Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe: The Heavenly Fluffy Biscuit Everyone Loves

by

Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe: The Heavenly Fluffy Biscuit Everyone Loves

Introduction

Angel biscuits are the perfect blend of traditional biscuits and yeast rolls, earning their name for their light, fluffy texture and heavenly flavor. Unlike regular biscuits, these beauties rise with the help of baking powder, baking soda, and yeast, resulting in an irresistibly tender crumb. Whether served with jam, honey, or gravy, they’re a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. This recipe will guide you to make a large batch of these pillowy delights from scratch—ideal for sharing or saving for later!

History of Angel Biscuits

The origins of angel biscuits trace back to Southern kitchens in the United States during the early 20th century. Bakers sought a foolproof recipe that combined the quick-rise convenience of baking powder with the structure and fluffiness of yeast dough. The result was a biscuit that didn’t rely solely on skillful kneading or perfect oven temperatures. Dubbed “angel biscuits” because of their ethereal lightness, they quickly became a staple in Southern homes and remain a beloved classic.

Ingredients

For about 24 biscuits:

  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup shortening, cold
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 cups buttermilk, cold
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in Fats: Add the cold butter and shortening to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir the yeast mixture into the cold buttermilk. Gradually pour this into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight). This step helps the dough firm up and enhances the biscuits’ texture.
  6. Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or round glass to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps as needed.
  7. Bake: Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Brush with Butter: Immediately brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and a beautiful shine.

Methods

  • Chillig the Dough: This step ensures the fats stay cold, creating steam during baking that gives the biscuits their signature fluffiness.
  • Gentle Mixing: Overworking the dough can make biscuits dense and tough. Handle the dough with care.
  • Cutting: Use a sharp biscuit cutter and avoid twisting, as twisting seals the edges and prevents even rising.

Benefits

  1. Nutritional Richness: With ingredients like buttermilk and yeast, angel biscuits provide small amounts of calcium, protein, and B vitamins.
  2. Versatility: These biscuits work for savory and sweet pairings, making them a universal treat.
  3. Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
  4. Light and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the yeast, these biscuits are lighter and less dense than traditional versions.
  5. Homemade Comfort: Baking biscuits from scratch allows you to control ingredients and avoid preservatives often found in store-bought options.
  6. Light and Fluffy Texture
  7. Angel biscuits are known for their incredibly light and airy texture, making them easier to digest than dense bread or pastries. The combination of yeast, baking soda, and baking powder ensures a soft and fluffy crumb, perfect for any meal.
  8. Rich in Flavor
  9. The blend of buttermilk, butter, and yeast provides a subtle tanginess and richness, elevating the flavor profile beyond that of standard biscuits.
  10. Versatile Pairing
  11. These biscuits can be served with both sweet and savory accompaniments. Pair them with honey, jam, or butter for breakfast, or use them as a base for sausage gravy, sliders, or sandwiches.
  12. Customizable Ingredients
  13. Homemade biscuits allow you to control the ingredients. You can use whole-grain flour for added fiber, reduce the sugar for a less sweet version, or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
  14. Source of Energy
  15. Angel biscuits provide a good balance of carbohydrates and fats, making them a quick source of energy. This makes them ideal for breakfast or as a snack to keep you fueled throughout the day.
  16. Heart-Healthy Ingredients
  17. When made with unsaturated fats (like olive oil or plant-based shortening) instead of saturated fats, these biscuits can contribute to heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels.
  18. Rich in Calcium
  19. The use of buttermilk adds calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also contributes to muscle function and cardiovascular health.
  20. Comfort Food Delight
  21. Biscuits are a classic comfort food, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Sharing them with family and friends can foster emotional well-being and create cherished memories.
  22. Make-Ahead Convenience
  23. The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making it a time-saving option for busy mornings or hosting events. This convenience also encourages home cooking over store-bought alternatives.
  24. No Preservatives
  25. Unlike packaged biscuits, homemade angel biscuits are free from preservatives and artificial additives, providing a healthier alternative.
  26. Encourages Baking Skills
  27. Making these biscuits from scratch helps develop and improve baking skills, encouraging a rewarding and productive hobby.
  28. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
  29. Angel biscuits are universally loved due to their soft texture and buttery taste, making them a reliable hit at gatherings, family dinners, and celebrations.

These benefits make angel biscuits a delightful addition to any menu, whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or as part of a larger meal.

Formation

When baked, angel biscuits puff up to form beautifully golden tops, soft interiors, and flaky layers. The edges are slightly crisp, contrasting with the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside. Their formation is as satisfying visually as it is gastronomically.

Nutrition (Per Biscuit)

  • Calories: ~180
  • Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Calcium: ~5% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Iron: ~6% of the DV
  • Potassium: ~50mg
  • Vitamin A: ~4% of the DV
  • Vitamin C: Negligible
    (Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and measurements.)

Key Nutritional Highlights

  1. Energy-Rich
    • The combination of carbohydrates and fats makes angel biscuits a quick source of energy, ideal for breakfast or snacks.
  2. Good Source of Calcium
    • Buttermilk and baking powder contribute to calcium content, supporting bone health and proper muscle function.
  3. Moderate Protein Content
    • Eggs and buttermilk provide a modest amount of protein, aiding in tissue repair and muscle health.
  4. Low Fiber
    • As these are typically made with all-purpose flour, fiber content is low. To increase fiber, consider substituting part of the flour with whole-wheat flour.
  5. Low Sugar
    • With only a small amount of sugar in the recipe, angel biscuits are not overly sweet, making them suitable for a range of dietary preferences.
  6. Customizable for Dietary Needs
    • Nutrition can be tailored by adjusting the ingredients. For example:
      • Lower calories: Replace some butter with unsaturated fats like olive oil.
      • Higher fiber: Use whole-grain flour or add flaxseed.
      • Lower sodium: Reduce the amount of salt or use a low-sodium baking powder.

This nutritional profile makes angel biscuits a versatile, moderately indulgent choice, suitable for pairing with a variety of toppings and dishes.

Conclusion

Angel biscuits are a timeless treat that bridge the gap between a biscuit and a roll, making them perfect for any meal. Their rich history, paired with their heavenly texture and taste, makes them a favorite across generations. Serve them with butter, honey, or your favorite jam, and watch them disappear! This recipe delivers both nostalgia and delight in every bite.

Lovers of Angel Biscuits

Angel biscuits are adored by food enthusiasts who cherish Southern comfort food. Families treasure them at Sunday brunch, while hosts find them an easy crowd-pleaser for potlucks and holidays. Lovers of this dish appreciate the balance of flavor, texture, and versatility, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere.

Leave a Comment