Angel Biscuits

Homemade Angel Biscuits

Homemade Angel Biscuits are the perfect cross between traditional buttermilk biscuits and yeast rolls. Soft, fluffy, buttery, and slightly sweet — they truly live up to their name! These biscuits rise beautifully, have a tender crumb, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even alongside dinner. Whether you’re spreading them with honey butter or using them as a base for sausage gravy, these biscuits are a heavenly addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They combine the best of both worlds — the tenderness of buttermilk biscuits and the light airiness of yeast rolls.
• The dough can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 5 days, making them great for meal prep or holidays.
• Perfectly golden and fluffy every time, even if you’re new to baking with yeast!
• Simple ingredients, pantry-friendly, and easy to customize with herbs or cheese.

---

Ingredients

For the Yeast Mixture:

• ¼ cup warm water (about 125°F)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 package Rapid Rise Instant Yeast (¼ oz or 2¼ teaspoons)

For the Biscuit Dough:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold shortening or butter
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 2 cups buttermilk, chilled
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to give your biscuits that extra rise.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients create the base for your biscuits and ensure an even rise.

3. Cut in the Fats

Add the shortening and cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for flaky layers.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Stir the activated yeast into the buttermilk, then pour the mixture into the flour bowl. Gently mix until just combined — don’t overmix or your biscuits may turn tough. The dough should be slightly sticky.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Chilling relaxes the gluten and makes the dough easier to handle. Plus, you can bake fresh biscuits anytime over the next 5 days!

6. Shape the Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Turn the chilled dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¾-inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter or glass. Arrange biscuits on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, close but not touching.

7. Let Rise

Cover the biscuits lightly with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until puffy. This step is where the “angel” magic happens — they’ll double in size and become incredibly airy.

8. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Brush immediately with melted butter after removing from the oven for a glossy, flavorful finish.

---

Tips for Perfect Angel Biscuits

• Cold ingredients are key: Keep your butter, shortening, and buttermilk as cold as possible for flaky layers.
• Don’t skip the rise time: Even though they’re quick-rise biscuits, letting the dough rest gives you that light, airy texture.
• Storage: These biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen (after baking) for up to 3 months.
• Make-ahead option: The dough keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days — just bake as needed!

---

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with honey butter, fruit preserves, or sausage gravy for breakfast. They also make fantastic sliders for pulled chicken or turkey sandwiches. For a sweet twist, drizzle with cinnamon glaze or maple syrup.

Conclusion

These Homemade Angel Biscuits truly earn their name — light, tender, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a family dinner, or a lazy Sunday morning, they’ll win everyone over. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to regular biscuits!