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Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the *ultimate* biscuit recipe that’s fluffy, tender, and just melts in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe. I absolutely love how these biscuits combine the magic of yeast with the classic leavening powers of baking powder and baking soda, giving you an irresistibly airy texture that’s unlike any biscuit you’ve tried before. Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, or just a cozy snack, these biscuits seriously impress every time. Stick with me — I’ll share all my tips so you nail these beauties on your first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Heavenly Fluffiness: Thanks to the trio of yeast, baking powder, and baking soda, these biscuits rise to plush perfection every time.
  • Buttermilk Bliss: The tangy buttermilk tenderizes the dough and adds just the right amount of richness.
  • Simple Techniques: You don’t need fancy tools—just some basic folding and a sharp biscuit cutter for consistent results.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these biscuits—they’re perfect alongside any meal or just topped with butter and honey!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an essential role in building the structure and flavor of these fluffy angels. I always recommend fresh yeast and cold fats to get that perfect flakiness and rise. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll want to gather.

Flat lay of fresh all-purpose flour gently mounded on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with a thick pale beige active yeast paste, a few spoonfuls of white sugar on a small white bowl, a few sprinklings of coarse kosher salt scattered beside a small white bowl with white baking powder, another small white bowl holding fine white baking soda, cold butter cut into neat 1/2-inch chunks arranged on a white ceramic plate, cold shortening chunks on a separate white plate, a small white bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, and a small white bowl with golden melted butter, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk, homemade fluffy biscuits, tender buttermilk biscuits, easy biscuit recipes, perfect angel biscuits
  • Active yeast: The secret behind the airy texture; make sure it’s fresh and active for the best rise.
  • Warm water: Just warm enough to activate the yeast without cooking it—think cozy bath temperature.
  • All-purpose flour: The base of your biscuit dough; this gives structure.
  • White sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast for better rise.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
  • Baking powder: Gives extra lift and lightness.
  • Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for tender crumb.
  • Cold butter: Chilled and cut into chunks for flaky layers.
  • Cold shortening: Helps keep biscuits moist and tender.
  • Buttermilk: Brings acidity and moisture that activates the baking soda.
  • Extra flour: For dusting your work surface and rolling out dough with ease.
  • Melted butter: For brushing on top, delivering golden, buttery crusts.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe to fit the occasion or mood. You’ll find it’s super versatile — don’t hesitate to experiment or tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs!

  • Cheddar Herb Biscuits: Adding sharp cheddar and fresh herbs like chives gives these biscuits a savory punch—perfect with soups or stews.
  • Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped out regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend with great success; just watch your dough’s hydration since gluten-free flours absorb differently.
  • Sweet Twist: Try adding cinnamon and nutmeg with a little extra sugar for a biscuit you can pair with fruit preserves for breakfast.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and a plant-based buttermilk substitute (like almond milk + lemon juice) to keep them just as fluffy.

How to Make Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast to Awaken the Dough

Start by dissolving your active yeast in the warm water. When I first tried this, I was worried it wouldn’t get thick and pasty like it’s supposed to, but with the right water temp, it blooms beautifully. You want the water to feel warm but not hot to the touch—think about the temperature you’d want for a baby’s bath. Stir gently and set aside for a few minutes while you prep the dry mix.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Work in the Fats

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda with a balloon whisk. Then, toss in cold chunks of butter and shortening. This is my favorite part—using your fingers to pinch the fats into the flour until they look like little peas. Be gentle; you want to keep those buttery bits cold to create whether flaky layers—not melted into the dough.

Step 3: Combine Buttermilk and Yeast Paste, Then Form the Dough

Stir the yeast paste into your buttermilk (a little clumps are fine) and pour the mixture into your dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until it starts coming together, then knead gently by hand just to incorporate everything evenly. Avoid overworking the dough here—just enough to pull it into a shaggy ball but still loose.

Step 4: Fold and Shape with Care for That Perfect Rise

Here’s where the magic happens: after dusting your clean surface with flour, pat the dough into a rectangle about an inch thick. Fold it over, rotate, and repeat two more times. This folding technique encourages layers without toughening the dough. Don’t press hard—just firm enough to keep it in shape. Once you’re done, pat it out one last time to the right thickness.

Step 5: Cut, Bake, and Brush for Golden Perfection

Flour your biscuit cutter and press straight down—don’t twist—to keep the edges sharp. Place them snugly in a buttered cast iron skillet so they rise touching each other, giving that soft pull-apart texture I adore. After rising for an hour (the hardest part of patience! But trust me, worth it), brush the tops with melted butter and bake at 400°F until deep golden and irresistibly buttery. Let them rest before serving—this cool-down seals the flavors.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe

  • Perfect Water Temperature: Use a thermometer or trust the warm, not hot, feel to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Keep Fats Cold: Always chill your butter and shortening before mixing to get flaky layers.
  • No Twisting Cutter: Press straight down with your cutter to maintain biscuit rise and shape.
  • Don’t Over-Knead: Just fold gently to keep biscuits tender and light—not dense.

