Homemade Angel Biscuits

There’s something about the smell of fresh, homemade biscuits baking in the oven that instantly makes a house feel like home. If you’ve never had Angel Biscuits before, you’re in for a treat! These aren’t your average biscuits they’re light, fluffy, and perfectly buttery with a subtle hint of yeast that sets them apart from traditional buttermilk biscuits.

The best part? You can prep the dough ahead of time and have freshly baked biscuits anytime over the next few days. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, alongside a hearty dinner, or as a comforting snack, Angel Biscuits are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.

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What Makes Angel Biscuits So Special?

Angel Biscuits are often called “heavenly biscuits” for a reason. They’re the best of both worlds a cross between a traditional biscuit and a yeast roll. The yeast gives them an airy, light texture, while the butter and buttermilk make them rich and tender.

And here’s a little secret: this dough is super forgiving. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to five days, which means fresh biscuits are always within reach.

Ingredients You’ll Need 📝

Let’s break down the ingredients for these soft, buttery biscuits:

• 1/2 cup hot water (100-110°F): This activates the yeast. Make sure it’s warm, not hot, so you don’t kill the yeast.
• 1 (1/4-ounce) packet of active dry yeast: This is what gives the biscuits their light, fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Helps activate and feed the yeast.
• 5 1/2 cups Lily White yeast flour: This flour is ideal for biscuits because it’s soft and low in protein, which helps create a tender texture.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the rich, buttery flavor.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the biscuits.
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed: Adds richness and flakiness. Make sure it’s cold so it creates little pockets of butter in the dough as it bakes.
• 1/2 cup shortening (or another 1/2 cup of cold butter): Shortening gives the biscuits structure and tenderness.
• 2 cups buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate the baking soda in the flour.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Brushed on top for that golden, buttery finish.

How to Make Angel Biscuits

Ready to bake up a batch of these heavenly biscuits? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure they turn out perfect every time.

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine:

• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sugar

Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice it starts to foam and bubble this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired, and you’ll need to start again.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 5 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

3. Cut in the Butter and Shortening

Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pea-sized bits of butter this is what will make your biscuits flaky.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the yeast mixture and buttermilk to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough just comes together. It will be slightly sticky, and that’s okay! Overmixing can make your biscuits tough, so mix gently until everything is combined.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. You can also leave it in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it super convenient for busy mornings or last-minute dinners.

6. Roll and Cut the Biscuits

When you’re ready to bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it 3-4 times. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
3. Roll the dough into a 3/4-inch-thick circle.
4. Fold the dough in half and roll it out again this folding technique helps create flaky layers.
5. Using a 2 1/2-inch or 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut out your biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter to help the biscuits rise evenly.

7. Arrange and Bake

Place the biscuits in a greased 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet, making sure they’re touching. You can also use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the tops with half of the melted butter before baking.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and puffed.

8. Finish with Butter

As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining melted butter for an extra buttery, glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Angel Biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Breakfast: Pair them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage gravy.
• Lunch: Use them as the base for a biscuit sandwich with ham, turkey, or fried chicken.
• Dinner: Serve them alongside soups, stews, or your favorite roasted meats.
• Sweet Treat: Drizzle them with honey or spread with jam for a simple, sweet snack.

Tips for Perfect Angel Biscuits

• Keep Your Butter Cold: Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts, making your biscuits light and flaky.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix and knead the dough just enough to bring it together. Overworking it can make the biscuits dense.
• Use a Sharp Biscuit Cutter: A dull cutter can pinch the edges, preventing the biscuits from rising properly.
• Refrigerate the Dough: Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavor but also makes it easier to work with.

Storing and Reheating

• Store: Keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Angel Biscuits are the perfect combination of light, fluffy, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring a little bit of joy and comfort to your table.

So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your rolling pin, and get ready to bake up a batch of biscuits that are nothing short of heavenly.