If you’re dreaming of biscuits that are incredibly soft, fluffy, and just melt in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe. I absolutely love how these turn out every single time — they’re light, tender, and have this slightly sweet, buttery flavor that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast, a family brunch, or just because you need a little homemade comfort, this recipe has got you covered. Stick around, because I’ll share all my tips to help you nail these angel biscuits perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Airy Texture: The combination of yeast, baking powder, and baking soda creates biscuits that are unforgettable in their fluffiness.
- Perfect Buttermilk Tang: Buttermilk adds just the right amount of tang and richness that enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Easy Yet Impressive: The technique is straightforward, but the results make it look like you spent hours baking.
- Versatile Serving Options: These biscuits pair perfectly with everything from breakfast jams to dinner gravies, making them a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe, every ingredient has a purpose, working harmoniously to create those soft layers and rich flavors. I always recommend using cold butter and shortening for that delicate, flaky texture — it really makes all the difference. Be sure to get fresh yeast and real buttermilk to give your biscuits the authentic lift and tang.
- Active yeast: Use fresh or active dry yeast; it’s key for that subtle rise and fluffiness that sets these apart.
- Warm water: Just warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it — around 110-115°F.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of these biscuits; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- White sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the buttermilk tang.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering — important for every good biscuit.
- Baking powder: Gives an extra lift to make these biscuits soar.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to tenderize and add lightness.
- Cold butter: The secret weapon for flaky layers—keep it chilled until you’re ready to cut it in.
- Cold shortening: Works alongside butter to add tenderness and help keep the dough light.
- Buttermilk: Gives a moist, tangy richness that you’ll adore in every bite.
- Extra flour: For handling and cutting the dough — dust lightly to avoid sticking.
- Melted butter: Brush on top for that golden finish and irresistible buttery flavor.
Variations
I love making this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe my own by tweaking a few ingredients or adding some extras here and there — it’s so satisfying to personalize your biscuits. Whether you want them a bit more savory or with a hint of sweetness, the possibilities are endless.
- Herb-Infused Biscuits: I sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough sometimes to give these biscuits a lovely savory twist.
- Cheese Biscuits: Mixing in shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack takes these biscuits to the next level, perfect for any hearty meal.
- Gluten-Free Version: I tried substituting with a gluten-free flour blend—results were great but handle the dough gently as it’s more delicate.
- Sweet Honey Butter Finish: Finish with a drizzle of honey and melted butter on top for a sweet-and-buttery treat that my family can’t resist.
How to Make Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast to Start the Magic
Begin by stirring your yeast into warm water until it dissolves into a thick paste — this activates the yeast and gets everything ready for the dough to rise beautifully. I always use a thermometer to make sure my water is just right because if it’s too hot, the yeast won’t work; too cold, and it takes forever to activate.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter & Shortening
Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Then, cut your cold butter and shortening into small chunks and sprinkle them over the flour mix. Use your fingers to smash the fats gently until they look like peas — this creates delicious, flaky layers once baked. My trick? Keep your hands cool or even chill the bowl beforehand, so the fats don’t melt too early.
Step 3: Combine Yeast Paste with Buttermilk and Form Dough
Stir the yeast paste into your buttermilk, then pour this mixture into the flour-fat combination. Using a large spatula, mix until a rough dough forms; then take it into your hands and knead just a few times to incorporate the dry bits at the bottom. Avoid overworking it — just enough so everything comes together.
Step 4: Fold the Dough for Fluffy Layers
Dust your clean surface with flour and gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it in half and rotate 90 degrees. Repeat this folding and patting process two more times. This technique might seem simple, but it’s what gives these biscuits their signature fluff and texture. Be gentle — don’t mash the dough, just pat it down carefully.
Step 5: Cut and Arrange Biscuits to Rise
Flour your 2-inch biscuit cutter and press straight down into the dough without twisting to keep the edges nice and tall. Place your biscuits snugly in a buttered cast iron skillet — I love how the edges touching during rise leads to super soft sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour until they puff beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F about 15 minutes before the biscuits finish rising. Brush the tops with melted butter, pop them in the oven, and bake for 16–18 minutes until golden brown and heavenly smelling. After baking, let them rest for 10 minutes in the pan — this makes them easier to remove and keeps them moist.
Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe
- Keep Fats Cold: I always chill my butter and shortening before cutting them in to maximize flakiness and rise.
- Don’t Twist the Cutter: Press straight down to avoid sealing the edges — twisting can keep your biscuits from rising evenly.
- Gentle Folding: Folding the dough 3 times helps create layers without toughening the biscuits — a delicate touch is key.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Old yeast can leave your biscuits dense, so I always check expiration dates for the best fluff.
