Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, flaky biscuit fresh out of the oven. If you’re looking for the ultimate biscuit recipe to impress your family and friends, these Cream Cheese Biscuits are the perfect choice! Combining the rich flavors of cream cheese and butter, these biscuits offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re enjoying them with jam for breakfast, as a savory side to dinner, or as a snack with your favorite filling, these biscuits are sure to become a staple in your home.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make soft, fluffy, and buttery biscuits using simple ingredients like cream cheese, flour, and buttermilk. This easy-to-follow guide ensures that you’ll get perfect biscuits every time. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Biscuits
Flaky Texture
The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a perfect, flaky texture that is ideal for biscuits. The tangy cream cheese adds extra tenderness, while butter ensures a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Rich, Buttery Flavor
Using cream cheese in biscuit dough adds a subtle richness that complements the buttery flavor. Each bite delivers a balanced mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making these biscuits perfect for any occasion.
Simple Ingredients
This recipe calls for basic pantry staples: all-purpose flour, butter, baking powder, cream cheese, and buttermilk. You don’t need anything fancy to make these delicious biscuits at home.
Versatile Recipe
These biscuits are delicious on their own but also work well with various accompaniments. Add a spread of strawberry jam, honey butter, or a savory sausage gravy to turn them into a breakfast favorite. They also pair beautifully with soups, stews, or roasted meats for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Cream Cheese Biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon of granulated sugar may be added, if desired, to impart a subtle sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on top before baking)
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for cheesy biscuits)
1 teaspoon black pepper (for a savory touch)
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like chives or rosemary, finely chopped)
Blueberries or strawberries for a sweet variation
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cream Cheese Biscuits
Preheat the Oven
To ensure your biscuits bake evenly, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar by whisking them together. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving the biscuits their light and fluffy texture.
Cut in the Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter and softened cream cheese into the dry ingredients. The goal is to create a crumbly mixture with pea-sized lumps of butter and cream cheese. These small pockets of fat will melt during baking, creating the classic flakiness of biscuits.
If you prefer, you can use an electric mixer with the paddle attachment on a low setting to incorporate the butter and cream cheese.
Add Buttermilk and Mix
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, and pour in the buttermilk. Gently stir the mixture with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — the dough should be slightly sticky but still hold together.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by combining ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a tangy homemade buttermilk substitute.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 5-6 times. Exercise caution to avoid overworking the dough, as this may result in biscuits that are tough in texture. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
For extra flaky biscuits, fold the dough in half and then pat it out again. Repeat this step two more times, which creates layers in the biscuits.
Cut the Biscuits
Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out rounds from the dough. Be sure to press straight down and avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
Gather any scraps, gently press them together, and cut out additional biscuits until all the dough is used.
Brush with Milk
Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is approximately 1 inch of space between each one.Brush the tops with a little milk to help them turn a beautiful golden brown in the oven.
Bake the Biscuits
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown on top. Monitor them closely in the final minutes to prevent overbaking.
Cool and Serve
After baking, take the biscuits out of the oven and place them on a wire rack to allow for slight cooling. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite topping. For a savory twist, try pairing them with bacon, sausage, or gravy.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
1. Use Cold Ingredients
Cold butter and cream cheese are essential for creating flaky layers in biscuits. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill your butter and cream cheese in the freezer for a few minutes before using them.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough
Overmixing and overkneading the dough can make your biscuits dense and tough. Handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a tender, flaky result.
3. Add a Sweet or Savory Twist
This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, fold in fresh blueberries or strawberries to the dough, or top the baked biscuits with a vanilla glaze. For a savory variation, add shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of black pepper or your favorite herbs.
4. Make Ahead and Freeze
You can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and freeze the unbaked biscuits for later. Simply place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer the frozen biscuits to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. When ready to bake, place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These Cream Cheese Biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Breakfast: Serve warm biscuits with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage gravy for a hearty morning meal. Add a dollop of your favorite fruit jam or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Brunch: Pair these biscuits with a fresh fruit salad, smoked salmon, or quiche for a sophisticated brunch spread.
- Dinner: Use these biscuits as a side dish for soups, stews, or roasted chicken. The flaky texture and buttery flavor make them the ideal companion for savory dishes.
- Dessert: For a sweet twist, turn these biscuits into shortcakes by serving them with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Storing and Reheating
To store leftover biscuits, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, store the biscuits in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months.
To reheat, simply place the biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Biscuits are the perfect blend of flaky, buttery, and tender, making them a delightful addition to any meal. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is great for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you enjoy them plain, with jam, or as a savory side, these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake the most delicious biscuits you’ve ever tasted. Creamy, soft, and absolutely irresistible, these biscuits are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!
