Churchs Honey Biscuits
There’s a delightful charm to biscuits that brings back memories of home-cooked breakfasts, warm kitchens, and the sweet aroma wafting through the air. Churchs Honey Biscuits are a perfect embodiment of this nostalgia, combining the comforting flavors of classic biscuits with a hint of sweet honey that elevates them to something truly special. Whether you’re serving them alongside fried chicken or enjoying them with a drizzle of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon, these biscuits will quickly become a favorite in your household.
From their flaky texture to their golden-brown crust, Churchs Honey Biscuits are a simple yet scrumptious treat that you can whip up in no time. Let’s dive into what makes these biscuits so irresistible and how to create them at home.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets Churchs Honey Biscuits apart from other biscuit recipes is the perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness. The addition of honey not only enhances the flavor but also gives them a unique moisture that keeps them soft and tender. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these delightful biscuits that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite main dish. The method is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to bring a little warmth and comfort into your kitchen.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup honey
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure even mixing and aeration.
- Baking sheet: For placing the biscuits while baking.
- Parchment paper: Optional, for easy clean-up.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Rolling pin: If you prefer a rolled biscuit instead of drop biscuits.
- Oven: Preheated to the right temperature, crucial for perfect baking.
Churchs Honey Biscuits: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden crust that we all love in biscuits.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, a lightly greased baking sheet will work just fine.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cream of tartar. Whisk them together until fully blended. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 4: Cut in the Shortening and Butter
Add the vegetable shortening and cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates those flaky layers we crave in a biscuit.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the whole milk and honey. Gently stir with a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop generous amounts of the biscuit batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If you prefer a more uniform shape, you can turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1-inch thick, then cut into rounds.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with additional honey or butter, and enjoy the deliciousness of Churchs Honey Biscuits!
In-Season Flavor Ideas
- Drizzle with maple syrup for a cozy breakfast twist.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory touch.
- Serve with seasonal fruit preserves for a refreshing compliment.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
Even the best bakers can encounter issues. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Overmixing: This can lead to tough biscuits. Mix just until combined.
- Too much flour: Make sure to measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level off.
- Not preheating the oven: Always ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before baking.
- Using warm ingredients: Cold butter and shortening help create flaky layers, so keep them chilled.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
Churchs Honey Biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored for later enjoyment:
- Storage: Keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked biscuits. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap biscuits in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I substitute the shortening with butter?
Yes, you can use all butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can omit it from the recipe. It helps stabilize the dough, but the biscuits will still turn out fine without it.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into biscuits, and then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake.
How can I make these biscuits sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter biscuits, you can increase the sugar to 3 teaspoons or add more honey to taste. Just be cautious of the dough’s consistency.
Desserts to Finish
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to make Churchs Honey Biscuits, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get started. The joy of baking is not just in the end result but also in the process—mixing, shaping, and smelling the sweet aroma as they bake. These biscuits are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive gathering with friends. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Churchs Honey Biscuits!
Churchs Honey Biscuits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cream of tartar. Whisk until blended.
- Step 4: Cut in the vegetable shortening and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 5: Make a well in the center and add milk and honey. Stir gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Step 8: Let cool slightly on a wire rack, serve warm with honey or butter.
Notes
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing unbaked biscuits is easy; just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Wrap biscuits in foil to reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