How to Serve Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe

The image shows a stack of nine golden-brown biscuits arranged in two layers on a round metal cooling rack. The biscuits are fluffy with a soft texture and light brown tops, and their sides reveal a tender, crumbly interior. The cooling rack sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a black cast-iron skillet with more biscuits inside, softly out of focus. To the left, a white dish with pale yellow butter and a butter knife rests beside a folded white and blue checkered cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk, homemade fluffy biscuits, tender buttermilk biscuits, easy biscuit recipes, perfect angel biscuits

Garnishes

I love brushing these biscuits with melted butter right out of the oven, then topping with a little flaky sea salt or honey. Sometimes I add a smear of strawberry jam or clotted cream—the classics never fail. For a savory touch, a pat of herb-infused butter is dreamy.

Side Dishes

Pair these biscuits with hearty mains like fried chicken, gravy smothered biscuits, or a fresh garden salad for brunch. I’ve also served them with scrambled eggs and bacon—guaranteed to make mornings better.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange them in a warm cast-iron skillet topped with fresh herbs and edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece. You can even slice them horizontally and layer with smoked salmon and cream cheese for an elegant biscuit sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep moisture in. I often see them disappear pretty fast in my house, but if you want them to last a bit longer, the fridge works too — just expect them to dry slightly sooner.

Freezing

I freeze leftover biscuits individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then popped into a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When I’m ready for a quick fix, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm in the oven for fresh-from-the-bakery vibes.

Reheating

To revive leftover biscuits, I preheat the oven to 350°F, wrap biscuits in foil to keep moisture, and bake for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. If you want a crispier crust, open the foil in the last few minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them gummy.

FAQs

  1. Can I make these biscuits without yeast?

    You could, but yeast gives these biscuits their unique airy texture and flavor. Without it, they’ll be more like traditional quick biscuits: good, but not quite the same fluffy “angel” lift you’re aiming for.

  2. What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

    No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

  3. Why shouldn’t I twist the biscuit cutter?

    Twisting compresses the dough, reducing its rise and resulting in denser biscuits. Pressing straight down keeps the edges sharp and helps the biscuits expand upward in the oven.

  4. Can I use a stand mixer for this dough?

    Absolutely! Using a dough hook on low speed works well, but be careful not to overmix. You want just enough action to combine ingredients and bring the dough together without toughening it.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe because it never disappoints. The delicate rise, buttery flavor, and tender crumb make it a winner any day of the week. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can lean on when you want a homemade touch without feeling intimidated. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how your family raves over those warm, golden biscuits—trust me, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine!

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Fluffy Angel Biscuits with Buttermilk Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 96 minutes
  • Yield: 20 biscuits
  • Category: Bread & Biscuits
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Angel Biscuits are light, fluffy, and tender biscuits made with a unique combination of baking soda, baking powder, and yeast. These biscuits have a heavenly texture and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor, perfect for serving warm with butter, honey, or jam. Ideal for a comforting breakfast or alongside your favorite meal.


Ingredients

Yeast Mixture

  • 4 1/2 teaspoons (2 packages or 14 g) active yeast
  • 3 tablespoons warm water (110 to 115°F)

Dry Ingredients

  • 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

Fats

  • 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, cold
  • 1/2 cup (95 g) shortening, cold

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups buttermilk

Additional

  • Extra flour for forming and cutting biscuits
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)


Instructions

  1. Prepare yeast paste: Place the yeast and warm water in a small bowl and stir to dissolve until a thick paste forms.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda using a balloon whisk.
  3. Cut in fats: Cut the cold butter and shortening into 1/2-inch chunks and sprinkle over the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to smash and break down the fats until they are flattened and about the size of peas.
  4. Combine yeast with buttermilk and mix: Stir the yeast paste into the buttermilk, then add this mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a large spatula until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough a few times by hand to incorporate any dry bits.
  5. Fold and shape dough: On a floured surface, pat dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold in half, rotate 90 degrees, and repeat this folding and patting process two more times to create layers. Pat the dough to a final 1-inch thickness.
  6. Cut biscuits: Flour a 2-inch round biscuit cutter and press straight down into the dough to cut biscuits. Avoid twisting the cutter. Gather scraps and cut more biscuits until all dough is used.
  7. Prepare for rising: Brush a 12-inch cast iron skillet with melted butter and arrange biscuits so they touch slightly. Transfer any extra biscuits to another baking pan or smaller skillet. Cover with plastic wrap and let biscuits rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  8. Preheat oven: About 15 minutes before the rise time ends, preheat your oven to 400°F.
  9. Brush and bake: After rising, brush the tops of the biscuits with the remaining melted butter. Bake biscuits for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  10. Cool and serve: Let baked biscuits cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam for best enjoyment.

Notes

  • Angel biscuits owe their airy, fluffy texture to the combined leavening agents of yeast, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • Ensure the water is warm (110 to 115°F) to activate the yeast properly but not too hot to kill it.
  • Do not twist the biscuit cutter when cutting to maintain biscuit layers and height.
  • The folding technique creates light flaky layers for the perfect biscuit texture.
  • Rising the biscuits before baking allows the yeast to develop flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for best heat distribution when baking these biscuits.
  • Brush with melted butter before and after baking for extra flavor and a golden crust.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 biscuit
  • Calories: 253 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 304 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 21 mg

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