James Beard’s Fluffy Cream Biscuit Recipe
Fluffy, tender, and buttery! James Beard’s Fluffy Cream Biscuit Recipe uses cream and simple ingredients for breakfast perfection.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pini
- Biscuit cutter
- Baking sheet
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cubed (optional but recommended for extra flakiness)
- ¾ to 1 cup heavy cream
Optional for topping:
- Melted butter for brushing
- A sprinkle of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat is key for creating a golden top while keeping the interior tender and fluffy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed to ensure consistent rising.
Step 3: Cut in butter (optional)
- If you’re using butter, add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it in until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step adds flakiness and richness, but if you prefer a simpler approach, you can skip this.
Step 4: Add cream
- Pour ¾ cup of heavy cream into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork or wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. Add a little more cream if necessary—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5: Shape the dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or gently roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the biscuits tough.
Step 6: Cut the biscuits
- Using a 2.5–3-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure even rise. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together for soft sides or spaced apart for crispier edges.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The biscuits should rise beautifully and feel soft yet structured.
Step 8: Serve
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter if desired. Serve warm with honey, jam, or alongside eggs and breakfast meats. The smell alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!