Ingredients
2 cups self-rising flour
¼ cup shortening
¾ cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter
Extra flour for shaping
Extra melted butter for brushing
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place the self-rising flour in a large mixing bowl.
Add the shortening and cut it into the flour with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently knead or fold the dough several times. Do not overwork it, as this can make the biscuits dense.
Pat or roll the dough to about ¾–1 inch thick.
Cut out biscuits using a round biscuit cutter.
Place the biscuits close together on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops with melted butter.
Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush immediately with a little more melted butter.
Method
The key to fluffy biscuits is to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. Cutting the shortening into the flour creates a tender texture, while the buttermilk provides moisture and a slight tang.
For extra flaky layers, fold the dough over itself several times before cutting the biscuits.
Serving
Serve warm with:
Butter
Honey
Jam
Country gravy
Fried chicken
Scrambled eggs
Tips
Keep the buttermilk cold.
Do not over-knead the dough.
Cut the biscuits straight down rather than twisting the cutter.
Place the biscuits close together for taller, softer sides.
Bake immediately after shaping for the best rise.
Yield
Approximately 8–10 biscuits, depending on the size of your cutter.
Nutrition — Approximate per biscuit
Calories: 180–220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25–28 g
Protein: 4–5 g
Fat: 8–10 g
Saturated fat: 2–4 g
Sodium: 400–550 mg
Nutrition varies according to the exact flour, shortening, butter, and biscuit size used.
Conclusion
These buttermilk biscuits are golden, tender, flaky, and buttery, with a soft interior and crisp edges. They are especially delicious served warm straight from the oven with butter and honey.