If there’s one recipe that always guarantees smiles at the table, it’s these 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits. Imagine golden, tender biscuits—warm from the oven, flaky on the inside, with the faintest hint of sweetness—made in just minutes with a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re new to baking or a weekend pro, you’ll adore the simplicity and delicious results of this timeless recipe.

4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits, every ingredient pulls its weight. These four components form the backbone of flavor and texture, working together to create fluffy, buttery biscuits that melt in your mouth. Let’s take a look at what makes each one special:

Butter: Cold, unsalted butter brings incredible richness, creating layers for that perfect biscuit flake—keep it chilled until the very last minute!
Self-rising flour: This flour is a built-in shortcut as it already includes leavening; it gives the biscuits their classic lift and soft crumb.
Sugar: Just a touch gently amplifies the flavor, enhancing the butteriness without making the biscuits too sweet.
Milk: Acts as the binder and gives the dough just enough moisture for a tender, slightly sticky texture that bakes up beautifully.

How to Make 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits

Step 1: Prep Your Butter

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Slice your stick of butter into four tablespoons (just use the package markings for an easy guide), then quarter each slice. Pop those buttery cubes back in the fridge to keep them cold—a key trick for ultra-flaky 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of self-rising flour and the tablespoon of sugar until evenly blended. Using a whisk here not only combines the ingredients but also adds a little air for lighter biscuits.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add your chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—like a crumbly mix that holds its shape when squeezed. This ensures buttery pockets throughout every biscuit.

Step 4: Add the Milk

Pour in the milk and gently stir until the dough just pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be slightly sticky rather than dry; if it’s too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time. Don’t overmix, as this keeps your 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits tender.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Biscuits

Flour your work surface, your hands, and your biscuit cutter. Turn the dough onto the floured surface. Gently fold the dough four to six times, softly pressing each time to around 3/4-inch thickness. This folding creates those coveted biscuit layers. Cut into circles with your biscuit cutter, dipping the cutter in flour each time for clean edges.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the biscuits onto a baking sheet, making sure they’re close together for soft sides, or spaced apart for crustier edges. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until beautifully golden and lightly browned on top. The hardest part? Waiting just a moment before digging in!

How to Serve 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits

Garnishes

A pat of softened butter melting into a split biscuit is tough to beat, but you can take it to the next level with a drizzle of honey, a smudge of berry jam, or even a scattering of fresh chopped herbs like chives for a savory twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a comforting breakfast, or serve them as a sidekick to hearty soups and stews. They’re also delightful with fried chicken or as sliders filled with ham and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your biscuits into mini sandwiches stuffed with chicken salad or roast beef, or slice and toast leftovers for jammy shortcakes. For brunch, serve them on a rustic wooden board with assorted spreads, cheeses, and fruits. There’s no wrong way to show them off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their texture stays best within the first 24 hours, but a quick warm-up helps restore that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Freezing

Biscuits freeze beautifully. Simply allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before enjoying.

Reheating

For fresh flavor, wrap biscuits in foil and warm in a 325-degree oven for about 10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds. If you like a crisp edge, a quick toast in a skillet works, too!

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?

Yes! If you only have all-purpose flour, simply add 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to your 2 cups of all-purpose flour to mimic self-rising flour in this recipe.

What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk gives the richest flavor and texture, but you can use any milk you prefer—even plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a slightly different taste.

How do I get super flaky layers?

Keep your butter as cold as possible and avoid overworking the dough. The little butter pockets melt during baking, creating beautiful flaky layers in your 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cut out your biscuits, and refrigerate them (covered) on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge for extra fresh biscuits.

Why did my biscuits turn out tough or flat?

This is often from overmixing or overbaking. Be gentle with the dough, stop mixing as soon as it holds together, and keep an eye on them in the oven for that perfect golden finish.

Final Thoughts

Bringing warm, buttery 4 Ingredient Homemade Biscuits to your table is pure comfort, and it couldn’t be easier. Whether you serve them for breakfast, alongside dinner, or as a snack, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Don’t wait for a special occasion—try this recipe and let those fluffy layers work their magic!