grated butter, buttermilk, and a simple folding technique to create layers that rise beautifully in a hot oven.

44 minServes 4$2
American
Buttermilk Biscuits using shredded Butter
4

Buttermilk Biscuits using shredded Butter

Flaky, buttery Southern-style buttermilk biscuits made with the shredded‑frozen‑butter technique. The dough stays cold, the biscuits rise high, and a quick brush of buttermilk gives a beautiful golden top—perfect for breakfast sandwiches or a side with gravy.

1 hr 4 minServes 5$3
Southern American
Buttermilk Biscuits using all purpose flour
5

Buttermilk Biscuits using all purpose flour

Flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits made the easy way with cold butter and a quick mix‑and‑fold method. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for soups and gravies.

33 minServes 6$6
American Southern
How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits - Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
5

How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits - Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

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.

45 minServes 6$2
American
How To Make Grandma Barb's Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
33

How To Make Grandma Barb's Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

These fluffy, old‑school buttermilk biscuits are the exact recipe handed down from a grandmother’s kitchen. Using a mix of butter‑flavored shortening, cold unsalted butter, and a surprise brush of mayonnaise, the biscuits rise high, stay buttery, and have a golden crust that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any comfort‑food moment.

59 minServes 4$7
American Southern
Cook Southern Biscuits with Alton Brown
7

Cook Southern Biscuits with Alton Brown

A classic Southern-style biscuit made with all‑purpose flour, butter, shortening, and tangy buttermilk. The combination of baking powder and a pinch of baking soda gives a light, fluffy crumb while the butter‑shortening blend creates a tender, flaky texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for dinner.

52 minServes 8$2
American (Southern)
Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Makes 6
3

Buttermilk Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Makes 6

Flaky, buttery biscuits packed with sharp cheddar and fresh chives. These easy drop biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack and come together with just a few pantry staples.

51 minServes 3$2
American
Cheesy Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits Recipe - A Perfect Complement to Any Meal
3

Cheesy Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits Recipe - A Perfect Complement to Any Meal

Soft, fluffy, and cheesy cheddar drop biscuits that come together in minutes. Made with cold butter, sharp cheddar, and tangy buttermilk, these savory biscuits are brushed with garlic‑herb butter for extra flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish.

55 minServes 4$3
American