How to Serve Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe
Garnishes
I usually like to brush the biscuits with extra melted butter right out of the oven—it makes them irresistible. For a little something extra, a dollop of honey butter, fruit jam, or even a savory herb butter works wonders. My kids swear by warming a little honey over the top, and it’s pure happiness in every bite.
Side Dishes
When I whip up these biscuits, I often serve them alongside hearty breakfasts like scrambled eggs and bacon, or even with dinner favorites like fried chicken or pot roast with gravy. For brunch, a fresh fruit salad and some creamy grits round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these warm biscuits stacked in a beautiful breadbasket lined with a colorful napkin. I also love decorating the platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a festive touch that guests always notice and appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover biscuits store wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I recommend wrapping them individually in foil if you want to keep them extra moist. Whenever I store these, I find they stay soft and delicious without drying out too much.
Freezing
I freeze these biscuits often—just wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you want them, thaw overnight in the fridge and quickly warm in the oven. It’s such a time-saver on busy mornings or when unexpected guests pop in!
Reheating
I gently reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to keep them moist. If I’m short on time, a quick microwave zap (covered with a damp paper towel) for 20-30 seconds works too, but I prefer the oven for the best texture.
FAQs
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Why does this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe use both yeast and baking powder/soda?
Great question! The yeast adds a subtle depth of flavor and contributes to the light, airy texture, while the baking powder and baking soda provide an immediate rise from the chemical reaction with the buttermilk. Together, they create the unique fluffy and tender crumb that makes these biscuits truly special.
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Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?
While you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk, the biscuits won’t have quite the same tangy flavor or tender texture. Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with the baking soda, helping create these fluffy angel biscuits, so I highly recommend using real buttermilk whenever possible.
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What’s the best way to cut biscuits to keep them tall and fluffy?
Use a sharp 2-inch round biscuit cutter and press straight down firmly without twisting. Twisting seals the edges and can prevent the biscuits from rising properly, resulting in shorter, denser biscuits. Remember to flour your cutter well to avoid sticking.
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How can I tell when the biscuits are perfectly baked?
Look for golden brown tops and edges, and a light, airy structure inside when you pull one apart. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. They’ll smell buttery and just a touch sweet. Timing is key—usually 16 to 18 minutes at 400°F does the trick.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites — the perfect balance of fluffy texture, buttery richness, and that little tang from the buttermilk makes these biscuits unforgettable. Every time I make them, my family goes crazy, asking for more. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do, and that they bring a little bit of delicious comfort to your kitchen too. Give these biscuits a try, take your time with each step, and soon you’ll have them perfected just like I did!
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Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 96 minutes
- Yield: 20 biscuits
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Angel Biscuits are incredibly light and fluffy thanks to a triple-leavening method using yeast, baking powder, and baking soda. These tender, buttery biscuits have a heavenly texture and a perfect golden crust, making them an irresistible addition to any breakfast or brunch. Baked in a cast iron skillet for a rustic touch, they’re best served warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 1/2 teaspoons (2 packages or 14 g) active yeast
- 3 tablespoons warm water (110 to 115°F)
- 5 cups (700 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) white sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup (115 g) cold butter
- 1/2 cup (95 g) cold shortening
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Extra flour for forming and cutting biscuits
Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Place the yeast and warm water in a small bowl and stir to dissolve until it forms a thick paste.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cut in Fats: Cut the cold butter and shortening into 1/2-inch chunks and sprinkle over the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, gently smash and break the fats until flattened and pea-sized.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the yeast paste into the buttermilk (it’s okay if not fully incorporated) to loosen. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until a rough dough forms. Knead gently a few times to incorporate the crumbs.
- Fold the Dough: Flour a clean surface, turn the dough out, and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half, rotate 90 degrees, and repeat folding and patting two more times, keeping thickness at 1 inch. Use flour to prevent sticking but be gentle.
- Cut Biscuits: Flour a 2-inch round cutter and press straight down into the dough to cut rounds without twisting. Gather scraps and cut until all dough is used.
- Prepare to Rise: Butter a 12-inch cast iron skillet and place biscuits inside, touching slightly. Use another pan for extras. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: About 15 minutes before rising time ends, heat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Brush and Bake: Brush remaining melted butter over the tops of the risen biscuits. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the biscuits cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Notes
- These angel biscuits achieve their signature fluffiness by combining yeast, baking powder, and baking soda, giving them a uniquely light texture.
- Keep the butter and shortening cold to create flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Do not twist the biscuit cutter when cutting to avoid sealing edges and inhibiting dough rise.
- Allow the biscuits to rise fully before baking to ensure a tender crumb and proper leavening.
- Use melted butter both to prepare the skillet and to brush the tops before baking for rich flavor and a beautiful crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit (of 20 servings)
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 304 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 21 mg