Perfect Baking Powder Biscuits in 15 Minutes
There is something truly magical about homemade bread. The scent of warm, buttery dough filling the kitchen, the soft crumb yielding to the first bite, the satisfaction of knowing you created something from scratch—it’s one of the simplest yet most rewarding joys of cooking. But let’s be honest, not every day allows for the time and patience needed to knead, proof, and bake a full loaf of bread. That’s where quick breads come in.
Over the years, I’ve found that having one or two go-to quick bread recipes can be an absolute lifesaver. Whether you need something to soak up the last bit of sauce from a meal, serve alongside a comforting bowl of soup, or whip up a quick treat for unexpected guests, quick breads have your back.
For me, coconut bake and baking powder biscuits are the ultimate solutions. They’re quick, versatile, and always a hit. And when it comes to biscuits, there’s nothing quite like a batch of freshly made baking powder biscuits—golden, flaky, and irresistibly light. These remind me so much of the ones from Kentucky Fried Chicken here in Trinidad—except homemade, and infinitely better.
Best of all? They require no yeast, no waiting time, and barely any effort. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of making biscuits from scratch, I promise you, this recipe will change your mind.
Let’s dive in and make these perfectly fluffy, buttery biscuits together!
Why Baking Powder Biscuits Are a Kitchen Essential
If you love the idea of homemade bread but don’t have the time or patience for yeast-based recipes, these biscuits are your answer.
They’re:
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
✔ Beginner-Friendly – No special skills or equipment required.
✔ Versatile – Perfect with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
✔ Fail-Proof – Follow my tips, and you’ll get perfect biscuits every time.
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll never need store-bought biscuits again!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Biscuit
You only need six basic ingredients to make these beauties:
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder – The key ingredient for lift and fluffiness.
- Salt – Enhances the flavour.
- Cold butter – Creates flaky layers (don’t skip the chilling!).
- Solid shortening – Adds extra tenderness.
- Milk – Binds everything together for a soft, delicate texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fluffy Baking Powder Biscuits
Baking Powder Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsps baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter cut up
- 2 tbsps chilled solid shortening
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425F
- Butter the cookie sheet or cover it with parchment paper
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt
- Cut in the butter and shortening until it resembles coarse meal
- Add the milk and toss it in only until the dough hold together. (If the dough is becoming sticky place it in the fridge for 5 – 10 minutes)
- Add a drop or two more milk if the dough is too powdery
- To make drop biscuits, scoop 10 equal portions of the dough onto the baking sheet, placing them at least one inch apart
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes until a light golden brown on top.
- Cool on wire rack, serve warm
My Best Tips for Foolproof Biscuits
✔ Keep everything cold – Cold butter = flaky layers.
✔ Don’t overwork the dough – Overmixing makes biscuits tough.
✔ Use a light hand when shaping – This keeps them airy and soft.
✔ Test your baking powder – Expired baking powder won’t give the lift you need.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling creative? Try these flavour-packed twists:
✔ Cheese & Chive Biscuits – Add ½ cup of grated cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives to the dough.
✔ Garlic Butter Biscuits – Brush warm biscuits with melted butter and minced garlic.
✔ Sweet Honey Biscuits – Mix in 1 tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Make a light glaze to take it into dessert territory!
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Biscuits
Baking powder biscuits are incredibly versatile. Try them with:
✔ Butter & Jam – A simple yet indulgent treat.
✔ Fried Plantains & Buljol – Two Caribbean classics!
✔ Stewed Chicken or Beef – Perfect for soaking up rich sauces.
✔ Scrambled Eggs & Avocado – A nourishing breakfast.
Want more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes like this? Download my free eBook, “7 Sweet Trini Treats”, and bring the flavours of Trinidad into your home! Inside, you’ll find tried-and-true favourites like pone, sugar cakes and coconut rock buns —perfect for sharing with loved ones.