Classic Biscuits

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Buttery, flaky, dramatically layered, these classic biscuits are a work of art, but they can be intimidating—and who wants a biscuit that falls flat? These recipes and expert tips from biscuit king Chadwick Boyd ensure you can’t miss.

classic biscuits.
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Stand Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
14
Yield:
14 biscuits
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 14 servings

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) very cold butter

  • 3/4 cup full-fat Greek-style yogurt

  • 1/2 cup very cold water

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt in a large bowl.

  2. Coat whole stick of butter in flour mixture. Grate butter on the large holes of a box grater into bowl. (If butter starts to melt, coat butter in flour mixture again and continue grating.) Use your fingers to toss butter in flour mixture until all butter pieces are separated and coated in flour. (Mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.)

  3. Whisk together yogurt and water in a small bowl; add to flour mixture. Gently fold to bring dough together. Dough should be moistened but still crumbly. If dough is too dry, add more cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until fully moistened.

    Expert Tip: Go Full Fat

    Always use full-fat dairy for the dough. Fat helps biscuits rise and stay tender. Reduced-fat or low-fat dairy will deliver a smaller, more dense biscuit.

  4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Lightly knead three or four times until dough comes together. Sprinkle with flour; pat to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut dough into four equal portions. Stack portions, press down, and pat again to form a 3/4-inch-thick rectangle. Repeat process three times, adding flour as needed.

  5. Press a 2 1/2- to 3-inch biscuit cutter straight down into dough to cut out biscuits. Gently knead scraps together, pat to 3/4-inch thickness, and repeat cutting. Arrange on prepared baking sheet (biscuits should be barely touching).

  6. Bake in the preheated oven  until tops are crisp and golden brown, 15 to 16 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt. (Store in an airtight container up to 3 days; chill up to 1 week. To reheat, bake about 10 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).)

Expert Tip: No Peeking

Keep the oven door closed. Biscuits need consistent heat to rise and brown. If the temperature fluctuates, you run the risk of flat biscuits.

Biscuit Variations

For more biscuit recipes by Chadwick Boyd, see Herby Ricotta Biscuits, Iced Dried Cherry Biscuits, and Sweet Potato-Sage Biscuits.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

158 Calories
9g Fat
16g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 14
Calories 158
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 491mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 3g 7%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 76mg 6%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 41mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.