Easy empire biscuits for beginners: a step-by-step tutorial with video
What To Know
- Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add more buttermilk to the dough 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Empire biscuits, the epitome of Southern culinary delights, are a delectable treat that will tantalize your taste buds. With their crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior, these biscuits are a perfect accompaniment to tea, coffee, or simply as a standalone indulgence. If you’re eager to master the art of creating these delightful cookies, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the step-by-step instructions and essential tips to achieve bakery-worthy results.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before embarking on your baking journey, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Prepare the Dough
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Stir in the buttermilk until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
Roll and Cut the Biscuits
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly flour a work surface and divide the dough in half.
3. Roll out one half of the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
4. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits from the dough.
5. Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Bake the Biscuits
1. Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Make the Icing
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until a smooth glaze forms.
2. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.
Ice the Biscuits
1. Once the biscuits are completely cooled, dip the tops into the icing.
2. Let the icing set completely before serving.
Tips for Success
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty crunch.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- To store the biscuits, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Chocolate Empire Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Empire Biscuits: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough and 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the icing.
- Orange Empire Biscuits: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough and 1/4 cup of orange juice to the icing.
Alternatives to Buttermilk
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, here are some alternatives you can use:
- Sour cream: Use 1 cup of sour cream instead of buttermilk.
- Yogurt: Use 1 cup of plain yogurt instead of buttermilk.
- Milk and lemon juice: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Milk and vinegar: Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Troubleshooting
- My biscuits are too dry: Add more buttermilk to the dough 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- My biscuits are too crumbly: The dough may have been overmixed. Be sure to mix it just until the ingredients are combined.
- My biscuits are not rising: Make sure the baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, check the oven temperature to ensure it is accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make empire biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Roll out and cut the biscuits just before baking.
Q: How do I store empire biscuits?
A: Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze empire biscuits?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Q: What is the best way to reheat empire biscuits?
A: Reheat the biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, the texture of the biscuits may vary slightly.