Nothing beats the warm, buttery goodness of homemade buttermilk drop biscuits fresh out of the oven. These rustic, golden-brown biscuits are tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior, making them the perfect comfort food for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish for dinner. Unlike traditional rolled and cut biscuits, drop biscuits require no kneading, rolling, or cutting—just scoop and bake. This makes them ideal for busy mornings or whenever you need a quick and satisfying baked treat.
If you’ve ever found yourself intimidated by biscuit-making, rest assured that this recipe is foolproof. The combination of cold butter and tangy buttermilk ensures a fluffy, flavorful texture without any complicated steps. Whether served with honey, jam, gravy, or simply a pat of butter, these biscuits will become your new go-to recipe. Keep reading to discover why you’ll fall in love with these easy and delicious biscuits.
Why You’ll Love These Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
- No rolling or cutting required – Simply mix, scoop, and bake! No need to stress about rolling out dough or using biscuit cutters.
- Perfectly tender and fluffy – The combination of buttermilk and butter creates a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making them a lifesaver for busy mornings or last-minute side dishes.
- Versatile – Serve them with butter and jam, drizzle with honey, or pair them with a hearty meal like fried chicken or stew.
- Made with pantry staples – You likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen.
- Great for meal prep – These biscuits store well and can be frozen for later use.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients for Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This ensures that all ingredients are evenly distributed before adding the butter.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough will create a flaky texture in the biscuits.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the cold buttermilk into the bowl and gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Scoop and Drop the Dough
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1-2 inches of space between each biscuit, as they will expand slightly while baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, honey, or even a drizzle of gravy.
Ingredient Background
Flour: The Foundation of the Biscuit
Flour is the primary ingredient in any biscuit recipe, and all-purpose flour is ideal for these buttermilk drop biscuits. It has the perfect balance of protein to create structure while still allowing for a light and fluffy texture. If you want a more delicate biscuit, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with cake flour, which has a lower protein content. For a heartier, nuttier taste, whole wheat flour can be used, though it may result in a denser texture.
Buttermilk: The Secret to Tender Biscuits
Buttermilk is a crucial ingredient that gives these biscuits their tangy flavor and soft crumb. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a rise, making the biscuits airy and light. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk, though the flavor may be slightly milder.
Butter: Flavor and Flakiness
Cold butter is essential for creating the signature flakiness of biscuits. When the butter melts during baking, it creates pockets of steam, which results in a light and fluffy texture. For best results, use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content in your recipe. If you want to enhance the buttery flavor, you can brush the biscuits with melted butter immediately after baking.
Technique Tips for Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Keep the Ingredients Cold
One of the most important factors in making great biscuits is using cold ingredients. Cold butter ensures that small chunks remain in the dough, creating those signature flaky layers. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill your mixing bowl and flour beforehand to keep everything cold. Some bakers even freeze the butter and grate it into the flour for an extra light texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense biscuits instead of soft, tender ones. A few lumps in the dough are perfectly fine—they’ll disappear during baking.
Use a Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop for Even Biscuits
Since these are drop biscuits, you don’t need to roll or cut them. Instead, use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop to drop uniform portions onto the baking sheet. This ensures that all biscuits bake evenly, preventing some from being overdone while others are undercooked.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
For a flavorful twist, mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the dough before baking. Brush the warm biscuits with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley for an extra indulgent treat. These make a perfect side for pasta dishes or soups.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits
If you have a sweet tooth, turn your buttermilk drop biscuits into a dessert by adding ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. After baking, brush the biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve them with honey or a drizzle of icing for a delicious breakfast treat.
Mini Sliders or Breakfast Sandwiches
Drop biscuits are the perfect size for mini sandwiches. Slice them in half and fill them with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich. You can also use them as a base for mini fried chicken sliders for a Southern-inspired dish.
Freezing and Storing Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Storing at Room Temperature
Freshly baked biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. If you want to refresh them before serving, warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
Refrigeration for Longer Freshness
If you need to keep your biscuits fresh for more than two days, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
Freezing for Later Use
For long-term storage, biscuits freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, no thawing needed.
Healthier Twist Ideas
Swap Butter for Greek Yogurt
For a lower-fat alternative, replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt. This keeps the biscuits moist while adding a slight tanginess. Greek yogurt also boosts the protein content, making the biscuits a bit healthier.
Use Whole Wheat Flour
To add more fiber and nutrients, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This gives the biscuits a slightly nutty flavor and makes them more nutritious. You can also use white whole wheat flour, which has a milder taste and texture.
Reduce the Sodium
If you’re watching your sodium intake, reduce the salt in the recipe and use unsalted butter. You can also substitute low-sodium baking powder to further cut down on salt while still achieving the right rise.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Brunch Gatherings
These biscuits are perfect for brunch! Serve them with butter, jam, and honey alongside eggs, turkey sausage, and fresh fruit. You can also add a spread of homemade fruit preserves or flavored butters, such as honey cinnamon or herb butter, for a gourmet touch.
Holiday Dinners
Buttermilk biscuits make an excellent side dish for holiday meals, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or mashed potatoes. They’re also great for soaking up gravy, making them a must-have addition to any festive spread.
Picnic or Road Trip Snacks
Since these biscuits are sturdy yet tender, they make a great on-the-go snack. Pack them with cheese, deli turkey, or nut butter for a quick and satisfying bite during road trips, picnics, or outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute 1 cup of regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
2. Why are my biscuits dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the dough or using warm butter can result in dense biscuits. Keep ingredients cold and mix just until combined.
3. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes! If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.
4. How do I make these biscuits dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk (such as almond milk with vinegar) to replace buttermilk.
5. What’s the best way to reheat biscuits?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
6. Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Try adding cheddar, chives, garlic powder, or rosemary for extra flavor.
7. How can I make extra crispy biscuits?
Bake them on a preheated baking sheet for an extra crispy bottom.
8. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
9. Can I freeze the dough instead of baked biscuits?
Yes! Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze, then bake directly from frozen.
10. What’s the best topping for these biscuits?
Honey, butter, gravy, or even a drizzle of maple syrup all work beautifully.
Conclusion
Buttermilk drop biscuits are simple, quick, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or reheating them for a later treat, they’re bound to become a household favorite. Try them for breakfast, as a side dish, or with creative mix-ins—you won’t be disappointed!
Happy baking!
Welcome to Cozy dishes! I’m Louise, and this is your warm, welcoming kitchen corner filled with feel-good recipes that bring comfort to everyday moments. Whether you’re making a simple dinner or baking something sweet, you’ll find cozy, approachable dishes made with heart.
