These Easy Pan Butter Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes. Flaky, golden layers melt in your mouth, while the rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether you’re serving them warm for breakfast or alongside dinner, their soft, pillowy texture is irresistible.
With only 10 minutes of prep, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up these tender, savory biscuits. Each bite offers a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch on the edges. Perfect for busy days or cozy gatherings, they’re a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade and indulgent. You’ll be amazed at how such minimal effort yields such delicious results!
Ingredients for Easy Pan Butter Biscuits
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, sliced into thin pieces)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ Tablespoons baking powder
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1¾ cup buttermilk (see note below for substitution: mix 1¾ cups milk with 1¾ Tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare the butter: Slice the butter into thin pieces and spread them evenly in the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven while it preheats to allow the butter to melt.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add buttermilk: Carefully pour in the buttermilk and mix until the flour mixture is just moistened. Do not overmix (a few lumps are okay!).
- Assemble the dough: Remove the baking dish with melted butter from the oven. Place the dough into the dish and use your fingers to spread it evenly across the pan. As you spread, the butter will surround and flow over the dough, which is perfect!
- Cut the dough: Use a knife to cut the dough into 9 equal squares (this step is optional but makes it easier to pull apart later and ensures the butter soaks into all edges).
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Start checking at 20 minutes—the biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy with honey butter or your favorite toppings!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
These buttery biscuits are delicious on their own, but they truly shine with the right accompaniments. Try serving them with honey butter (mix 2 tablespoons softened butter with 1 tablespoon honey) for a sweet touch. For a savory twist, pair them with garlic herb butter or a drizzle of warm gravy. If you’re feeling adventurous, top them with jam, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Nutella for a dessert-like treat!
Make-Ahead Magic: Storage and Reheating Tips
These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. For longer storage, freeze the baked biscuits in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for 10-12 minutes until warm and flaky.
Quick and Easy: Time-Saving Tips
If you’re short on time, prep the dry ingredients ahead and store them in a sealed container. You can also slice the butter and place it in the baking dish the night before, so it’s ready to melt as the oven preheats. For an even quicker option, use a pre-made buttermilk substitute by mixing 1¾ cups milk with 1½ tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize these biscuits to suit your taste! Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon garlic powder for cheesy garlic biscuits. For a sweeter version, increase the sugar to ¼ cup and mix in ½ cup dried cranberries or chocolate chips. You can also swap out the buttermilk for regular milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk for a lighter option.
Baking Like a Pro: Equipment Guidance
For the best results, use an 8×8″ metal baking dish—it heats evenly and helps create those crispy edges. A bench scraper or sharp knife is perfect for cutting the dough into squares without squishing it. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a measuring cup and lemon juice are all you need to make a quick substitute!
Easy Pan Butter Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ Tablespoons baking powder
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1¾ cup buttermilk (see note below)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Slice the butter into a couple of thin slices and spread in the bottom of an 8×8″ baking dish.
- Place the butter in the baking dish into the oven while it preheats to allow the butter to melt.
- In a mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Carefully pour in the buttermilk, mixing until the flour mixture is just moistened (be careful not to overmix!).
- Remove melted butter pan from the oven.
- Place the dough in the melted butter pan and spread it evenly in the pan with your fingers. As you spread the dough out to the corners, the butter will start to surround the dough and flow on top of the dough (which is what you want!).
- Cut the dough into 9 equal squares (you don’t have to do this step, but it makes it easier to pull apart later and allows the butter to soak into all the edges of each piece).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes (start checking at 20 minutes) or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Serve hot with honey butter or your favorite toppings.