Gluten-Free Biscuits Recipe

These gluten-free biscuits are soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and easy to make. They are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or served with soups and stews.

Ingredients

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
¾ cup cold buttermilk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (if not using buttermilk, mix with regular milk)
1 teaspoon melted butter (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you begin. Make sure the butter is very cold because cold butter creates flaky layers in the biscuits. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir everything together until evenly mixed so the biscuits rise evenly during baking.

Step 3: Add the Cold Butter

Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with small butter pieces still visible.

Step 4: Prepare the Liquid

If you are not using buttermilk, stir the apple cider vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a simple homemade buttermilk substitute.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spoon until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing because it can make the biscuits dense instead of tender.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Lightly dust a clean surface with gluten-free flour. Turn out the dough and gently pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Fold the dough over itself two or three times to create light layers, then pat it out again.

Step 7: Cut the Biscuits

Use a round biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter, which helps the biscuits rise evenly.

Step 8: Arrange on the Baking Tray

Place the biscuits on the prepared baking tray with the edges just touching. This helps them rise higher and stay soft.

Step 9: Brush the Tops

Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little melted butter. This gives them a beautiful golden color and adds extra flavor.

Step 10: Bake

Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the biscuits are fully cooked.

Step 11: Cool Slightly

Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 12: Serve

Serve the biscuits warm with butter, jam, honey, or gravy. They also pair well with soups, stews, or fried eggs for breakfast.