Flaky, Golden Homemade Butter Biscuits – A Southern-Style Favorite in Just 20 Minutes

There’s something comforting and timeless about a warm, buttery biscuit fresh from the oven. Whether you’re pairing it with breakfast, using it to soak up a rich gravy, or enjoying it simply with jam and butter, these Homemade Butter Biscuits are the definition of Southern comfort food done right.

In just 20 minutes, you can have a batch of golden, flaky biscuits that taste like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. With simple ingredients and an easy process, this recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

Why These Butter Biscuits Are So Irresistible

These aren’t your average store-bought biscuits. What makes these homemade biscuits truly shine is the rich, buttery flavor and ultra-flaky texture that only comes from using cold, real butter and proper technique. The dough comes together with just a few pantry staples, and the biscuits bake up tall, soft, and golden every single time.

Bonus: You can make them with self-rising flour or adjust with baking powder and salt depending on what you have on hand. Versatile and delicious? Yes, please!

Ingredients Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (packed)
  This forms the base of your biscuit dough. If you have self-rising flour, you can skip the baking powder and salt for an even easier prep.

• 1 Tbsp baking powder (omit if using self-rising flour)
  Provides the leavening power that makes the biscuits rise high and fluffy.

• ½ tsp salt (omit if using self-rising flour)
  Enhances all the flavors, especially when using unsalted butter.

Fat

• ½ cup salted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  Cold butter is key to getting that signature flaky texture. As it melts during baking, it creates steam pockets that make the biscuits rise beautifully.

  If using unsalted butter, just add an extra ¼ tsp salt to balance the flavor.

Liquid

• 1 cup milk (regular or buttermilk)
  Milk brings the dough together. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness, while regular milk works just as well for a more neutral flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your biscuits go in. A hot oven is essential for creating those fluffy, golden tops.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt (unless you’re using self-rising flour). This ensures everything is evenly distributed.

3. Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Pro Tip: Cold butter is non-negotiable here. Warm butter will melt too quickly and won’t create that perfect flaky texture.

4. Add the Milk

Pour in the milk and gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix—overworking the dough will result in dense biscuits.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll it out to about ¾-inch thickness. Folding the dough once or twice can add even more flakiness.

6. Cut Out Biscuits

Use a round biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out your biscuits. Press straight down—don’t twist the cutter—as twisting can seal the edges and prevent rising.

Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet, making sure they touch slightly. This helps them rise better and keeps them tender on the sides.

7. Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are puffed up and fragrant.

8. Cool Slightly and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Enjoy while still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Homemade Butter Biscuits are incredibly versatile:

• With butter and jam for breakfast.

• Topped with sausage gravy for a classic Southern meal.

• Split and filled with eggs and bacon for the perfect breakfast sandwich.

• Served alongside soups and stews for a comforting dinner side.

Want to make them even more indulgent? Brush the tops with melted butter right after baking for a soft, glossy finish.