Baking Powder Biscuits

Recipe Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these Baking Powder Biscuits.

All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides a good balance for a tender yet structured biscuit.

Sugar: A small amount of sugar gives a touch of sweetness and contributes to browning during baking.

Baking Powder: Is a leavening agent which makes the biscuits rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt: Salt enhances and balances the other ingredients.

Shortening: Adds tenderness, flakiness, and richness to the biscuits.

Milk: Milk hydrates the flour and activate the baking powder. Milk also adds richness and flavor to the biscuits.

How to Make Baking Powder Biscuits

Here are the simple steps to make these Baking Powder Biscuits. See the full recipe below for all the details.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients 

Make sure the dry ingredients are mixed very thoroughly before the next step. You can whisk them well with a fork or even sift them.

2. Cut in Shortening

Add the shortening to the dry ingredients. The goal is to break the shortening into small, pea-sized pieces and distribute it throughout the flour.

3. Form Dough 

Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together and leaves the side of the bowl. Avoid overmixing; the dough will be soft and sticky.

4. Knead, Roll, and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, gently knead the dough about 10 times. Roll or pat it to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a floured 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, pressing straight down without twisting. If you don't have a cutter, you can use a knife to cut squares or triangles.

5. Bake and Serve 

Place biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Remove immediately and serve warm.

How to Store (and reheat) Baking Powder Biscuits

To keep your Baking Powder Biscuits fresh and delicious, here's how to store them.

Room Temperature

Place the cooled biscuits in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh for 1-2 days.

Refrigerator

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Refrigeration can sometimes make biscuits a bit drier or tougher, so reheating is recommended before serving.

Freezer

Freeze cooled biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer the frozen biscuits to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Biscuits can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating  

Room Temperature/Refrigerator

Warm biscuits in a microwave for 15-30 seconds on high, or in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Freezer 

Reheat frozen biscuits directly in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside.