Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe

Introduction:

Angel biscuits are light, fluffy, and buttery, with a subtle sweetness that makes them a perfect addition to any meal. This recipe combines the best of biscuits and rolls, resulting in a soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them with gravy, jam, or as a side for dinner, these biscuits will be a hit at your table.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (preferably White Lily flour for the best texture)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (or 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup shortening for extra flakiness)
• 1 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly combined.

3. Cut in the Fat:

Add the cold cubed butter and vegetable shortening to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter and shortening throughout. This step is key to getting those delicious flaky layers.

4. Add Buttermilk:

Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky, but that’s okay!

5. Turn Out the Dough:

Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently fold the dough over itself a couple of times to help develop layers. You don’t need to knead the dough a lot—just enough to bring it together.

6. Roll and Cut the Biscuits:

Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure the biscuits rise properly.

7. Bake the Biscuits:

Place the cut biscuits on your prepared baking sheet, close together but not touching. Brush the tops with a little bit of buttermilk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and have risen beautifully.

8. Serve:

Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These biscuits are perfect with butter, jam, honey, or alongside your favorite savory dishes.

History:

Angel biscuits are a unique creation that dates back to the Southern United States. They combine the leavening methods of both yeast and baking powder, resulting in a biscuit that is lighter and fluffier than traditional biscuits. The exact origin is debated, but they are often credited to a recipe from the early 20th century that aimed to make the biscuit lighter than ever before. They are particularly loved for their airy, soft texture.

Benefits:

• Fluffy Texture: The combination of baking soda and baking powder creates a biscuit that’s light, airy, and tender.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether paired with breakfast, served with gravy, or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these biscuits are incredibly versatile.
• Low-Fat Options: You can opt for less butter or use yogurt in place of buttermilk to make them a bit lighter while still keeping that delightful texture.

Nutritional Information (per biscuit):

These values are estimates and may vary based on exact portion sizes and ingredients used.

• Calories: 200-250
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg

Conclusion:

These Homemade Angel Biscuits are a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. With a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior, they’re the perfect balance of richness and lightness. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or enjoying them as a treat, these biscuits will be the star of your meal!

Lovers of Biscuits:

If you love biscuits that are melt-in-your-mouth tender with a flaky texture, these angel biscuits are just what you need! They’re perfect for any occasion and will leave you coming back for more. Try them today and experience the magic of these Southern-style biscuits in your own kitchen.

Enjoy your Homemade Angel Biscuits! Let me know how they turn out or if you have any favorite variations of your own!