James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe is a classic Southern treat that is soft, fluffy and full of flavor. These biscuits are easy to make and require simple ingredients.
James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a side for dinner. With tender layers and a golden top, they feel homemade and comforting.
Many people love them because they come together quickly. Today, I will show you step by step how to make James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe at home easily and enjoyably.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe on a lazy Sunday morning. I wanted soft, buttery biscuits without complicated steps.
Mixing the cream with flour was simple and fast. The dough came together quickly and the biscuits baked evenly. The kitchen smelled amazing while they cooked.
When I tasted the first bite, it was soft and fluffy, just like a bakery biscuit. Now, I make these biscuits often for breakfast, brunch or even alongside soups and stews. They are always a hit.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe
- Servings: 8 biscuits
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Breakfast / Side Dish
- Cuisine: American / Southern
- Calories: 210 kcal per biscuit
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed – 4 tablespoons
- Heavy cream – ¾ cup
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well to mix evenly.
3. Cut in Butter
Add cold butter cubes to flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
4. Add Cream
Pour heavy cream into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently until dough forms a soft ball.
5. Knead Lightly
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 3–4 times to bring it together.
6. Roll Out Dough
Roll dough to about ¾ inch thick. Avoid pressing too hard to keep biscuits fluffy.
7. Cut Biscuits
Use a round biscuit cutter to cut dough into circles. Place them on prepared baking tray.
8. Bake Biscuits
Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Keep butter cold for flakier biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender.
- Use heavy cream for soft, rich texture.
- Lightly flour surface to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Optional: brush tops with melted butter for extra shine.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Biscuit |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Serving Suggestions
James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe tastes amazing with butter and honey. You can serve them with jam, gravy or eggs. They are perfect alongside soups, stews or fried chicken.
Warm biscuits make breakfast special and comforting. They also pair well with tea or coffee for a relaxing brunch.
Best Sides To Serve With
Serve biscuits with scrambled eggs or omelets for breakfast. Pair with fried chicken for a classic Southern meal. Use them alongside creamy soups or stews.
Honey butter or homemade jam works beautifully. Fresh fruit or a light salad can balance the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
You can also wrap in foil and warm slightly to retain softness. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dryness.
James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter cold and cubed – 4 tablespoons
- Heavy cream – ¾ cup
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to mix evenly.
Cut in Butter
- Add cold butter cubes to flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
Add Cream
- Pour heavy cream into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently until dough forms a soft ball.
Knead Lightly
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 3–4 times to bring it together.
Roll Out Dough
- Roll dough to about ¾ inch thick. Avoid pressing too hard to keep biscuits fluffy.
Cut Biscuits
- Use a round biscuit cutter to cut dough into circles. Place them on prepared baking tray.
Bake Biscuits
- Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve hot.
Notes
- Keep butter cold for flakier biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender.
- Use heavy cream for soft, rich texture.
- Lightly flour surface to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Optional: brush tops with melted butter for extra shine.
FAQs about James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but heavy cream gives a richer, fluffier biscuit. Milk works but may be slightly less tender.
How do I make biscuits extra flaky?
Keep butter very cold and do not overmix dough. Light kneading and gentle rolling help create flaky layers.
Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes, freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray first, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Why do my biscuits turn dense?
Dense biscuits usually mean overmixing dough or using warm butter. Keep ingredients cold and mix gently.
Can I add cheese or herbs?
Yes, fold in shredded cheese, chives or herbs for flavored biscuits. Adjust baking time slightly if adding moist ingredients.
Conclusion
James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe is a simple, classic treat everyone will love. Soft, golden and tender, these biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a side.
Now you know how to make James Beard’s Cream Biscuit Recipe easily at home. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy bakery-style biscuits anytime.
Try this recipe and delight your family and friends with warm, fluffy homemade biscuits.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
