Crisco Biscuits Recipe

Looking for an easy, foolproof way to make delicious homemade biscuits? This Crisco biscuits recipe is the answer! Using Crisco shortening instead of cold butter makes these old fashioned Crisco biscuits incredibly straightforward to prepare, even for beginner bakers.

The beauty of buttermilk Crisco biscuits lies in their simplicity-just a handful of basic pantry staples combine to create tender, fluffy biscuits with a light, airy crumb.

Whether you’re making easy Crisco biscuits for a quick breakfast, serving them alongside dinner, or enjoying them fresh from the oven with jam, this homemade Crisco biscuits recipe delivers bakery-quality results without any fuss. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these butter flavored Crisco biscuits have earned their place as a beloved American staple for generations.

What Do Crisco Biscuits Taste Like?

Crisco biscuits offer a delightfully tender, fluffy texture with a mild, buttery flavor that’s both comforting and versatile. The Crisco shortening creates a softer crumb structure than traditional butter-based biscuits, resulting in a lighter, more tender bite that practically melts in your mouth.

The buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the shortening beautifully, while the baking powder provides gentle lift and a clean flavor. These homemade Crisco biscuits have a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a pillowy soft interior, making them perfect for standing alone with just butter and jam or serving alongside savory dishes.

The straightforward flavor profile of buttermilk Crisco biscuits makes them incredibly versatile-equally at home at breakfast or dinner, with sweet toppings or savory gravies.

Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder (not baking soda)
• 2 generous tablespoons Crisco shortening (plus extra for greasing the pan)
• ½ cup buttermilk (regular milk also works)

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or fork for mixing
• Biscuit cutter (or glass rim)
• Baking pan or baking sheet
• Paper towels for greasing
• Floured work surface
• Potholder or oven mitt

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 4 biscuits

Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1½ teaspoons of baking powder. Mix them well together, ensuring the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 2: Cut In the Crisco

Add 2 generous tablespoons of Crisco shortening to your flour mixture. Using your fingers, work the Crisco into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs. One of the advantages of using Crisco instead of cold butter is that it’s easier to work with and doesn’t require freezing-your fingers will naturally warm and incorporate it smoothly into the flour.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pan

Lightly grease your baking pan with a small amount of Crisco. The easiest way is to dab a little shortening on a paper towel and wipe it across the pan surface. This prevents sticking without adding excess grease.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk

Make a well in the center of your crumbly flour and Crisco mixture. Pour the ½ cup of buttermilk into this well. Gently stir with a spoon or your hand just until the dough comes together into a shaggy, rough dough. Do not over-mix or stir vigorously, as this develops gluten and creates tough biscuits instead of tender ones.

Step 5: Fold the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently press and fold the dough on itself 3-4 times to bring it together. Keep all movements gentle and deliberate-this is where many people go wrong by overworking the dough. Press it into a rectangular shape about the thickness you want for your finished biscuits, typically about ½ to ¾ inch thick.

Step 6: Cut Your Biscuits

Using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out 3 biscuits from your dough by pressing straight down without twisting. Place these cut biscuits on your prepared Crisco-greased pan. The straight press-down motion is crucial for proper rising.

Step 7: Use Your Scraps

Gather any remaining dough scraps and gently press them together into one more biscuit, keeping it the same thickness as your cut biscuits. Add this to the pan with the others. You’ll have 4 biscuits total from this easy Crisco biscuits recipe.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake your Crisco biscuits at 425°F for 14 minutes, or until they’re nicely risen and golden brown on top. Remove the pan from the oven using a potholder and serve your homemade Crisco biscuits warm with butter and your favorite jam.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic Jam and Butter

The simplest and most traditional way to enjoy these easy Crisco biscuits is fresh from the oven with a generous pat of melting butter and a generous spread of your favorite jam. Blackberry jam is the classic choice that pairs beautifully with the tender crumb and buttermilk tang of homemade Crisco biscuits, but strawberry, peach, or apple butter work wonderfully too.

2. Buttermilk Crisco Biscuits and Gravy

 Transform these biscuits into a hearty breakfast by smothering them in creamy sausage gravy. Brown breakfast sausage, create a roux with the drippings and flour, then gradually whisk in milk to create a thick, peppery gravy. Split your warm Crisco biscuits and ladle generous portions of gravy over both halves for pure comfort food.

3. Breakfast Sandwich Creations

Split these tender biscuits horizontally and fill them with fried eggs, crispy bacon or sausage patties, and melted cheese for satisfying breakfast sandwiches. The soft texture of buttermilk and Crisco biscuits makes them ideal for holding warm fillings without falling apart or being too dense.

4. Savory Mix-In Variations

Customize your batter by adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped fresh chives, or diced jalapeños to the flour mixture before adding the buttermilk. These additions create flavorful variations of Crisco biscuits that pair perfectly with soups, stews, chili, or barbecue.

5. Sweet Toppings and Glazes

 For a dessert-style biscuit, brush your warm butter Crisco biscuits with melted butter mixed with cinnamon and sugar, or drizzle with honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also split them and create simple shortcake by layering with whipped cream and fresh berries.

6. Savory Dinner Biscuits

 Serve these old fashioned Crisco biscuits alongside fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, or green bean casserole for a complete Southern-style dinner. Their versatile flavor profile makes them equally comfortable at breakfast, lunch, or dinner tables.

