Baking Powder Biscuits

If you want to make your own baking powder, the formula is very simple: Combine 1/4 cup cream of tartar with 2 tablespoons baking soda, and sift the two together three times. Store the powder in a tightly sealed container away from sunlight.  When cutting out biscuits, don’t twist cutter;…

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

If you want to make your own baking powder, the formula is very simple: Combine 1/4 cup cream of tartar with 2 tablespoons baking soda, and sift the two together three times. Store the powder in a tightly sealed container away from sunlight.  When cutting out biscuits, don’t twist cutter; cut straight through dough to work surface. This recipe makes 8 biscuits.

Servings
8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbs. baking powder, preferably homemade (see above)
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 Tbs. cold, unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

Put flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl, and whisk to mix. Using fingers or 2 forks, quickly work butter into flour until it is the texture of oatmeal with some larger lumps remaining. Make a well in center of flour, and pour in cream. Stir just until blended.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly but strongly, for 6 or 7 strokes. Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a floured fork, prick surface of dough all over at 1-inch intervals, taking care that fork goes through dough.

Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, stamp out dough. Place biscuits close together on baking sheet.

Bake in center of oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until biscuits are crusty and are a rich golden brown. Remove from oven, and serve.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 240
  • Carbohydrate Content 25 g
  • Cholesterol Content 45 mg
  • Fat Content 14 g
  • Fiber Content 0 g
  • Protein Content 4 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 9 g
  • Sodium Content 480 mg
  • Sugar Content 1 g