Making flaky biscuits from scratch is a delightful way to start your day, and it's not as difficult as you might think. Follow these detailed steps to create biscuits that are sure to impress anyone at your breakfast table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for slightly sweet biscuits)
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup cold milk (whole milk is preferred for richer biscuits)
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet**
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and sugar if you're using it. This not only combines the ingredients but also helps to aerate the flour, contributing to a lighter biscuit.
3. **Add Butter**
- Add the cold, unsalted butter pieces to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, quickly cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. It's crucial that the butter is cold to ensure your biscuits are flaky.
4. **Add Cold Milk**
- Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the cold milk. Gently stir with a fork or spatula, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as doing so can develop the gluten too much and lead to tough biscuits.
5. **Fold and Shape the Dough**
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it together and then fold it over itself a few times. This folding technique is key to creating layers in your biscuits. After folding, pat the dough out to about 1 inch thick.
6. **Cut Out Biscuits**
- Using a round biscuit cutter or a glass dusted with flour, cut out the biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter to ensure the biscuits can rise properly. Gently re-knead the scraps to cut out more biscuits until all the dough is used.
7. **Bake**
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're spaced a couple of inches apart. For softer sides, you can place them closer together. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they're golden brown and risen.
8. **Serve Warm**
- Remove the biscuits from the oven and, if desired, brush the tops with melted butter for an extra rich flavor and shiny finish. Serve the biscuits warm, with butter, jam, or your favorite gravy.
Enjoy the process of making these biscuits, and don't be afraid to add your own twist with herbs or cheese for a savory version. Homemade biscuits are a simple pleasure that bring warmth and joy to any meal, especially breakfast.
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