These Cream Cheese Biscuits are tender, fluffy, and slightly sweet, with a delightful hint of tangy buttermilk. The combination of chilled butter and cream cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making these biscuits irresistibly soft and perfect for any occasion. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a quick and easy addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dinner table. Pair them with jam, honey, or a pat of butter, and you’ll have a warm, comforting treat that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own, these biscuits are sure to become a household favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing tops
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the butter and cream cheese to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix until the texture is crumbly, resembling a coarse meal.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk and gently stir until the mixture forms a shaggy, slightly sticky dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead gently a few times to combine.
- Lightly coat your hands and rolling pin with flour, then gently pat and roll the dough to a 3/4-inch thickness. Add more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter (dipped in flour between cuts), cut the dough into 12 biscuits. Reroll scraps once if needed. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3/4 inch apart.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with the remaining tablespoon of buttermilk.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 17 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 160 kcal per biscuit | Servings: 12 biscuits
A Brief History of Biscuits
Biscuits have been a beloved part of American culinary history, with origins tracing back to the 19th-century South. These biscuits are quick bread that doesn’t require yeast for leavening, making them a convenient choice for home cooks who want to whip up something fresh, warm, and satisfying. Over the years, biscuits have evolved, with variations ranging from drop biscuits to buttermilk biscuits, and now, these luxurious cream cheese biscuits.
Why Cream Cheese Biscuits Are Unique
The cream cheese variation brings something special to the table. It’s all about texture and flavor balance. When combined with butter, the cream cheese lends a slight tang and ultra-smooth consistency, setting it apart from your typical butter-only biscuit. The fat content from the cream cheese helps create a flaky, airy texture while the added tang complements both sweet and savory accompaniments. It’s this balance that makes these biscuits perfect for a range of dishes—whether you’re topping them with jam and honey or pairing them with savory breakfast sausage or gravy.
The Benefits of Cream Cheese Biscuits
- Rich Flavor Profile: The mix of butter and cream cheese creates a harmonious blend of richness and tanginess that appeals to both sweet and savory palates.
- Tender and Fluffy Texture: The fat content in the cream cheese works wonders for the biscuit dough, producing a light, tender crumb that remains soft even after baking.
- Versatility in Pairing: Cream cheese biscuits can be enjoyed as a side to soups, stews, or roasts, and they also work wonderfully as a breakfast item topped with spreads like honey, jam, or fresh butter.
- Quick and Easy to Make: These biscuits come together quickly, requiring only a few pantry staples and basic kitchen equipment, making them a go-to for weeknight dinners, weekend brunches, or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their tender, flaky texture and rich flavor make them a hit at the table, whether you’re serving a large group or simply making them for your family at home.
How to Best Serve Cream Cheese Biscuits
- Sweet Toppings: Because of their slight tang, these biscuits are perfect for sweet toppings like honey, fruit preserves, maple syrup, or a drizzle of homemade caramel. The sweetness enhances the buttery, slightly salty base of the biscuit, making it a delightful morning or brunch treat.
- Savory Pairings: For those who love savory flavors, these biscuits are an ideal companion for gravies, breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, or even smoked salmon and cream cheese for a twist on a classic lox bagel. They’re a hearty option for any savory breakfast or brunch spread.
- As a Side Dish: Cream cheese biscuits are excellent alongside soups, stews, or chili, providing a tender bread option to soak up the flavors of your favorite comfort foods. Their buttery flavor makes them a great match for robust dishes, bringing a little bit of luxury to the meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Biscuits
- Cold Ingredients are Key: To get the best texture, keep your butter and cream cheese cold. This helps to create those flaky layers when the dough bakes.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overworking the dough will develop gluten and can lead to tougher biscuits.
- Proper Flour for Rolling: Make sure to have extra flour on hand when rolling out your dough. It prevents sticking and makes it easier to shape your biscuits.
- Biscuit Cutter Tips: Dip your biscuit cutter in flour before cutting the dough, and press straight down without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
Customizing Your Cream Cheese Biscuits
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can customize your cream cheese biscuits by adding different flavors and mix-ins to suit your taste or the occasion:
- Herbed Biscuits: Mix in fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a savory twist. Perfect for serving alongside roast chicken or a hearty stew.
- Cheddar & Garlic: Add grated cheddar cheese and garlic powder to the dough for a cheesy biscuit that’s great for breakfast sandwiches or served with soups.
- Spiced Biscuits: Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a hint of warm spice. Serve these with sweet spreads like apple butter or orange marmalade.
Nutritional Notes
Each biscuit is around 160 kcal, making them a balanced indulgence when eaten in moderation. While they do have a bit of fat from the butter and cream cheese, they offer a fulfilling way to enjoy the comfort of home-baked goods without overindulgence. Pairing them with protein or fiber-rich sides can help make a more balanced meal.
The Perfect Addition to Any Meal
Whether you’re looking to impress guests with your baking skills, create a cozy breakfast, or simply want a side dish to complement your meal, Cream Cheese Biscuits offer a delectable choice. Their quick preparation makes them a convenient choice for home bakers, while their soft, flaky texture and rich flavor make them a favorite for all ages.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Biscuits aren’t just about taste—they’re about nostalgia, comfort, and the joy of home-baked goodness. The smell of fresh biscuits rising in the oven, the golden-brown tops just waiting to be slathered with butter, and that first warm, flaky bite—all of these elements create a sense of connection to the time-honored traditions of baking and sharing food with loved ones.
From a Saturday brunch with friends to a comforting family dinner, these biscuits bring warmth and delight to the table. Plus, the recipe is simple enough that even novice bakers can achieve great results, while experienced bakers can experiment and put their spin on this versatile biscuit.