7. Sandwich and Slider Platform

 These biscuits are perfect for creating gourmet sliders or sandwiches with pulled pork, sliced country ham, fried chicken tenders, or roasted turkey. The tender crumb and mild flavor of how to make Crisco biscuits means they won’t overpower your fillings while still providing structural support.Looking for more homemade bread favorites? Try our Hardee’s Biscuits Recipe and Paula Deen Biscuit Recipe for even more easy biscuit ideas.

Essential Tips for Perfect Crisco Biscuits

1. Don’t Overwork Your Dough

 The most important rule for successful easy Crisco biscuits is keeping your dough handling to an absolute minimum. Over-mixing develops gluten, which makes biscuits tough and dense instead of tender and fluffy. Stir just until combined, fold only 3-4 times, and resist the urge to knead. Your dough should feel slightly shaggy and rough at first-that’s perfect!

2. Crisco is More Forgiving Than Butter

 One of the advantages of using Crisco shortening instead of cold butter is that it’s much more forgiving for beginners. Crisco doesn’t require freezing, it’s easier to work into the flour by hand, and it creates a more consistent texture regardless of kitchen temperature or humidity. This makes homemade Crisco biscuits an excellent choice if you’ve struggled with biscuit-making before.

3. Use Fresh Baking Powder

 Old or expired baking powder won’t give your buttermilk Crisco biscuits the proper lift they need. Check your baking powder expiration date, and replace it if it’s been open for more than a year. Fresh leavening agent is crucial for achieving those light, fluffy biscuits that rise beautifully during baking.

4. Buttermilk Makes a Difference

 While regular milk technically works in this Crisco biscuits with milk version, buttermilk truly elevates the flavor and texture. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create better lift and more tender crumbs. If you only have regular milk on hand, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

5. Keep Your Pan Temperature Consistent

 A 425°F oven is hot enough to create a well-risen biscuit with a slightly crisp exterior before the interior dries out. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the temperature by 25 degrees and check biscuits a minute or two earlier or later than 14 minutes. Every oven is different, so watching for golden color is your best guide.

6. No Rolling Pin Needed

 One of the beauties of old fashioned Crisco biscuits is that you don’t need special equipment. Simply use your clean hands to gently press the dough into shape. This direct hand contact also helps you feel the dough’s consistency and avoid overworking it compared to using rolling pins or pastry tools.

7. Serve Fresh for Maximum Enjoyment

 These biscuits are absolutely at their peak when served warm from the oven with butter melting into every layer. The texture changes as they cool and become slightly denser. If you need to make them ahead, bake as directed, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil to restore some warmth and softness.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Crisco biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat refrigerated biscuits wrapped in foil at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until warm. For longer storage, freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as directed above.

Common Queries and FAQs

Your guide to frequently asked Crisco Biscuits Recipe questions and answers.

What’s the difference between Crisco biscuits and butter biscuits?

Crisco shortening creates a softer, more tender crumb than butter because it lacks water content and has a different fat structure. Crisco biscuits are typically easier to make since shortening doesn’t need to be frozen and is easier to incorporate by hand. The flavor is slightly milder and less rich than butter-based biscuits, making Crisco biscuits more universally versatile.

Can I use butter instead of Crisco in this recipe?

You can substitute cold butter for Crisco, but you’ll need to freeze it first and work more quickly. The technique becomes more similar to traditional Southern biscuits. Use the same amount of cold, cubed butter and proceed as directed, though your biscuits may not rise quite as high as butter Crisco biscuits.

Why does the recipe specify baking powder instead of baking soda?

Baking powder contains both an acid and a base, making it the correct leavening for buttermilk Crisco biscuits. Baking soda requires an acidic liquid to activate and would create a different flavor profile and rise pattern. Baking powder is essential for achieving the specific texture of these easy Crisco biscuits.

Can I make a double batch of this Crisco biscuits recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients: 2 cups flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 4 tablespoons Crisco, and 1 cup buttermilk. Follow the same gentle handling instructions and you’ll make about 8 biscuits. The baking time should remain around 14-16 minutes depending on how crowded your pan is.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. This creates an acidic liquid that will work in your homemade Crisco biscuits recipe, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Are Crisco biscuits the same as American biscuits or British scones?

American-style Crisco biscuits are similar to British scones in appearance and basic technique, but they’re distinct recipes. Crisco biscuits use baking powder as the primary leavener, are typically savory or lightly sweet, and are meant to be warm for breakfast or dinner. Scones often include sugar, cream, and sometimes eggs, with a different texture entirely.

How do I know when my Crisco biscuits are done?

Your biscuits are ready when they’re nicely risen and the tops are golden brown, typically around 14 minutes at 425°F. Press the top of a biscuit lightly-it should feel firm but still slightly soft, not hard or overly crispy. If the tops are browning too fast, lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees for the last few minutes.

Can I freeze unbaked Crisco biscuits?

Yes! After cutting your biscuits, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake frozen biscuits at 425°F for 16-18 minutes without thawing, adding just a couple extra minutes to the standard baking time.

This Crisco biscuits recipe proves that making delicious homemade biscuits doesn’t require fancy techniques or temperamental ingredients. Whether you’re baking old fashioned Crisco biscuits for breakfast, serving buttermilk and Crisco biscuits with dinner, or enjoying them fresh with jam, this easy recipe delivers tender, fluffy results every single time. The forgiving nature of Crisco shortening makes this an ideal recipe for beginners, while the classic flavor satisfies even the most experienced bakers. Once you master how to make Crisco biscuits, you’ll return to this simple, reliable recipe again and again!

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