Imagine a biscuit so light and tender it practically melts in your mouth, earning its ethereal name – Angel Biscuits. These heavenly creations are a delightful combination of fluffy dinner rolls and traditional biscuits. Baking a batch of these will have your home smelling like a bakery, and your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or savoring them as a special breakfast treat, Angel Biscuits are a heavenly experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup warm water (for activating yeast)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions:
Activating the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
Preparing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the activated yeast mixture and buttermilk. Stir until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky. You can add a little extra flour if needed.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
- Roll the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. Re-roll and cut any remaining dough.
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.
Cook’s Notes:
- Yeast Tip: Ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired for the best rise.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to the 1 1/2-cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Serving: Angel Biscuits are fantastic on their own, with butter, honey, jam, or alongside savory dishes like fried chicken and gravy.
- Storage: Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They reheat wonderfully in the oven or toaster.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Homemade Angel Biscuits are the epitome of Southern comfort, gracing your table with a cloud-like, buttery bite that will have you reaching for seconds. With a bit of patience and a lot of love, you’ll be baking these heavenly biscuits to perfection. So, go ahead and experience biscuit nirvana in your own kitchen. 😇🍞🌟
