Angel Biscuits are the perfect hybrid of a classic buttermilk biscuit and a soft, yeasty dinner roll. Their name suits them well light, fluffy, and buttery, these biscuits are a little taste of heaven. The combination of baking powder, baking soda, and yeast ensures a tender texture with just the right amount of rise. Whether served warm with a drizzle of honey, a pat of butter, or alongside your favorite savory meal, these biscuits are a must-try for any home baker. They store well and can even be prepped ahead for effortless baking. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a staple on your table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (for yeast activation)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the yeast mixture and buttermilk until the dough comes together.
- Cover and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently. Roll out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place them close together on a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter for a soft, golden finish.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 12 biscuits
What Makes Angel Biscuits Unique?
The defining characteristic of Angel Biscuits is their tender texture and extra lift. Regular buttermilk biscuits have a flaky, crumbly structure that depends on the right balance of cold fat and dry ingredients. Parker House rolls, on the other hand, have a soft, chewy consistency due to the presence of yeast. Angel Biscuits beautifully blend both styles, resulting in a biscuit that’s fluffy like a roll but still maintains the buttery flavor of a traditional biscuit.
Another standout feature is their versatility. Unlike standard biscuits that must be baked immediately after mixing and shaping, Angel Biscuit dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for several days before baking. This makes them ideal for busy households, special occasions, or large family gatherings when you want freshly baked biscuits without the hassle of making them from scratch on the same day.
A Southern Tradition with a Rich History
Angel Biscuits have long been a staple in Southern kitchens, passed down through generations. The origin of this unique biscuit is somewhat unclear, but it’s believed that Southern cooks developed the recipe to ensure a foolproof rise, even in different kitchen conditions. The addition of yeast provides a backup in case the baking powder and baking soda alone don’t deliver the desired fluffiness.
These biscuits were especially popular in farm kitchens where refrigeration wasn’t always available. The dough could be mixed and stored for days, allowing cooks to bake fresh biscuits at a moment’s notice. This convenience made Angel Biscuits a favorite for large family meals, holiday gatherings, and even church suppers.
Today, they remain a beloved dish in the South and beyond. Whether you grew up eating them at Sunday dinners or you’re trying them for the first time, Angel Biscuits bring a comforting, nostalgic flavor that’s hard to beat.
The Secret to Light and Fluffy Angel Biscuits
Achieving the perfect Angel Biscuit requires the right combination of ingredients and techniques. Here are a few key factors that contribute to their signature texture and flavor:
1. The Power of Three Leavening Agents
Unlike regular biscuits that depend on either baking powder or yeast, Angel Biscuits use a trio of leaveners. The baking powder and baking soda work quickly to create a rise, while the yeast ensures an extra boost of fluffiness. The result? A biscuit that’s both light and flavorful.
2. Cold Fat for a Buttery Flake
Just like traditional biscuits, Angel Biscuits rely on cold fat usually a combination of butter and shortening to create flaky layers. The fat is cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring that pockets of fat remain in the dough. When baked, these pockets melt, releasing steam and creating those signature flaky layers.
3. The Importance of Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a key ingredient in Angel Biscuits, providing a slight tanginess and enhancing the tenderness of the dough. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, helping the biscuits rise and giving them a soft, pillowy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
4. Allowing the Dough to Rest
Unlike traditional biscuit dough, which is often handled quickly to avoid overworking, Angel Biscuit dough benefits from a brief resting period. Allowing the dough to sit before rolling and cutting gives the yeast time to activate, resulting in an even better rise. Some bakers even refrigerate the dough overnight for the best results.
5. Baking at the Right Temperature
Angel Biscuits are best baked at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C), which helps them rise quickly and develop a beautifully golden-brown crust. Placing the biscuits close together on a baking sheet encourages them to rise higher, as they push against each other while baking.
Ways to Serve Angel Biscuits
One of the best things about Angel Biscuits is how versatile they are. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Classic with Butter and Honey – Fresh from the oven, these biscuits are perfect with a generous spread of butter and a drizzle of honey.
- Breakfast Biscuit Sandwiches – Slice them in half and fill them with eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon for a hearty breakfast.
- Biscuits and Gravy – Serve with rich, creamy sausage gravy for the ultimate Southern comfort food.
- As a Side for Dinner – These biscuits pair wonderfully with fried chicken, barbecue, or even a Thanksgiving turkey.
- Sweet Treat with Jam or Preserves – Spread your favorite fruit jam on a warm Angel Biscuit for a delightful treat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the biggest advantages of Angel Biscuits is their ability to be made ahead of time. Here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigerate the Dough – The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to five days before baking.
- Freeze for Later – Cut-out, unbaked biscuits can be frozen on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheat Leftovers – Leftover baked biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to bring back their fresh taste.
Conclusion:
Angel Biscuits are the perfect combination of flaky buttermilk biscuits and soft, yeasty dinner rolls, making them a must-try recipe for any home baker. Their light, airy texture and buttery flavor make them a favorite for breakfast, dinner, and everything in between.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for a foolproof biscuit recipe, Angel Biscuits are easy to make and hard to resist. The addition of yeast ensures a perfect rise every time, and the ability to prepare the dough in advance makes them a convenient option for any occasion.
Once you try Angel Biscuits, they’ll likely become a permanent addition to your recipe collection. Serve them warm with butter and jam, as a side for your favorite meal, or use them to make the best breakfast sandwich you’ve ever had. However you choose to enjoy them, one thing is certain Angel Biscuits truly live up to their heavenly name.
