Homemade biscuits don’t have to be complicated! This 3-ingredient biscuit recipe is simple, quick, and produces the fluffiest biscuits with minimal effort. Whether you need a last-minute side dish or a base for a delicious breakfast sandwich, these biscuits are fail-proof and beginner-friendly.
If you love making easy comfort foods, you might also enjoy trying this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese—a perfect pairing with biscuits!
Not sure if you have the right type of flour? Learn the difference between self-rising flour and all-purpose flour with our detailed guide to baking essentials.
Why 3-Ingredient Biscuits Are a Must-Try
No-fuss baking – No eggs, no yeast, no complicated techniques.
Quick & simple – Ready in under 20 minutes.
Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Light, flaky, and buttery – A deliciously soft texture every time.
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
2 cups self-rising flour (or substitute with all-purpose flour + baking powder + salt)
½ cup cold butter (cubed for extra flakiness)
¾ cup buttermilk (or use a DIY alternative)
Substitutions & Variations:
- No self-rising flour? Use all-purpose flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt.
- No buttermilk? Try one of these buttermilk substitutes.
- Gluten-free version? Swap in gluten-free flour and adjust liquids as needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making 3-Ingredient Biscuits
1. Preheat & Prep
- Set your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the buttermilk, mixing gently.
- Stir just until the dough comes together—don’t overmix!
3. Shape & Cut
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out biscuits.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Place biscuits on the baking sheet, ensuring they touch slightly (this helps them rise higher).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter for extra flavor.
Tasty Variations to Try
Sweet Biscuits
- Add 1–2 tbsp sugar to the dough.
- Mix in cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Savory Biscuits
- Stir in shredded cheese and garlic powder.
- Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Healthier & Allergy-Friendly Versions
- Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Try vegan biscuits with coconut oil and almond milk.
Looking for another simple, minimal-ingredient recipe? Check out this easy banana bread recipe!
Pro Tips for Flaky, Buttery Biscuits
Keep your ingredients cold – Cold butter = flakier biscuits.
Use a sharp cutter – A clean cut helps the biscuits rise higher.
Stack & fold the dough – This creates extra flaky layers.
Don’t overmix – Less handling = softer biscuits.
Troubleshooting: Common Biscuit Mistakes & Fixes
1. My Biscuits Didn’t Rise
- Cause: Overworked dough or expired baking powder.
- Fix: Handle dough gently and use fresh self-rising flour.
2. Dough Was Too Sticky or Dry
- Cause: Incorrect liquid ratio.
- Fix: Add a sprinkle of flour if sticky, or a splash of buttermilk if too dry.
3. Biscuits Were Dense & Hard
- Cause: Butter melted before baking.
- Fix: Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Biscuits?
🥞 With Butter & Jam – A classic, comforting combo.
🍳 Breakfast Sandwich – Add eggs, bacon, and cheese.
🍗 Southern Style – Pair with delicious rotisserie chicken recipes.
🍓 As Dessert – Use as a base for strawberry shortcake.
🥪 Mini Sliders – Great as small sandwich buns.
FAQs About 3-Ingredient Biscuits
1. What Is the Basic Biscuit Formula?
The basic formula for biscuits follows a simple 3:1:2 ratio:
- 3 parts flour (usually all-purpose or self-rising flour)
- 1 part fat (butter, shortening, or lard)
- 2 parts liquid (buttermilk, milk, or cream)
This ratio ensures biscuits turn out flaky, tender, and soft. Adjustments can be made for different textures or flavors.
2. What Are the Main Ingredients of Biscuits?
Traditional biscuits rely on just a few essential ingredients:
- Flour – Provides structure (self-rising or all-purpose flour + baking powder).
- Fat – Adds flakiness (butter, shortening, or lard).
- Liquid – Binds ingredients (buttermilk, milk, or cream).
Additional ingredients like sugar, eggs, and flavorings can be added depending on the type of biscuit.
3. What Are the Three Ingredients in Butter Biscuits?
Butter biscuits typically require only:
- Self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + baking powder + salt).
- Butter (cold and cubed for a flaky texture).
- Buttermilk (or milk as an alternative).
This simple combination creates light, fluffy, and buttery biscuits with minimal effort.
4. Is Crisco or Butter Better for Biscuits?
Both Crisco (vegetable shortening) and butter have pros and cons:
✅ Butter:
- Adds rich, buttery flavor.
- Creates flaky layers due to its water content.
✅ Crisco (Shortening):
- Produces softer, taller biscuits due to its 100% fat content.
- Doesn’t have the same depth of flavor as butter.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is the easiest way to make soft, flaky biscuits in no time. Whether you’re making buttery breakfast biscuits or a batch of cheddar garlic biscuits, this recipe is versatile and foolproof.
Try it today and enjoy the magic of homemade biscuits—no stress, no hassle! 🚀
For more comfort food ideas, check out this guide to delicious sloppy joes. Happy baking! 😊