The moment the oven timer dings and a warm, buttery scent drifts through the air, I can’t help but smile. These Make Ahead Drop Biscuits have a way of transforming any meal into a celebration of comfort. Whether it’s breakfast on a lazy Sunday or a quick dinner on a busy weeknight, these easy-to-make biscuits rise to the occasion in just 30 minutes.
With their flaky texture and golden exterior, they’re perfect for slathering with butter or slopping up savory stews. Plus, I’ve included a gluten-free option, so no one has to miss out on this delightful treat. I stumbled upon these biscuits during a frantic evening in the kitchen, and they quickly became a go-to recipe. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, they’re sure to become a family favorite in your home as well. So, let’s whip up a batch and experience that delicious comfort together!
Why will you love Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
Comforting Warmth: These biscuits deliver the heartwarming scent of fresh baking in just 30 minutes, lifting any meal.
Gluten-Free Option: Everyone can partake in the joy with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, making it inclusive and versatile.
Easy Prep: Even novice bakers will shine with this simple, no-fuss recipe; just mix, drop, and bake!
Delicious Versatility: Perfect alongside soups, stews, or jam, making these biscuits a delightful addition to any dish.
Quick Weeknight Fix: Ideal for busy evenings when you need comfort food that comes together effortlessly.
Crowd-Pleaser: With a flaky texture and buttery flavor, these biscuits are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Make Ahead Drop Biscuits Ingredients
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the biscuits; consider using White Lily flour for a more tender biscuit.
- Cornstarch – Adds lightness; skip this if using White Lily flour.
- Baking powder – Essential for rising and achieving that perfect fluffiness.
- Baking soda – Works with buttermilk to create a delightful texture in your Make Ahead Drop Biscuits.
- Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness while helping to achieve that golden color.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavors, making every bite enjoyable.
- Cold unsalted butter – Kept cold to ensure those flaky layers; cut into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Buttermilk – Hydrates and aids in leavening; for a dairy-free twist, use non-dairy milk with vinegar as a substitute.
- Melted butter – Brushed on before serving, it adds a rich finish to your biscuits.
- Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend – A great replacement for all-purpose flour if you need a gluten-free version.
How to Make Make Ahead Drop Biscuits
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well combined. This ensures even rising and a perfect texture for your biscuits.
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Cut in Butter: Add diced cold unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring those delightful flaky layers.
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Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while gently stirring. Mix until a shaggy dough forms; don’t overdo it! The batter should still look somewhat rough and rustic for the best results.
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Form Biscuits: Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, drop dough mounds onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Keep the mounds rustic for that homemade charm!
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 17-20 minutes until lightly golden. Just before serving, brush with melted butter for an irresistible finish.
Optional: For an extra touch, sprinkle your biscuits with fresh herbs before baking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Drop Biscuits Variations
Feel free to make these biscuits your own and explore delightful twists for special occasions or casual meals!
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant flavor lift, making them perfect for dinner parties.
- Cheese Lovers: Fold in shredded cheese such as cheddar or gouda for a savory, gooey interior that will please any cheese fan.
- Sweet Touch: Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for a breakfast twist; these taste wonderful with a smear of cream cheese!
- Spicy: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a delightful kick that will intrigue your taste buds.
- Nutty Texture: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast, enhancing both flavor and texture in every bite.
- Fruit-Enhanced: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a hint of sweetness that adds depth and richness.
- Chocolate Chip Treat: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a decadent dessert-like version; who says biscuits can’t be a treat?
- Zesty Citrus: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough, providing a refreshing burst that brightens up your biscuits beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Make Ahead Drop Biscuits
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Room Temperature: Store baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft.
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Refrigerator: Keep the biscuits in a sealed container for up to a week—it’s a great way to enjoy them throughout the week!
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Freezer: Unbaked mounds can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag.
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Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, ensuring they regain their delightful flakiness!
Make Ahead Options
These Make Ahead Drop Biscuits are a dream for busy home cooks! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt) up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can cut the cold butter into the dry mixture and refrigerate the combined ingredients for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add the buttermilk and follow the baking instructions as outlined. This way, you’ll have warm, flaky biscuits on the table with minimal fuss. Enjoy the time-saving benefits while still delivering pure comfort on your family’s plates!
Tips for the Best Make Ahead Drop Biscuits
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Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the butter and buttermilk, are cold to achieve the perfect flakiness in your biscuits.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough biscuits. Stir just until everything is combined and keep that rustic texture!
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Parchment Paper is Key: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also promotes even baking all around.
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Watch Your Oven: Baking times may vary based on your oven. Start checking your biscuits a minute or two early to avoid overbaking them!
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Freezing for Later Use: For a quick meal later, freeze formed dough mounds individually before storing; it makes baking fresh biscuits a delightful breeze!
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Customize Wisely: Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or spices to your Make Ahead Drop Biscuits to tailor them to your taste buds!
What to Serve with Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
Imagine the comforting warmth of fresh biscuits pairing beautifully with hearty dishes, creating a cozy, satisfying meal.
- Savory Sausage Gravy: This rich, creamy gravy complements the flaky texture, perfect for brunch or a comforting dinner.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens and vibrant veggies add a refreshing contrast, enhancing your meal’s overall balance.
- Homestyle Beef Stew: The tender, meaty goodness of stew makes for an irresistible combination, ideal for soaking up every bit of flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sweet, caramelized veggies bring a touch of earthiness that beautifully complements the buttery biscuits.
- Honey Butter: A drizzle or spread of this sweet treat elevates your biscuits, making them a delightful addition to any breakfast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, creamy eggs paired with biscuits create a dreamy breakfast or brunch plate that’s hard to resist.
- Homemade Jam: A variety of fruity jellies adds a sweet touch, enhancing the fresh-baked taste and adding a lovely color contrast.
- Creamy Potato Soup: This warm, hearty dish is perfect for those chilly evenings, providing a cozy sitting for your flaky drop biscuits.
Make Ahead Drop Biscuits Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flour for my Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
Absolutely! For a classic biscuit, all-purpose flour works wonderfully, but if you’re looking for a fluffier texture, I highly recommend using White Lily flour. Its low protein content creates a tender biscuit that melts in your mouth. If you need a gluten-free option, a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend is a perfect substitute!
What’s the best way to store my Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
I recommend storing baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh. If you plan to keep them longer, pop them into the refrigerator, where they will last for up to a week in a sealed container. For longer storage, unbaked mounds can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze Make Ahead Drop Biscuits?
You sure can! To freeze, simply form the biscuit mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once solid, transfer the mounds to an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time directly from the freezer!
What should I do if my biscuits turn out too dense?
If your biscuits end up dense, it might be due to overmixing or using too much flour. When mixing the dough, gently stir until just combined. For measuring flour accurately, it’s best to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. If you’re using a scale, aim for about 120 grams per cup.
Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk option, and just add a teaspoon of vinegar to create that tangy flavor similar to buttermilk. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk will all work beautifully in your Make Ahead Drop Biscuits!
What additional flavors can I add to my biscuits?
The more, the merrier! You can customize them by mixing in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or folding in shredded cheese such as cheddar or gouda for a savory twist. For a sweet touch, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar works wonderfully too!
Make Ahead Drop Biscuits: Flaky Delights for Busy Days
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add diced cold unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while gently stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Form Biscuits: Drop dough mounds onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for 17-20 minutes until lightly golden. Brush with melted butter before serving.