Grandma’s Biscuits

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked biscuits. Grandma’s biscuits, in particular, hold a special place in our hearts and memories. These tender, flaky biscuits are a timeless classic that pairs perfectly with butter, jam, gravy, or just on their own. In this recipe, we’ll recreate the magic of Grandma’s biscuits so you can enjoy that nostalgic taste right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for a touch of sweetness, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If you want slightly sweet biscuits, add the granulated sugar to the dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Cut in the Butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use your fingertips, but work quickly to keep the butter cold.
4. Add the Buttermilk:
   • Pour in the buttermilk and stir the mixture until it just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few dry spots.
5. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times, just until it holds together. Don’t overwork the dough; you want those tender biscuits.
6. Roll and Cut:
   • Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness. You can use a floured rolling pin or gently press it out with your hands.
   • Using a biscuit cutter or a floured glass, cut out your biscuits and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Gather any dough scraps, gently knead them together, and cut out more biscuits.
7. Bake:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
8. Serve Warm:
   • Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them warm with butter, jam, honey, or as a side to your favorite meal.

Tips

• To make your biscuits even flakier, you can fold the dough over onto itself a couple of times before rolling it out and cutting the biscuits. This creates layers and results in a more tender texture.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
• For a beautiful golden finish, you can brush the tops of your biscuits with a bit of melted butter before baking.
• Grandma’s biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to recapture that fresh-baked taste.

Variation

Grandma’s biscuits are incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding grated cheese, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even bits of cooked bacon for a savory twist. For sweet biscuits, consider adding raisins and a dash of cinnamon for a delightful morning treat.

Cook’s Note

• Grandma’s biscuits are all about that homemade touch, so don’t worry about making them look perfectly uniform. Irregular shapes and sizes are part of their rustic charm.
• If you prefer a softer crust on your biscuits, you can place them closer together on the baking sheet so they touch while baking. This will result in biscuits with softer sides.
• To save time, you can prepare the biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the dough and proceed with the recipe.
• If you want to freeze the biscuits for later use, cut them out and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just bake them for a few extra minutes straight from the freezer.
• Grandma’s biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or any time you crave a comforting, flaky biscuit. They make an excellent side for soups, stews, fried chicken, and just about any meal that needs a touch of homestyle goodness.

Enjoy your homemade biscuits, and let the aroma take you back to Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re savoring them with a hearty stew or enjoying them as a snack, these biscuits are a true taste of nostalgia.