The Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Biscuits: Flaky, Buttery Perfection in Under 30 Minutes
These homemade biscuits are buttery, fluffy, and quick to make—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for any meal. With just six simple ingredients and no yeast, you can have soft, layered biscuits ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
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1 tsp granulated sugar
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¾ tsp salt (fine sea salt works best)
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½ cup unsalted butter, cold (cut into ½-inch cubes)
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1 cup half-and-half (minus 2 tbsp)
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½ tbsp melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
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Dice butter into ½-inch cubes and refrigerate until ready.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
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Add cold butter and cut into the flour with a pastry blender (or two knives/fork) until pea-sized pieces remain.
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Pour in 1 cup minus 2 tbsp of half-and-half all at once. Stir just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
2. Fold and Cut Biscuits
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Turn dough onto a floured surface. Lightly flour the top if sticky.
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Pat into a rectangle, fold in half, and pat again. Repeat once more.
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Pat into a 5×10″ rectangle, about ¾″ thick.
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Using a 2 ½″ round biscuit cutter, cut 8 biscuits. Gather scraps and cut 2 more biscuits.
3. Bake
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Place biscuits 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
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Brush hot biscuits with ½ tbsp melted butter. Transfer to a wire rack to cool 10 minutes, then serve.
Notes
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Use cold butter straight from the fridge to create flaky layers.
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Cut straight down when using a biscuit cutter—don’t twist or saw, for a better rise.
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Don’t overmix once the liquid is added; the dough should just come together.
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Fold the dough 2–3 times before cutting to create extra layers.
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Brush hot biscuits with melted butter for a golden, flavorful finish.