Homemade Angel Biscuits are a delightful cross between traditional Southern biscuits and yeast rolls. They get their name from their light, airy texture that almost seems to float like an angel. This unique biscuit combines the tenderness of a buttermilk biscuit with the subtle yeast flavor of a roll, resulting in a perfectly flaky, buttery treat. Whether served with breakfast, as a side for dinner, or as the base for a delicious biscuit sandwich, these biscuits are a versatile addition to any meal.
For a delicious breakfast pairing, consider serving these Homemade Angel Biscuits with a warm cup of Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. The spicy, warming flavors of the chai latte complement the light, buttery biscuits beautifully.
What Makes Angel Biscuits So Special?
What sets Angel Biscuits apart from traditional biscuits is their use of yeast in addition to baking powder and baking soda. This combination of leavening agents gives the biscuits their unique texture—soft and fluffy inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. The yeast also adds a subtle flavor that enhances the overall taste of the biscuit, making it stand out from regular biscuits or rolls.
Angel Biscuits are also incredibly forgiving and easy to make. Unlike traditional biscuits that can be tricky to perfect, these biscuits are less sensitive to over-mixing or temperature changes. This makes them a great choice for both novice bakers and experienced cooks looking for a reliable biscuit recipe.
For more inspiration on delicious baked goods, try the Easy Banana Pudding Cake. This dessert offers a comforting, banana-flavored treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Homemade Angel Biscuits
To make these delightful Homemade Angel Biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the biscuits.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both are used to help the biscuits rise.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast: The key ingredient that gives these biscuits their airy texture.
- Warm Water: Used to dissolve the yeast.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess to the dough.
- Butter or Shortening: Provides richness and flakiness.
Optional Additions
- Honey: For a touch of sweetness, brush the tops of the biscuits with honey before baking.
- Herbs: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dough for a savory twist.
- Cheese: Fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for cheesy angel biscuits.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Make sure the ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
3. Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small pieces of fat will create pockets in the dough, resulting in a flaky texture.
4. Add Buttermilk and Yeast Mixture
Pour 1 cup of buttermilk and the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. It will be slightly sticky, but this is normal.
5. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can result in tough biscuits.
6. Roll and Cut the Biscuits
Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out biscuits and place them on a greased baking sheet. Reroll the scraps as needed, but try to handle the dough as little as possible to keep the biscuits tender.
7. Let the Biscuits Rise
Cover the biscuits with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This step allows the yeast to activate, giving the biscuits their light, airy texture.
8. Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for extra flavor and shine.
For a delicious accompaniment, consider serving these biscuits with a bowl of Garlic Shrimp Pasta. The buttery, garlicky pasta sauce pairs wonderfully with the soft, fluffy biscuits.
Tips for Perfect Angel Biscuits
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the biscuits. If your kitchen is warm, you can freeze the butter and then grate it into the flour mixture.
- Don’t Over-Knead: Knead the dough just until it comes together. Overworking the dough can make the biscuits tough.
- Let Them Rise: Allowing the biscuits to rise before baking is key to achieving their light, fluffy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Bake at High Heat: A hot oven ensures that the biscuits rise quickly, creating a light and airy texture.
Variations of Homemade Angel Biscuits
1. Cheddar and Chive Angel Biscuits
Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives to the dry ingredients. These savory biscuits are perfect for serving with soups or stews.
2. Honey Butter Angel Biscuits
Brush the tops of the biscuits with honey butter before baking. To make honey butter, simply mix 1/4 cup of softened butter with 2 tablespoons of honey.
3. Sweet Cinnamon Angel Biscuits
Add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking for a sweet treat.
4. Herb Angel Biscuits
Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the dry ingredients. These herb-infused biscuits are perfect for holiday dinners or brunch.
For more creative ways to use biscuit dough, try the Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings. This easy dessert transforms simple crescent roll dough into a deliciously sweet and comforting treat.
How to Serve Angel Biscuits
Homemade Angel Biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- With Butter and Jam: The classic way to enjoy biscuits is with a smear of butter and your favorite jam or jelly.
- As a Breakfast Sandwich: Slice the biscuits in half and fill them with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
- With Gravy: Serve the biscuits with sausage gravy for a hearty and comforting meal.
- As a Side Dish: Angel Biscuits make a wonderful side for soups, stews, or chili. Their light texture complements hearty dishes perfectly.
Pairing Ideas
- Soups and Stews: These biscuits are great served with hearty dishes like beef stew or chicken noodle soup.
- Fried Chicken: Use the biscuits to make mini chicken sliders with a piece of fried chicken and a drizzle of honey or hot sauce.
- Holiday Dinners: Serve these biscuits alongside turkey and stuffing for a delicious addition to your holiday table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the biscuits in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat as they can become tough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Warm Butter: Warm butter can result in dense, greasy biscuits. Always use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the butter from melting.
- Skipping the Rise Time: Allowing the biscuits to rise before baking is crucial for achieving their light, fluffy texture. Be patient and give them time to rise.
- Over-Kneading the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough, dense biscuits. Knead just until the dough comes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour. If you do, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains these ingredients.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to have fresh biscuits in the morning.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk gives the biscuits a tender crumb and tangy flavor, but you can use regular milk in a pinch. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free milk and vegan butter substitute. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Why are my biscuits not rising properly?
This could be due to inactive yeast or over-kneading the dough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you handle the dough gently to avoid knocking out too much air.
Conclusion
Homemade Angel Biscuits are a delightful, versatile addition to any meal. Their light, fluffy texture and buttery flavor make them a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you enjoy them plain with butter and jam, or as a base for a savory sandwich, these biscuits are sure to impress.
Classic Southern Angel Biscuits Recipe – Southern Living
For more delicious biscuit and bread recipes, try the Garlic Bread Rolls for a savory option, or the Pumpkin Banana Bread for a sweet and seasonal treat. Happy baking!