Categories: Uncategorized

Homemade Angel Biscuits

Angel Biscuits are a delightful hybrid of a biscuit and a yeast roll, known for their light, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor. These heavenly treats earned their name because they are as soft as a cloud. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or snacks, Angel Biscuits can be served plain, with butter and jam, or as a base for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

For the Biscuits:

  • 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup shortening (or lard), cold
  • 2 cups buttermilk, cold

For Brushing:

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the Fats:
    • Using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingertips, cut the cold butter and shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Combine the Wet and Dry:
    • Stir in the yeast mixture and buttermilk until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Knead the Dough:
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring it together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Roll and Cut:
    • Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter (2–3 inches in diameter) to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps as needed.
  7. Prepare for Baking:
    • Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. For softer edges, place them close together; for crisper edges, space them apart.
  8. Let Rise:
    • Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the biscuits rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
  9. Bake:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the biscuits for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. Finish:
    • Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for added flavor and shine (optional).

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or gravy.
  • Pair with breakfast favorites like eggs and bacon, or use them for sandwiches.

some additional information to elevate your angel biscuit-making experience:


Tips for Perfect Angel Biscuits:

  1. Temperature is Key:
    • Keep your butter, shortening, and buttermilk as cold as possible to ensure flaky layers. You can even chill your flour if your kitchen is warm.
  2. Do Not Overmix:
    • Overmixing can make the biscuits tough. Stir the ingredients just until combined for a tender texture.
  3. Use Fresh Ingredients:
    • Check the expiration dates on your yeast, baking powder, and baking soda. Fresh leavening agents ensure the best rise.
  4. Rising Time:
    • Angel biscuits are unique because they use a combination of baking powder, baking soda, and yeast for leavening. The short rising time (about 30 minutes) helps them develop their characteristic lightness.
  5. Flour Your Cutter:
    • Dip your biscuit cutter in flour before cutting to prevent sticking. Press straight down without twisting to ensure even rising.
  6. For Even Baking:
    • Bake the biscuits in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution. Rotating the pan halfway through baking can help if your oven has hot spots.

Optional Variations:

  1. Cheese Angel Biscuits:
    • Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese to the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.
  2. Herbed Biscuits:
    • Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for a savory twist.
  3. Sweet Biscuits:
    • Increase the sugar to 4–5 tablespoons for slightly sweeter biscuits, perfect for pairing with whipped cream and berries.
  4. Whole Wheat Option:
    • Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor and added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating:

  1. Storage:
    • Keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  2. Freezing:
    • Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
    • Alternatively, freeze baked biscuits and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Reheating:
    • To refresh leftover biscuits, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough.

Serving Ideas:

  1. Breakfast Sandwiches:
    • Fill with eggs, sausage, or bacon and a slice of cheese.
  2. Southern-Style Meal:
    • Serve alongside fried chicken, gravy, or collard greens.
  3. Sweet Treat:
    • Slice in half and top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey.
  4. Holiday Favorite:
    • Use them for mini sliders or as dinner rolls for holiday gatherings.
savoury food

Recent Posts

Creamy Deviled Egg Spread with Cream Cheese

Creamy Deviled Egg Spread with Cream Cheese A high-protein, low-carb, ultra-satisfying twist on traditional egg…

3 days ago

Baking soda makes flowers bloom and fuller 10 best garden hacks most don’t know

Baking soda makes flowers bloom and fuller? 10 best garden hacks most don’t know Gardening…

5 days ago

Quit purchasing celery from the store grow an endless supply at home in a pot with this simple guide

Quit purchasing celery from the store—grow an endless supply at home in a pot with…

7 days ago

Ice Cream Sandwich Bars A Frozen Dream Come True

Ice Cream Sandwich Bars A Frozen Dream Come True Introduction There’s something purely magical about…

1 week ago

Traditional Herbal Hair Treatment Recipe Using Wild Herbs

Traditional Herbal Hair Treatment Recipe Using Wild Herbs Introduction Hair is often considered the crowning…

1 week ago

Stir Fried Cabbage with Ground Meat

Stir-Fried Cabbage with Ground Meat INTRODUCTION Stir-Fried Cabbage with Ground Meat is a hearty, savory,…

1 week ago