Fluffy Gluten Free Biscuit Recipe

Published on Feb 16, 2024

  by   Kristina Stosek

14 reviews

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Serves: 10
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With this easy Fluffy Gluten Free Biscuit Recipe, you can enjoy warm, flaky, buttery biscuits in no time. Made with just 8 ingredients, these gluten-free biscuits are easy to whip up, tender with a perfect texture, and very tasty.

fluffy gluten free biscuits in a basket

WHAT IS A GLUTEN FREE BISCUIT?

The term “biscuit” has different meanings depending on where you are in the world. In the United States, biscuits typically refer to quick bread, similar to scones, fluffy, soft, and often served with savory dishes like gravy or soups and stews.

Southern cuisine in the United States is renowned for its biscuits, often made with ingredients like buttermilk and lard or shortening. Biscuits became a staple food in the Southern diet and remain a beloved comfort food in the region today.

biscuits on a baking sheet before baking

KEY INGREDIENTS FOR FLUFFY GLUTEN FREE BISCUITS

  • Gluten free measure for measure flour blend
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Sugar
  • Chilled butter
  • Chiled milk
  • Sour cream

baked gluten free biscuits on a baking sheet

TIPS FOR MAKING FLUFFY GLUTEN FREE BISCUITS

If your biscuits turn out heavy and dense instead of light and fluffy, there could be a few reasons for this. Here are some tips to help you make the best fluffy gluten free biscuits.

Overmixing the Dough:

Overmixing the biscuit dough can result in a tough and dense texture. When mixing the dough, be sure only to mix until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid overworking the dough. It’s okay if the dough is slightly lumpy or uneven.

Using Too Much Flour:

Adding too much flour can make the dough too dry and dense. Gluten free flours can vary in absorbency, so measuring accurately is essential. Using a kitchen scale to measure the flour accurately is best, or spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour into the cup.

Using Old Baking Powder:

Baking powder is what gives biscuits their rise. If your baking powder is old or expired, it may be less effective, resulting in dense biscuits. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and active. Pour 1/4 cup boiling water over 1/2 tsp baking powder to test its potency. If it bubbles, it’s still good. If not, it’s no good!

Using Cold Ingredients:

Using cold butter, milk, and sour cream helps create steam in the biscuits, resulting in a lighter texture. If your ingredients are too warm, the biscuits may turn out dense. Ensure your butter is cold and grate it on a box grater before adding it to the dough.

Overworking the Dough:

Handling the dough too much or pressing it down too firmly when shaping the biscuits can compress the layers, resulting in dense biscuits. Handle the dough gently and pat it down lightly when shaping the biscuits. Avoid pressing down too hard or compacting the dough. The biscuits don’t have to look perfect. They can look rustic with uneven tops because they will have a better texture than if you pat them down.

Incorrect Baking Temperature or Time:

Baking the biscuits at too low of a temperature or for too long can result in dense biscuits. They may not rise properly or cook through evenly. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature at 425 F, and bake the biscuits for the recommended time until they are golden brown and cooked through.

showing a cross section of a fluffy gluten free biscuit

WHY IS SUGAR INCLUDED IN BISCUIT DOUGH?

Sugar can be added to biscuit dough for several reasons, depending on the desired outcome of the biscuits. Here are a few reasons why sugar is often included in biscuit recipes:

Flavor Enhancement: Sugar adds sweetness to the biscuits, enhancing their overall flavor. While biscuits are typically savory, a touch of sweetness can complement certain variations, such as those containing fruit or spices. Additionally, a hint of sweetness can balance the flavors in savory biscuits, providing a more well-rounded taste.

Browning: Sugar promotes browning during baking, resulting in a golden exterior, making them look nice.

Moisture Retention: Sugar helps retain moisture in gluten free baked goods, which can prevent biscuits from becoming dry or stale too quickly. This can be particularly beneficial for biscuits intended to be stored for longer periods or enjoyed as leftovers.

PROS AND CONS OF GLUTEN FREE BISCUITS

Pros:
Quick and easy to make.
Versatile – can be served as a side dish or for hearty sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches.
Minimal ingredients are required.
They can be customized with various add-ins, such as herbs, cheese, or spices.
Cons:
Gluten free biscuits can be dense if overmixed, or the dough is handled too much.
Require precision in measuring ingredients, especially flour
Gluten-free biscuits are best on the same day.

fluffy gluten free biscuits in a basket

EXPLORING DIFFERENT BISCUIT VARIETIES

Biscuits are versatile and can be customized in numerous ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some variations you can try:

Cheese Biscuits: Add shredded cheese (such as cheddar, parmesan, or pepper jack) to the biscuit dough for a savory and cheesy flavor. You can also sprinkle some cheese on the biscuits before baking for an extra cheesy twist.

Herb Biscuits: Mix chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives) into the biscuit dough to add a burst of freshness and flavor. You can also brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter infused with herbs for added aroma.

Garlic Biscuits: Incorporate minced garlic into the biscuit dough for a delicious garlic flavor. Brush the baked biscuits with garlic butter for an extra punch of garlic goodness.

Bacon Biscuits: Add some chopped crispy bacon to the biscuit dough for a little smokey flavor.

Sweet Biscuits: Add a touch of sweetness to the biscuit dough by including ingredients such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar. You can also mix in ingredients like dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries) or chocolate chips for a sweet treat.

Spiced Biscuits: Enhance the flavor of the biscuits with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. These spices can add warmth and depth to the biscuits, perfect for pairing with tea or coffee.

STORING

Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven for a few minutes or microwave them for a few seconds until heated through.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO PREPARE THESE BISCUITS IN ADVANCE?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuits beforehand, place them on a prepared baking sheet, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover them with plastic wrap so they don’t dry up. Brush the tops with milk just before baking.

CAN I MAKE THEM WITHOUT DAIRY?

Yes, you can substitute vegan butter for butter and replace milk and sour cream with an equal amount of cold dairy-free milk and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

CAN GLUTEN FREE BISCUITS BE FROZEN

Yes, baked biscuits can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To serve, thaw them overnight, then reheat the biscuits in the oven or the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

6 gluten free biscuits in a basket lined with kitchen towel

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These gluten-free biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

  1. Serve them warm with butter and jam for a classic breakfast treat.
  2. Use them as a base for biscuits and gravy.
  3. Split them open and fill them with your favorite sandwich fillings for a tasty lunch option.
  4. Enjoy them alongside soups, stews, or chili for a comforting dinner side.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THESE GLUTEN FREE ROLL RECIPES

Gluten Free Portuguese Rolls

Gluten Free Milk Rolls Recipe

Gluten-Free Parker House Rolls Recipe

Best Gluten Free Pull-Apart Soft Rolls

Easy Gluten-Free Butter Rolls

 

CONCLUSION

These gluten free biscuits are beautifully fluffy and delicious, perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Enjoy them warm with your favorite spread or as a side to your meal.

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Many thanks!

Kristina x

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Robin

I love the recipe because it is easy, and the crumb is tender. Will make these again.

Sandra

Very good biscuits. The texture is fluffy and light, hard to tell they are gluten free, thank. you

Kristina

Leah, yes, however use half yogurt and half milk.

Leah

Can I replace the sour cream with 2% yogurt or lighter greek yogurt?

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