Homemade Angel Biscuits are a delightful hybrid between biscuits and rolls, known for their light and fluffy texture. They’re made with a combination of baking powder, baking soda, and yeast, which gives them their heavenly lift. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 2 cups buttermilk (room temperature)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in the Fats:
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter and shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the activated yeast and buttermilk to the flour mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This allows the dough to firm up and develop flavor.
6. Roll and Cut:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¾-inch thickness.
- Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps as needed.
7. Bake the Biscuits:
- Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for softer edges or close together for pull-apart biscuits.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
8. Serve:
- Brush the tops with melted butter (optional) and serve warm.
Tips:
- Freezing option: You can freeze the unbaked biscuits. Place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Fluffier biscuits: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the biscuits tender.
Enjoy these light, airy Angel Biscuits with butter, jam, or honey for a heavenly treat! 🥐✨
