Angel Biscuits

Name: Angel Biscuits
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups warm milk (divided); 2/3 cup sugar (divided); 1/2 cup warm water; 2 tablespoons yeast; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 5 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 cup cold butter (cubed); 6 tablespoons cold shortening (cubed); 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1/4 cup heavy cream (for brushing)

By:

Thomas

Published:

February 28, 2026

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Angel Biscuits are one of those delightful treats that can truly brighten up your day. They combine the best aspects of both biscuits and rolls, offering a light, fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible. Imagine pulling a tray of warm, golden biscuits from the oven, their buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen. There’s something special about baking that invokes such warm feelings. These biscuits can be a wonderful accompaniment to your meals or a sweet snack on their own, perfect for breakfast or even a cozy afternoon treat. I promise, once you try making them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the steps of creating these angelic delights!

Why This Recipe Works

The secret behind perfectly crafted Angel Biscuits lies in a unique balance of yeast and baking powder. This combination gives the biscuits their light and fluffy character, allowing them to rise beautifully. Additionally, using cold ingredients is key. Cold butter and shortening create distinct layers in the dough, giving you that flaky texture we all crave. Plus, adding lemon juice not only enhances the overall flavor but also acts as a tenderizer, making each bite extra moist and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Angel Biscuits

What makes these Angel Biscuits stand out? For starters, they are incredibly versatile. You can serve them alongside your favorite meals, or enjoy them as a delightful snack when you’re feeling peckish. The flavors blend beautifully—they are buttery, slightly sweet, and just a touch tangy thanks to the lemon juice. If you’re in a hurry, the quick preparation method means you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. Anyone, regardless of their cooking skills, can whip up a batch of these tasty biscuits.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups warm milk (divided)
2/3 cup sugar (divided)
1/2 cup warm water
2 tablespoons yeast
3 tablespoons lemon juice
5 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup cold butter (cubed)
6 tablespoons cold shortening (cubed)
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream (for brushing)

Preparing the Yeast Mixture

Combine Ingredients for Yeast Activation

Start by activating the yeast. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, mix 1/2 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of warm milk, and 2/3 cup of sugar with the yeast. Whisk until well combined, then let it proof for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and frothy on top.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Blend Flour and Leavening Agents

While your yeast mixture is doing its thing, grab a large mixing bowl. Here, you’ll whisk together 5 1/3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda. This dry mix is essential for the structure of your biscuits. Once combined, add the cubed butter and shortening. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Incorporate Yeast and Creamy Mixture

After the yeast has proofed, pour the remaining warm milk and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice into the stand mixer with the yeast. Add in 2 tablespoons of sour cream for extra richness. Mix all of this together until just combined, then carefully pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Gently stir until it comes together. It’s crucial not to overwork the dough; you want it to be just mixed.

Folding the Dough

Prepare for Cutting

Now that your dough is formed, it’s time to turn it out onto a floured surface. Gently fold the dough until it becomes soft but not sticky. If necessary, you can add up to 3/4 cup of flour during this process. Next, flatten the dough into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. This will help achieve those gorgeous layers.

Cutting the Biscuits

Shape and Arrange the Biscuits

Using a 3-4 inch biscuit cutter, cut out as many biscuits as you can from the dough. Place them onto a greased baking sheet, ensuring there’s a bit of space between each one. Don’t worry if you have leftover dough; gather it up, lightly re-roll it, and cut out more biscuits until you’ve reached about 32 total. Cover the biscuits and let them rise for an hour. This step is vital for that perfect fluff.

Baking the Biscuits

Final Touches Before Baking

Towards the end of the rising time, preheat your oven to 400°F. While waiting for the oven, take a moment to brush the tops of your risen biscuits with heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful, golden finish when baked. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake them for about 18 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once they are out of the oven, transfer them to a wire rack and brush the tops with melted butter for that extra touch of goodness.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are best served warm. You can spread homemade jams or butter on them for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with savory dishes like fried chicken or hearty stews. No matter how you decide to enjoy them, these biscuits will surely elevate any meal.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Angel Biscuits rise perfectly, make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast can result in flat, dense biscuits. Additionally, adjust the flour amounts depending on the humidity. If the dough feels sticky, adding a little more flour can help you achieve the right consistency.

Variations

Feel free to experiment! You can add herbs or cheese if you prefer a savory flavor. On the sweeter side, try incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruit into the dough for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftover biscuits, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to allow them to cool completely before freezing.

Pairing Ideas

For a delightful breakfast, enjoy your biscuits alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. They can also serve as a perfect side for soups and salads, adding a warm touch to your meal.

FAQs

What is the texture of angel biscuits?
Angel biscuits are soft, flaky, and light, similar to a blend of biscuits and rolls.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine for this recipe.

How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
The dough should have visibly doubled in size and feel fluffy to the touch.

Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, cut out the biscuits, and refrigerate them overnight before baking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use milk or a milk alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.

With flaky, buttery layers and a hint of sweetness, these Angel Biscuits make for an irresistible treat. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or pair them with your favorite spreads or meals. Experience the nostalgia of comfort food while impressing family and friends with this simple yet heavenly recipe. Each bite takes you to a place of warmth and joy, synonymous with home-cooked goodness. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Angel Biscuits

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Angel Biscuits

Ingredients