Perfect Fluffy Homemade Biscuits Recipe

The secret to incredibly soft, buttery biscuits that melt in your mouth

Why These Biscuits Are Special

These aren’t just any biscuits – they’re the kind that remind you of Sunday mornings at grandma’s house. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these biscuits come out incredibly fluffy, buttery, and tender every single time. The secret is in the technique and using heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Super simple – Only 3 main ingredients needed
• No cutting butter – Heavy cream does all the work
• Foolproof method – Hard to mess up, even for beginners
• Ready in 30 minutes – From mixing bowl to your table
• Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or snacks
• Budget-friendly – Uses common pantry ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need (Makes 8-10 biscuits)

Essential Ingredients

• 2 cups White Lily self-rising flour (the secret to Southern biscuits!)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (this is what makes them so tender)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Extra melted butter for brushing tops

If You Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Flavor Boosters

• 1 teaspoon sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for savory biscuits)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (adds wonderful flavor)
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for cheese biscuits)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs like chives or parsley, chopped

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Ready

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 27 minutes
• Oven temperature: 475°F (245°C) – Nice and hot!

Step 1: Heat Your Oven

1. Preheat oven to 475°F – This high heat creates the perfect rise
2. Prepare your baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining with parchment paper
3. Gather all ingredients on your counter before starting

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • 2 cups self-rising flour
   • 1 teaspoon sugar (if using)
   • Any seasonings, cheese, or herbs you want to add
2. Whisk together to distribute everything evenly

Tip: If making your own self-rising flour, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together first.

Step 3: Add the Cream

1. Pour in the heavy cream all at once
2. Add the melted butter
3. Stir gently with a fork until a shaggy dough forms
4. Don’t overmix! The dough should look rough and slightly lumpy

Important: Overmixing makes tough biscuits. Stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 4: Shape the Biscuits

1. Lightly flour your work surface and your hands
2. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface
3. Gently knead 4-5 times – just until the dough holds together
4. Pat or roll to ½ inch thick – don’t make them too thin or too thick

Step 5: Cut and Arrange

1. Cut straight down with a biscuit cutter or clean glass – don’t twist!
2. Place on baking sheet:
   • Close together = soft, tender sides
   • Spaced apart = crispy, golden edges
3. Gather scraps and gently re-roll for more biscuits

Tip: Dip your cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops are golden brown
2. Don’t open the oven door during baking – it lets the heat out
3. Look for golden tops – that’s when they’re done

Step 7: The Finishing Touch

1. Brush with melted butter immediately when they come out
2. Serve warm for the best experience
3. Store extras wrapped in a clean kitchen towel

Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits

Secrets from Southern Kitchens

• Keep ingredients cold – Cold cream helps create flaky layers
• Handle gently – The less you work the dough, the more tender they’ll be
• Cut straight down – Twisting the cutter seals edges and prevents rising
• Use White Lily flour if possible – It’s lower in protein and makes more tender biscuits

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overmix – This makes them tough and dense
• Don’t roll too thin – ½ inch thick is perfect
• Don’t skip the butter brush – It makes the tops golden and delicious
• Don’t let them get cold – Serve as soon as possible

Making Them Your Own

• Sweeter biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons sugar and serve with jam
• Herb biscuits: Add rosemary, thyme, or sage
• Spicy biscuits: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper
• Breakfast biscuits: Add crumbled bacon or sausage to the dough

Perfect Pairings

For Breakfast

• Honey and butter – Classic Southern style
• Sausage gravy – The ultimate comfort food
• Scrambled eggs and bacon – Complete breakfast
• Apple butter or jam – Sweet and satisfying

For Dinner

• Fried chicken – A match made in heaven
• Soup or stew – Perfect for sopping up every drop
• Roast beef or pork – Makes any meal special
• Salad – A warm, buttery contrast

Beverage Pairings

• Hot coffee – Morning perfection
• Sweet tea – True Southern style
• Cold milk – Classic comfort
• Hot chocolate – Cozy winter treat

Storage and Reheating

Keeping Them Fresh

• Day of baking: Store covered with a clean kitchen towel
• Next day: Wrap in foil and warm in 350°F oven for 5 minutes
• Longer storage: Freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: 15-20 seconds (but they won’t be as crispy)
• Oven: 350°F for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil
• Toaster oven: Cut in half and toast lightly

Nutritional Information

Per biscuit (based on 8 biscuits):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 5 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead? You can mix the dry ingredients ahead, but for best results, add the cream and bake fresh.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use whole milk, but they won’t be quite as rich and tender.

Why are my biscuits flat? Make sure your baking powder is fresh and don’t overwork the dough.

Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Cut the biscuits, freeze on a tray, then store in bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes.

The Science Behind Perfect Biscuits

The magic happens when cold fat (from the cream) hits hot oven air. This creates steam, which makes the biscuits rise and creates those wonderful flaky layers. The heavy cream provides both fat and liquid in one ingredient, making this recipe nearly foolproof.

Why self-rising flour? It has the perfect balance of flour, baking powder, and salt already mixed in. White Lily brand is preferred in the South because it’s made from soft winter wheat, which has less protein and creates more tender biscuits.

Make It a Family Tradition

There’s something special about making homemade biscuits. The smell fills your kitchen with warmth, and the taste brings people together around the table. These biscuits are perfect for teaching kids how to bake – the technique is simple but the results are impressive.

Enjoy these warm, buttery biscuits that will make any meal feel like a special occasion!