Why You’ll Love This Lemon-Glazed Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Southern buttermilk biscuits have long been a staple of Southern comfort food. Their buttery, flaky layers are the epitome of soul-warming goodness, making them perfect for everything from breakfast to dinner. But what if you could add a little zing and brightness to this classic? Enter lemon-glazed Southern buttermilk biscuits — a delightful twist on the traditional recipe.
The golden, flaky biscuits are still tender and rich, but the lemon glaze drizzled over the top elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. This zesty glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and tartness, making these biscuits ideal for a spring brunch, holiday breakfast, or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea. The best part? They’re easy to make, and the ingredients are likely already in your pantry!
Whether you’re a Southern cuisine enthusiast or just someone looking to try something new in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of classic Southern flavors with the fresh zing of lemon offers the best of both worlds.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients you need to make these lemon-glazed Southern buttermilk biscuits:
For the Southern Buttermilk Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus 1 tbsp more if needed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional for extra brightness)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp melted butter (optional for a silkier finish)
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of buttery richness, tangy lemon, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these lemon-glazed Southern buttermilk biscuits involves a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying warm, golden biscuits with a bright citrusy glaze. Follow the steps below for a delicious batch:
1. Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This will ensure that the biscuits bake up golden and crispy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir these together to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to have small, pea-sized pieces of butter mixed in, which will help create those flaky layers when the biscuits bake.
If you like an extra citrus kick, you can stir in the 1 tablespoon of lemon zest at this stage. It’s optional but highly recommended for a burst of fresh flavor.
3. Add the Buttermilk
Make a well in the center of the flour-butter mixture and pour in ¾ cup of cold buttermilk. Use a spoon or a fork to stir everything together until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; a lumpy dough is ideal for flaky biscuits.
If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon more of buttermilk at a time until it holds together.
4. Turn and Pat the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently fold it over itself a few times (about 4 to 5 folds) to create layers. Pat the dough down into a rectangle about ¾-inch thick.
5. Cut the Biscuits
Use a round biscuit cutter or a drinking glass to cut out your biscuits. Press the cutter straight down without twisting to maintain the layers. Place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
6. Bake the Biscuits
Place the biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and have risen beautifully. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
7. Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the biscuits are baking, it’s time to prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon melted butter (optional for extra smoothness). Stir until the glaze is silky and smooth.
8. Glaze the Biscuits
Once the biscuits are done and have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, giving you that signature glossy finish.
Serve your lemon-glazed Southern buttermilk biscuits warm, and enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon-glazed Southern buttermilk biscuits turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for creating those flaky layers. If the butter is too warm, your biscuits won’t rise as high or have the same tender flakiness.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking the dough can lead to dense biscuits. Stir the ingredients just until they come together.
- Chill your dough if needed: If your dough is too soft or sticky to handle, place it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with.
- Use a light hand when handling the dough: The more you handle the dough, the tougher your biscuits will become. Be gentle and aim for minimal mixing and pressing.
- Keep an eye on the oven: Biscuits can go from golden brown to overbaked quickly. Check them a few minutes before the suggested time to make sure they don’t burn.
Variations to Try
While the lemon glaze is undoubtedly the star of this recipe, there are a few fun variations you can try to mix things up:
- Herb-Infused Biscuits: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the biscuit dough for a savory twist. The herbs will pair wonderfully with the lemon glaze for a sophisticated flavor combination.
- Cheddar Biscuits: For a cheesy biscuit, mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients. The cheese adds a rich, savory element that complements the lemony sweetness.
- Honey Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, try replacing the lemon juice with honey for a smooth and naturally sweet finish. This is especially delicious if you plan to serve the biscuits with a spread like butter or jam.
- Berries on Top: For a burst of color and flavor, top your biscuits with fresh berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries before glazing. The combination of lemon and berries is perfect for spring.
Storing and Reheating
These lemon-glazed Southern buttermilk biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later enjoyment.
- Storing: Keep the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may soften a bit, but the biscuits will still be delicious.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the biscuits in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. The biscuits will regain their crispness, and the glaze will melt slightly, making them just as good as fresh-baked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the biscuit dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk gives the biscuits their signature tenderness and flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little extra lemon juice.
The Final Word
Lemon-glazed Southern buttermilk biscuits are the perfect balance of buttery richness and citrusy brightness. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch or just craving a delicious treat, these biscuits are sure to impress with their golden, flaky texture and tangy glaze. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they are a wonderful addition to any meal or occasion.
Try this recipe, and you’ll find that these biscuits quickly become a family favorite.