There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the kitchen. It instantly brings back memories of my grandma pulling golden, buttery biscuits out of the oven on a lazy Sunday morning. Growing up in a family with deep American roots, biscuits were more than a side—they celebrated simplicity and comfort.
This 3 ingredient biscuit recipe is my go-to for recreating that warmth and nostalgia without spending hours in the kitchen. There are no fancy mixers or complicated steps—just self-rising flour, heavy cream, and butter, and you’ll have eight flaky biscuits ready to steal the show.
As a chef passionate about comfort food with soul, I love creating recipes that are quick, fuss-free, and still packed with flavor. This 3 ingredient biscuit recipe is one of my absolute favorites. Whether I’m cooking for a crowd or just craving something cozy, these golden, flaky biscuits never disappoint.
Whether serving them with jam for breakfast, as a side with dinner, or just warm with a pat of butter, these homemade biscuits are foolproof and flavor-packed. Let’s dive into biscuit bliss!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients – Just three pantry staples.
- Quick to Make – Prep and bake in under 30 minutes.
- No Special Tools – A bowl, fork, and your hands are all you need.
- Customizable – For inspiration, add cheese, herbs, or spices to make them your own, like these cheddar popcorn flavors.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Flaky Biscuits)
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
Note: If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.
Prep & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions: How to Make 3 Ingredient Biscuits
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat helps activate the leavening in the flour and gives the biscuits their classic flaky texture.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, add the self-rising flour. Gradually pour the heavy cream while mixing with a fork or your hands until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it—combine until it holds together.
3. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it out to about ¾ inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out 8 biscuits. Avoid twisting the cutter, which can seal the edges and hinder rising.
4. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them close together for extra height so they rise up instead of spreading out.
5. Add the Melted Butter
Brush the tops with half of the melted butter. This creates a golden, crispy top.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. The tops should be lightly crisp, and the insides soft and tender.
7. Final Butter Brush (Optional but recommended!)
Once out of the oven, brush with melted butter for that irresistible sheen and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These flaky, buttery biscuits are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- Sweet Start: Serve with honey, jam, or fruit compote for breakfast.
- Savory Side: Perfect alongside chili, stew, or fried chicken.
- Southern Style: Split and top with sausage gravy.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use them for ham, turkey, or egg salad sliders.
Variations and Add-Ons
Want to make these biscuits your own? Try these twists:
- Cheddar & Chive: Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1 tablespoon chopped chives.
- Garlic Herb: Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of cinnamon for a sweeter take, just like cinnamon banana bread.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5.
- Freeze: Freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Pro Tips from Chef Emma
Every great biscuit has a little secret behind it. Here are my tips to make sure your biscuits come out ideally every time:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Before mixing, keep your cream and butter as cold as possible. Cold fat creates steam during baking, which helps form those beautiful flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking will activate the gluten too much and make your biscuits dense instead of tender.
- Cut Straight Down: Press straight down without twisting when using a cutter or glass. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
- Place Biscuits Close Together: If you want soft sides, place them touching on the baking sheet. For crispier edges, space them apart.
- Brush Before and After Baking: Brushing butter before baking helps with browning, and brushing afterward adds richness and shine. Double the love!
- Freeze Before Baking (Optional): For even fluffier biscuits, pop your tray into the freezer for 10 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter and improves texture.
“Biscuits are one of those humble recipes that shine with technique. Master these tips, and you’ll never reach for store-bought again.” – Chef Emma
FAQ: 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but your biscuits will be a bit less rich. For best results, use full-fat milk and add 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt as a substitute.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Make the dough, shape the biscuits, and refrigerate them on a tray for up to 1 day. Bake straight from the fridge.
A Biscuit Recipe That Brings People Together
This 3 ingredient biscuit recipe is more than just a quick solution to your carb cravings—it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most straightforward recipes are the most satisfying. Passed down, perfected, and now yours to enjoy.
Make it once, and it’ll become part of your comfort food canon. Trust me, these biscuits have that magic.
Print
Flaky & Easy 3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits
Description
These buttery, flaky 3 ingredient biscuits come together in just 25 minutes using simple pantry staples. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting side dish, they’re a must-have in every home cook’s rotation.
Ingredients
– 2 cups self-rising flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour and heavy cream. Mix gently with a fork or hands until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat out to ¾-inch thickness.
4. Cut out 8 biscuits using a biscuit cutter or glass. Avoid twisting the cutter.
5. Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet close together.
6. Brush tops with half the melted butter.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Optional: Brush with remaining butter after baking for extra flavor and shine.
Notes
If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.
Customize with add-ins like shredded cheese, herbs, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breads & Biscuits
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: 3 ingredient biscuit recipe, easy biscuits, flaky biscuits, homemade biscuits, quick biscuits