20-Minute Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

July 24, 2026

Robyn on the Farm's 20-Minute Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

These classic Southern buttermilk biscuits are buttery, flaky, and ready in just 20 minutes. With simple pantry ingredients and an easy mixing method, they're perfect for breakfast, dinner, or anytime you're craving a warm homemade biscuit.

Ingredients

300 g all-purpose flour (2½ cups)

12 g baking powder (1 Tbsp)

6 g salt (1 tsp)

113 g cold unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick)

240 g buttermilk (1 cup)

If you don't have buttermilk, combine 240 g milk (1 cup) with 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice. Let stand for 5 minutes before using.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast iron skillet, griddle, or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Grate the cold butter directly into the flour mixture using a box grater. Cut the butter into the flour with a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until the flour is moistened. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 5–6 times, just until it comes together into a cohesive dough.
Pat or roll the dough to about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Cut with a biscuit cutter or the rim of a drinking glass. Press straight down without twisting for the tallest biscuits.
Place the biscuits on the preheated cast iron skillet, griddle, or baking sheet with the sides just touching for softer edges, or slightly apart for crispier sides.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
Brush the hot biscuits with melted butter, if desired, and serve warm.

Baker's Note

For the flakiest biscuits, keep the butter and buttermilk as cold as possible, and handle the dough gently. Overmixing or adding too much flour can make biscuits tough. For extra-tall biscuits, fold the dough in half once or twice before cutting.

Printable Recipe!

My Amazon Store with all of my baking essentials!

*This is how I store my bread! If you're looking for an alternative to plastic bread bags, our beeswax bread bags are a healthy way to store your bread!