Hey friends! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven — Butter Swim Biscuits. If you’ve never tried them before, you’re in for a real treat. Imagine golden, fluffy biscuits with buttery, crisp edges and tender centers that practically melt in your mouth. The best part? The dough literally swims in melted butter while baking, which means no kneading, no rolling, and absolutely no biscuit-cutting required.
These biscuits are as beginner-friendly as it gets — just stir, pour, bake, and enjoy. They’re perfect alongside a hearty stew, with breakfast eggs, or simply drizzled with honey for a cozy snack. Ready to bake up some Southern comfort in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Recipe at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35–40 minutes |
| Skill Level | Beginner-friendly |
| Servings | 9–12 biscuits (depending on cut) |
| Tools Needed | 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish, mixing bowl, spatula |
Make-Ahead Tip: These biscuits are best fresh but reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – melted
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Substitution Notes:
| Ingredient | Swap Option |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk | 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar |
| All-purpose flour | Self-rising flour (skip baking powder & salt) |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce added salt to 1/2 tsp) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Pour melted butter into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. Tilt to coat evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Stir in buttermilk until just combined. The dough will be sticky — that’s perfect.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix. A few lumps in the dough keep the biscuits tender.
Step 3: Spread the Dough
- Gently spoon the dough into the butter-filled dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula (the butter will pool around the edges — that’s the magic!).
Step 4: Cut Before Baking
- Using a sharp knife, score the dough into 9 or 12 squares. This makes cutting easier later.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp.
Serving & Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in airtight container up to 3 days. |
| Freezer | Wrap cooled biscuits individually; freeze up to 2 months. |
| Reheat | Warm in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in air fryer 3–5 minutes. |
Serving Ideas: Enjoy warm with honey, jam, gravy, or a pat of butter.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Biscuits too dense | Don’t overmix; use fresh baking powder. |
| Too greasy | Use slightly less butter (6 tbsp instead of 8). |
| Pale tops | Broil for 1–2 minutes at end for golden finish. |
Flavor Variations
- Cheddar-Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits – Add 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 tsp garlic powder to the dough.
- Herb Butter Biscuits – Mix fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the butter before baking.
- Sweet Honey Biscuits – Add 2 tbsp honey to the dough for a subtle sweetness.
Closing Encouragement
There you have it, friends — Butter Swim Biscuits that are crisp on the outside, soft inside, and dripping with buttery goodness. They’re the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking pro without breaking a sweat. Perfect for breakfast, dinner sides, or just as a cozy snack with jam.
I can’t wait for you to try these in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you bake them, they’ll be on repeat in your home too.
So, ready to create some buttery magic?
