There is something utterly irresistible about a warm, fluffy biscuit bathed in melted butter, and the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level. This recipe promises light, tender biscuits with just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, perfectly soaked in butter to make every bite decadently delicious. Whether you’re savoring them fresh from the oven or sharing them around a bustling breakfast table, these biscuits bring a cozy, heartwarming element that makes any meal special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Butter Swim Biscuits just right starts with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that shine on their own and come together beautifully. Each element plays a key role in delivering texture, flavor, and that inviting golden color.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your biscuits structure and a tender crumb.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your biscuits rise into fluffy, airy pillows.
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: Cut into the flour mixture, it creates that rich, flaky texture in the biscuits.
- 2 tablespoons additional melted butter: For topping, it’s the final buttery swim that makes these biscuits shine.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Adds moisture with a slight tang and contributes to a tender, soft bite.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking sheet to ensure everything is ready to go when the dough is mixed. Measure out your ingredients carefully to guarantee perfect balance and texture. Don’t forget to chill your butter so that it cuts into the flour nicely for those flaky layers.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt until well combined. This step makes sure the leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, giving you consistent flavor and rise throughout each biscuit.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the chilled butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see little bits of butter visible; these pockets of fat create flaky layers as the biscuits bake.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk and Form Dough
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir everything together just until the dough comes alive. Overmixing can toughen the biscuits, so crease the dough lightly with a spatula, maintaining tender, airy biscuits.
Step 5: Shape and Cut Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it over itself a few times to build layers, then punch out biscuits using a round cutter or glass for soft edges—no twisting, so they rise evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your biscuits on the baking sheet so they just barely touch, encouraging soft sides and fluffy interiors. Bake until golden brown and irresistibly inviting, usually around 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 7: Butter Swim Finish
While still warm, brush the tops with the melted butter. This final step gives the biscuits their signature buttery swim, locking in moisture and adding a glossy, mouthwatering finish.
How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes simple is best, and a pat of honey butter or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt immediately elevates these biscuits. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme can add a lovely aromatic touch without overpowering the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with hearty breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and crispy bacon or alongside a warm bowl of soup or stew for lunch or dinner. Their buttery flavor complements savory mains beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, slice biscuits horizontally and assemble mini sliders with fried chicken or honey ham. You can also turn them into dessert bites by topping with whipped cream and fresh berries, creating a delightful treat for any time of day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Butter Swim Biscuits, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft yet fresh enough to enjoy later without losing their buttery charm.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled biscuits individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen biscuits maintain their quality for up to three months, giving you a convenient treat anytime you crave a buttery biscuit.
Reheating
Reheat biscuits gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave can do the trick, but the oven method helps retain that fresh-baked texture with a lovely crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar, buttermilk is preferred in the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe because it adds that subtle tang and tender crumb that make the biscuits stand out.
Why do my biscuits come out dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the dough or using old baking powder can lead to dense biscuits. Be gentle when combining ingredients, and always check your leavening agents are fresh to ensure the perfect rise.
Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
Yes, you can try using a plant-based butter and a dairy-free buttermilk substitute such as almond milk with lemon juice. The texture might be slightly different, but you will still enjoy a tasty variation of the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe.
What’s the best way to cut out biscuits without twisting?
Use a sharp, round cutter to press straight down and avoid twisting. Twisting seals the edges and can prevent the biscuits from rising properly, so a straight cut keeps them light and airy.
Can these biscuits be made ahead and baked later?
Absolutely! After shaping the biscuits, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying the special comfort and joy that a batch of warm, buttery biscuits brings, and this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe makes it easy for anyone to create a memorable dish full of flavor and heart. I encourage you to make these biscuits soon—they’re sure to become a beloved favorite at your table, too.
Print
Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Butter Swim Biscuits recipe features tender, flaky biscuits with a buttery richness enhanced by a topping of melted butter. Perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to any meal, these biscuits are quick and easy to make and yield a delightful Southern-style treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons additional salted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare mixing bowl: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
- Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold salted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pea-sized pieces.
- Add the buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a spoon until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits tender.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times to bring it together. Pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
- Cut the biscuits: Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out biscuits and place them close together on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Brush with melted butter: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with the melted butter for a rich, buttery finish.
- Serve warm: Serve the butter swim biscuits warm with jam, honey, or gravy as desired.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough biscuits.
- Placing biscuits close together helps them rise taller.
- For best results, serve the biscuits warm.
