Name: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488170H51M38S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed; 1 cup buttermilk; Optional: garlic powder, shredded cheese, herbs, or honey

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These biscuits are quick to make, incredibly comforting, and require minimal effort. There’s no need for biscuit cutters or perfectly shaped dough—just mix, scoop, and bake. The buttermilk adds a delicious tang and tenderness, while the drop method gives them a beautiful, homemade appearance. Perfect for busy mornings or as a last-minute addition to any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
cold butter (cubed)
buttermilk
optional: garlic powder, shredded cheese, herbs, or honey for flavor variations

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
Using a spoon or large cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through.
Optional: Brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 to 12 biscuits.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Cheddar garlic: Add shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of garlic powder for a savory twist.
Herb biscuits: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme.
Sweet version: Add a touch of honey or sugar and serve with jam or fruit preserves.
Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños and a bit of pepper jack cheese.
Mini biscuits: Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized versions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Biscuits can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

What are drop biscuits?

Drop biscuits are made by scooping or “dropping” dough directly onto the baking sheet, rather than rolling and cutting. They’re quicker and easier to make.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but for best results, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why is my dough so sticky?

Drop biscuit dough is meant to be sticky—it helps create a soft, fluffy interior. Just avoid overmixing, and use a spoon or scoop to handle the dough.

Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes, if using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder, baking soda, and salt from the recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

How do I make the tops golden?

Brushing the tops with a little melted butter before or after baking helps create a golden finish.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Are drop biscuits the same as scones?

They’re similar in texture but usually less sweet and richer in buttermilk flavor. Scones often contain eggs and more sugar.

What can I serve with these biscuits?

They’re great with butter, jam, gravy, soups, stews, or served alongside eggs and bacon.

Can I make gluten-free drop biscuits?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and follow the same method. Results may vary slightly depending on the brand.

Conclusion

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits are the ultimate quick comfort food—easy to make, deliciously tender, and endlessly versatile. Whether served with breakfast, alongside a hearty soup, or simply slathered with butter, these golden biscuits are sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. No fuss, no rolling—just pure biscuit bliss.