Blueberry Biscuits

Blueberry biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic Southern biscuit, combining the soft, flaky texture of traditional biscuits with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh blueberries. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack. The addition of an optional lemon glaze elevates these biscuits to a whole new level of deliciousness, making them irresistible.

I first encountered blueberry biscuits during a summer vacation in the South. We stopped at a quaint bakery, and the aroma of fresh blueberries and warm biscuits was impossible to resist. One bite and I was hooked—the balance of sweet and savory was perfect. Inspired by that memorable experience, I decided to recreate the recipe at home. After several trials, I perfected a recipe that has since become a favorite in my household. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, hoping it will bring the same joy to your kitchen.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 ounces blueberries

1 cup cold milk

1/3 cup granulated sugar

5 tablespoons butter, cold

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat is essential for getting that nice, golden top on your biscuits, ensuring they bake quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisking the dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed, which helps the biscuits rise properly.

Step 3: Add Milk and Blueberries

Incorporate Milk and Blueberries: Pour in 1 cup of cold milk and add 3 ounces of fresh blueberries to the dry ingredients. Gently stir until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to tough biscuits. The goal is to keep the dough light and airy.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter

Add the Butter: Cut 5 tablespoons of cold butter into small pieces and scatter them over the dough. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the dough until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small pieces of butter create pockets of air in the dough, which help make the biscuits flaky.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Knead and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead and fold the dough a few times to bring it together. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 to 1/8-inch thickness. This thickness ensures the biscuits will rise nicely while baking.

Step 6: Cut Out Biscuits

Cut the Biscuits: Using a biscuit cutter or a floured glass, cut out your biscuits. Place them on a baking sheet, making sure they are close together but not touching. This helps them rise better.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the Biscuits: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, which can dry them out.

Step 8: Make the Glaze (Optional)

Prepare the Glaze: While the biscuits are baking, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/8 cup of water in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish to the biscuits.

Step 9: Serve

Finish and Serve: Once the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor and softness. If desired, drizzle the lemon glaze over the biscuits for an added touch of sweetness.

Variations & Tips

Berry Variations: Feel free to substitute blueberries with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries. Each berry will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the biscuits.

Cheese and Herbs: For a savory twist, omit the blueberries and sugar, and add shredded cheese and fresh herbs like chives or rosemary to the dough.

Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Storage: These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their flakiness.

Freeze for Later: The unbaked biscuits can be frozen on a baking sheet until solid, then transferred to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Biscuits are simply delightful, bursting with fresh flavors that are sure to please. The combination of the light, flaky biscuit with the sweet, juicy blueberries creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The optional lemon glaze adds a tangy sweetness that takes these biscuits to the next level.

Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a leisurely breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack, these blueberry biscuits are bound to become a hit in your home. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. So why wait? Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these delicious biscuits, and savor every delightful bite.