Flake Biscuits are wonderfully light and flaky with layers of buttery goodness that practically melt in your mouth. These biscuits have a soft, tender crumb and a slight crisp on the outside, making them the perfect addition to any meal. Whether served alongside gravy, soups, or just with a bit of jam, these biscuits are always a hit.
I first made Flake Biscuits when I wanted a homemade biscuit that was easy to prepare but still had that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The process of folding the dough over itself to create those beautiful layers was surprisingly simple, and the result was just perfect. The warm, buttery scent filling the kitchen as they baked was enough to make anyone hungry!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to achieve such a flaky, tender result. The layers of dough that bake up beautifully give these biscuits their signature texture, and they’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a side to dinner, or even as a snack. Flake Biscuits are a crowd-pleasing treat that are always welcome on the table!
Perfect for:
- Breakfast or brunch
- Family gatherings
- Holiday meals
- Pairing with soups or stews
- Biscuit lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Flake Biscuits will be your go-to biscuit recipe:
- Flaky Perfection: These biscuits are made to be light and flaky, just like the best ones from your favorite bakery.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and preparation, these biscuits can be made in just 30 minutes.
- Buttery Goodness: The rich butter flavor comes through in every bite, adding a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Versatile: These biscuits are perfect for breakfast with jam, or as a side to dinner with gravy or butter.
- Crisp Outside, Soft Inside: The golden-brown, crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender inside.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake for a quick, fresh-baked treat.
- Perfect for Any Meal: These biscuits are versatile enough to be served with eggs, soups, or your favorite meats.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, cheese, or even bacon bits to the dough for a fun twist.
- Impressive Yet Simple: These biscuits look and taste impressive but require very little effort to make.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying them with family, these biscuits will surely be a hit.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 biscuits
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-220 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup whole milk
For Brushing:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Highlights
- Cold Butter: Using cold butter ensures a flaky, tender texture by creating layers in the dough.
- Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent to help the biscuits rise.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness to the dough for a soft, moist biscuit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Biscuit Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 4-5 times until it holds together.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness.
- Cut Biscuits: Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting the cutter.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are close together for soft sides.
Bake the Biscuits:
- Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Serve:
- Serve Warm: Serve these flaky biscuits warm with your favorite spread, gravy, or as a side to your meal.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Flake Biscuits:
- With Jam or Jelly: Spread with strawberry, raspberry, or peach jam for a sweet treat.
- With Butter: Simple but delicious with a pat of butter melting into the warm biscuit.
- With Gravy: Serve alongside sausage or chicken gravy for a hearty meal.
- With Eggs: Perfect with scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top for breakfast.
- For Sandwiches: Use as the base for breakfast sandwiches with bacon, egg, and cheese.
- With Soup or Stew: Serve as a side with your favorite soup or stew for a comforting meal.
- With Honey: Drizzle with honey for a sweet, buttery combination.
- With Beef Bacon: Enjoy alongside crispy beef bacon for a full breakfast.
- For Holiday Meals: Serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner as a side dish.
- As a Snack: Great on their own, especially for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Additional Tips
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when you mix it into the flour to achieve a flaky texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just until it comes together to avoid dense biscuits.
- Refrigerate the Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before baking.
- Proper Baking Temperature: Ensure the oven is preheated to the right temperature for a golden-brown finish.
- Use a Biscuit Cutter: For perfectly round biscuits, avoid twisting the cutter as it can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
Recipe Variations
- Cheddar Biscuits: Add 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Biscuits: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for an aromatic flavor.
- Garlic Biscuits: Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or minced garlic for a savory addition.
- Beef Bacon Biscuits: Fold in crumbled cooked beef bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Gluten-Free Biscuits: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option without sacrificing texture.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add ¼ cup of sugar to the dough for a sweeter biscuit, perfect for dessert.
Special Equipment
- Pastry Cutter: To cut the butter into the flour for a flaky texture.
- Biscuit Cutter: For perfectly shaped biscuits.
- Rolling Pin: To roll the dough to the proper thickness.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the biscuits evenly.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the biscuits evenly and prevent sogginess.
FAQ Section
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but butter gives the best flavor and texture. - How long can I store these biscuits?
These biscuits are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - What’s the best way to reheat biscuits?
Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep them soft and flaky. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches or use a larger baking sheet. - How do I prevent my biscuits from being too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the dough, and use cold butter for the best results. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and bake them just before serving for fresh, warm biscuits. - What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
You can use a glass or a round cookie cutter as a substitute. - Can I make these biscuits savory?
Absolutely! Add herbs, cheese, or bacon to make them a savory treat. - How do I get my biscuits to rise higher?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t overwork the dough for a light and fluffy biscuit.
Conclusion
Flake Biscuits are wonderfully light, flaky, and buttery—each bite offering a delicate texture and a satisfying crispness. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, served with jam and butter, or as a side to your favorite meal. The key to their perfect flakiness is in the way the dough is handled, creating tender layers that melt in your mouth.
The magic of this recipe lies in folding the dough several times to create layers of butter, which is what gives these biscuits their signature flakiness. The result is a biscuit with a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have warm, fresh biscuits in no time!
I’d love to see your Flake Biscuits creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious, flaky biscuits. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you enjoyed them, whether with a dollop of honey, a sprinkle of salt, or just on their own!