Introduction
Homemade Angel Biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal, known for their light, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor. These biscuits, often referred to as “bride’s biscuits,” perfectly blend the qualities of a biscuit and a yeast roll, bringing together the best of both worlds.
Originating from the Southern United States, Angel Biscuits have been a beloved recipe passed down through generations. Treasured for their reliability and versatility, they are a staple in many kitchens.
The name “Angel Biscuits” is said to come from their heavenly texture, achieved by incorporating three leavening agents: baking powder, baking soda, and yeast. This combination ensures that the biscuits rise beautifully and maintain a tender crumb. Unlike traditional biscuits that can be a bit temperamental, Angel Biscuits are forgiving and almost foolproof, making them an excellent choice for novice bakers.
One of the most appealing aspects of Angel Biscuits is their versatility. They can be served as a breakfast item with butter and jam, as a side dish for dinner, or even as a base for shortcakes and other desserts.
The dough can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator, ready to be baked fresh when needed. This convenience makes them ideal for entertaining or for those busy mornings when you want something homemade but don’t have much time.
The process of making Angel Biscuits is both simple and satisfying. It involves mixing the dry ingredients, cutting in the fat, and then combining with the wet ingredients to form a dough. After a brief rise, the dough is rolled out, cut into biscuits, and baked to golden perfection. The result is a batch of biscuits that are light, tender, and full of flavor.
Angel Biscuits are also a wonderful way to introduce children to baking. The hands-on nature of the recipe, from cutting out the biscuits to watching them rise and bake, makes it an engaging and educational activity. Plus, the reward of enjoying a warm, freshly baked biscuit is something that everyone can appreciate.
In addition to their delicious taste and texture, Angel Biscuits have a nostalgic appeal. They evoke memories of family gatherings, holiday meals, and cozy mornings at home. Sharing a batch of homemade biscuits with loved ones is a way to connect with the past and create new traditions for the future.
In conclusion, Homemade Angel Biscuits are a classic recipe that offers a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and versatility. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these biscuits are sure to impress and become a favorite in your kitchen. So why not give them a try and enjoy the delightful experience of baking and sharing Angel Biscuits?
Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
Instructions
Start by preparing the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water (110°F) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to be used.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small pieces of butter and shortening will create a tender, flaky texture in the biscuits.
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Add the buttermilk to the bowl as well. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers, which will help with the rise and flakiness of the biscuits.
Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out biscuits from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a bit of space between each biscuit to allow for rising.
Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the biscuits rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This second rise helps to develop the texture and flavor of the biscuits.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the biscuits have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
How to Make
To make Homemade Angel Biscuits, start by preparing the yeast. Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to be used in the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This dry mixture forms the base for the biscuits.
Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small pieces of butter and shortening will create a tender, flaky texture in the biscuits.
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Add the room temperature buttermilk to the bowl as well. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers, which will help with the rise and flakiness of the biscuits.
Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out biscuits from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a bit of space between each biscuit to allow for rising.
Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the biscuits rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This second rise helps to develop the texture and flavor of the biscuits.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the biscuits have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Tips
For the best texture, use cold butter and shortening. Cold fats create steam as they melt during baking, resulting in flaky layers.
Be careful not to overwork the dough. Overmixing and overkneading can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Allow the biscuits to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes before baking. This second rise helps to develop the texture and flavor.
Use a sharp biscuit cutter or glass to cut out the biscuits. A clean cut allows the biscuits to rise evenly.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
For a richer flavor, you can brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter before baking. This adds a golden color and extra taste.
To ensure even baking, place the biscuits close together on the baking sheet. This helps them rise taller and stay tender.
If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can refrigerate it overnight. This makes it easy to bake fresh biscuits in the morning.
Experiment with different add-ins like shredded cheese, herbs, or spices to create unique flavor variations of the biscuits.
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Homemade Angel Biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a perfect blend of light, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Their versatility and forgiving nature make them an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels, while their nostalgic appeal evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy mornings.
By following the provided instructions and tips, you can create a batch of beautiful, tender biscuits that will impress and delight your family and friends. The combination of three leavening agents ensures that the biscuits rise beautifully, while the cold fats create a tender, flaky texture.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast with butter and jam, as a side dish for dinner, or as a base for desserts, Homemade Angel Biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Their simple preparation and delicious taste make them a perfect addition to any meal.
So why not give Homemade Angel Biscuits a try and enjoy the delightful experience of baking and sharing these classic treats with your loved ones? With their heavenly texture and versatile nature, they are sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.