Go Back
3 buttermilk biscuits sitting on a white plate

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

This easy recipe for buttermilk biscuits only uses 6 basic kitchen ingredients. You'll have soft, homemade biscuits in no time!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings: 8 biscuits
Course: bread, Breakfast
Calories: 19
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp baking powder
  • 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup cold butter 1/2 stick
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Equipment

  • Hand grater or use forks to cut butter
  • Cast Iron Skillet or baking pan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • biscuit cutter can also use a cup or mason jar lid

Method
 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
    collage of four photos showing steps to make buttermilk biscuits
  3. Shred (or cut) the cold butter directly into the dry mix. Once shredded, use a fork to gently distribute the butter throughout.
  4. Pour in about 2/3 of the buttermilk and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it's dry and crumbly, add the rest of the buttermilk.
  5. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently pat (or roll if preferred) it into a 1-inch-thick rectangle.
    buttermilk biscuit dough being cut out into circles and placed in a cast iron skillet
  6. Using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out biscuits and place them in a cast iron skillet or on a baking sheet. For soft-sided biscuits, arrange them close together; for crispier edges, space them apart.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Notes

Recipes yields 8-10 biscuits, depending on how thick you pay your dough and the size of the biscuit cutter or cup you use. 
Add a little extra melted butter to the bottom of the cast iron skillet for an extra crispy & buttery bottom. 
For tips or freezing & reheating instructions, see FAQ's here.