If you’re yearning for that taste of Southern comfort, nothing quite hits the spot like a batch of warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits. And when it comes to classic recipes, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, knows how to deliver. Her buttermilk biscuit recipe is a treasure, renowned for its simplicity and the consistently delicious, sky-high biscuits it produces. Having tried various biscuit recipes over the years, including some from acclaimed cookbooks, I can confidently say that the Pioneer Woman’s version stands out. There’s a certain magic to watching these biscuits rise in the oven, transforming into golden, flaky clouds of goodness.
Close-up of golden brown Pioneer Woman buttermilk biscuits, showcasing their flaky layers and texture.
To ensure your own buttermilk biscuits turn out perfect every time, here are some essential tips inspired by years of biscuit baking and adapted for the Pioneer Woman’s recipe:
Tips for Baking the Best Buttermilk Biscuits
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough is the number one culprit for tough biscuits. Handle the dough gently and mix just until the ingredients are combined. A little bit of visible butter is perfectly fine!
- Cut Straight Down: When using a biscuit cutter, press straight down and lift. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this seals the edges and hinders the biscuits’ rise. A sharp cutter is your best friend for clean cuts.
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter is key to flaky layers. As the biscuits bake, the cold butter creates steam, which helps them puff up beautifully. Consider chilling your mixing bowl and even the dry ingredients for a few minutes before starting, especially on warmer days.
- Mind the Flour: Excess flour can dry out your biscuits. Brush off any extra flour from the tops and bottoms before baking to prevent dryness.
- Choose Your Tools Wisely: You can use a food processor or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter. Both work well; personal preference often dictates the choice. For this recipe, a pastry cutter is perfectly effective and offers a more hands-on approach.
- Flour Type Matters: For the lightest, fluffiest biscuits, opt for a lower protein flour. Southern bakers often swear by brands like White Lily, known for its lower protein content, which is ideal for biscuits and quick breads. Remember, lower protein = fluffier biscuits, higher protein = chewier yeast breads.
A plate of freshly baked Pioneer Woman buttermilk biscuits, ready to be served and enjoyed.
Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe
Recipe Source: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1/3 cup cold butter (5 1/3 tablespoons), cut into small pieces
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to a high 450°F (232°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that signature biscuit rise.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Incorporate Fats: Add the shortening and cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter throughout.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour the cold buttermilk into the bowl. Gently mix with a fork just until the dough comes together. It will be slightly sticky, which is perfectly normal. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
- Shape the Biscuits: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently roll or pat it to a ¾-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.
- Bake: Place the biscuit rounds onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top. Be careful not to underbake them, or they might be doughy in the center.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Biscuits warm with your favorite toppings, from butter and honey to jams and preserves. They are also fantastic alongside savory dishes.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade buttermilk biscuits, perfected with the Pioneer Woman’s touch!
