Introduction: Soft Lemon Biscuits are a delightful treat that combines the light, fluffy texture of traditional biscuits with a fresh, zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these biscuits are simple to make and ideal for lemon lovers. The tangy citrus notes pair wonderfully with the buttery richness, creating a balanced and delicious bite in every piece. Serve them fresh out of the oven, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or jam, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 egg (for brushing, optional)
For the glaze (optional):
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Stir in the lemon zest.
Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle or circle.
Use a round biscuit cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out the biscuits. Gather any leftover dough, gently press it together, and cut more biscuits.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
If you like, brush the tops of the biscuits with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are lightly golden brown on top and cooked through.
While the biscuits bake, prepare the glaze (if using) by whisking the powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth.
Once the biscuits are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the tops, if desired.
Description: These Soft Lemon Biscuits are tender and fluffy with a burst of citrus flavor. The combination of zesty lemon zest and juice brightens the buttery biscuit dough, giving it a refreshing twist. The glaze adds a sweet finish, balancing the slight tang of the lemon. These biscuits are perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with something simple but elegant. Whether served with tea, as a snack, or as part of a breakfast spread, these lemon biscuits will quickly become a favorite.
Tips:
Cold Butter: Be sure to use cold butter to ensure the biscuits remain tender and flaky.
Don’t Overmix: Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to prevent dense biscuits.
Lemon Flavor: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or juice to both the dough and glaze.
Freezing Dough: You can freeze the cut-out biscuits before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them solid, and then store in a freezer bag for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Biscuits with a Crisper Bottom: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and consider baking them directly on a hot baking stone or an inverted baking sheet for a crisper bottom.
Variations:
Blueberry Lemon Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
Lemon Poppy Seed Biscuits: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for a delightful crunch and a beautiful appearance.
Lemon Lavender Biscuits: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried culinary lavender to the dough for a fragrant floral note.
Savory Lemon Biscuits: Skip the glaze and lemon juice in the dough, and instead, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to create a savory lemon biscuit.
Corrections:
Ensure the dough isn’t too wet or too dry. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash more buttermilk.
If the dough is too crumbly after adding the wet ingredients, use your hands to gently knead the dough into a smooth ball.
Enjoy: Serve these delicious Soft Lemon Biscuits warm, fresh out of the oven, with a light drizzle of glaze or on their own. Enjoy the fresh, zesty flavor in every bite—perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!