Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Buttermilk Drop Biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to your table with their flaky layers and buttery flavor. These biscuits are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort yet delivering maximum satisfaction. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to your favorite soups and stews, Buttermilk Drop Biscuits are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll keep making these biscuits, what goes into them, and how to achieve biscuit perfection.
Why You’ll Keep Making It

Once you try Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, you’ll understand why they are a household favorite. The combination of cold buttermilk and melted butter creates a rich, tender texture that is impossible to resist. They come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. Whether enjoyed plain or slathered with homemade butter, these biscuits are a crowd-pleaser every time.
What Goes In
To make these fluffy biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
For serving, consider these options:
- Butter
- Jam
- Honey
Cook’s Kit
To successfully whip up these Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: For ensuring your dry ingredients are well blended.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for folding the dough without overmixing.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy sheet for baking the biscuits.
- Parchment paper: Optional, but helps with easy cleanup.
- Ice cream scoop or spoon: For dropping your biscuit dough onto the baking sheet.
Stepwise Method: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help the biscuits rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until well combined.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk and melted butter. Stir gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be lumpy and sticky.
Step 4: Drop the Dough
Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your choice of butter, jam, or honey for an added touch of sweetness.
Variations by Season

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits are versatile, allowing you to customize them based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences:
- Spring: Add fresh herbs like chives or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Summer: Mix in shredded cheese (like cheddar) and diced jalapeños for a flavorful kick.
- Fall: Incorporate pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal treat.
- Winter: Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage for a hearty addition.
Learn from These Mistakes
When making Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, it’s essential to avoid a few common pitfalls:
- Overmixing: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough biscuits. Stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Using warm buttermilk: Cold buttermilk is crucial for creating the fluffy texture. Always use cold ingredients.
- Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for the best rise.
- Skipping the baking sheet spacing: Allow enough space between the biscuits to let them grow and prevent sticking.
Best Ways to Store
For optimal freshness, store your Buttermilk Drop Biscuits in the following ways:
- At room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their softness.
- In the freezer: Freeze the uncooked dough or baked biscuits. For uncooked dough, scoop onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked biscuits, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. You might want to use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter biscuit.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown color on top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit—if it comes out clean, they are done.
Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature before dropping it onto the baking sheet.
For more delicious recipes and tips, check out these links:
Time to Try It
Now that you have the recipe and tips for making the perfect Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. Whether you’re enjoying them with breakfast or as a comforting side, these biscuits are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the aroma of fresh biscuits fill your kitchen!

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help the biscuits rise beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk and melted butter. Stir gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be lumpy and sticky.
- Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your choice of butter, jam, or honey for an added touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or cheese to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze uncooked dough for easy future baking.
