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Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze bring a warm and comforting start to any morning with their tender crumb and subtle sweetness. The blend of autumn spices with fresh apple creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilly days or weekend breakfasts. The honey butter glaze adds a luscious finishing touch that keeps these biscuits irresistibly moist and flavorful.
I made these one fall morning and my whole family asked for seconds. They quickly became a requested recipe for our weekend brunches.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Two cups makes for a soft and tender biscuit, keep some extra on hand for dusting your work surface
- Baking powder: One tablespoon helps the biscuits rise beautifully and gives them a light texture
- Baking soda: One teaspoon increases fluffiness and works well with the buttermilk to create a tender crumb
- Sugar: One tablespoon adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors
- Salt: Half a teaspoon enhances the overall flavor of the biscuits by balancing the sweetness and spices
- Ground spices: One teaspoon such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cloves bring an aromatic, autumnal note that pairs perfectly with apple
- Cold butter: Half a cup is essential for creating flaky layers, make sure it is well chilled before cutting into the flour
- Fresh apple: One cup grated provides moisture and a natural sweetness while keeping the biscuits tender
- Chilled buttermilk: Three quarters cup contributes to the biscuit’s softness and helps the leavening agents work efficiently
- Unsalted butter: Quarter cup melts into a rich base for the honey butter glaze
- Honey: Quarter cup adds natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices and apple
- Glaze salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
Instructions
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and ground spices until evenly combined to ensure an even distribution of leavening and spices throughout the dough.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, working quickly so the butter stays cold which helps create flakiness.
- Incorporate the Apple:
- Gently fold the grated apple into the flour and butter mixture, distributing it evenly without overworking the dough to retain moisture and subtle sweetness.
- Add Buttermilk:
- Pour the chilled buttermilk into the bowl and stir gently just until the mixture comes together, being careful not to overmix to avoid tougher biscuits.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly, then shape the dough into an oval and carefully fold it over itself seven times to trap layers and boost flakiness.
- Cut the Biscuits:
- Press the dough down gently to about one inch thickness, use a round cutter of 3 to 4 inches diameter to cut biscuits, and place them slightly apart on an ungreased baking sheet so they bake evenly.
- Bake the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius, bake the biscuits on the middle rack for approximately 20 minutes or until they develop a golden brown top and bottoms.
- Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze:
- While the biscuits bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave and stir in the honey and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Glaze the Warm Biscuits:
- When the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them immediately with the honey butter glaze for a shiny, flavorful finish that seeps into every bite.
My favorite element of this recipe is the honey butter glaze, it perfectly balances sweet and salty and turns simple biscuits into something special. One chilly morning I shared these with friends around the table, and the warm kitchen filled with laughter and the scent of spices—an unforgettable moment.
Storage Tips
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat wrapped in a damp paper towel for moist warmth. For freezing, wrap individually in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to three months.
Ingredient Substitutions
Buttermilk can be substituted with whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar left to rest for 10 minutes to mimic acidity. You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed but expect a slightly different texture. If fresh apples are unavailable, peeled and grated pears can be a mild alternative for sweetness and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these biscuits warm with extra honey butter or a dollop of cream cheese. Pair with a side of scrambled eggs and sautéed greens for a complete breakfast. They also make a great accompaniment to a fall soup or stew.
These apple biscuits are best served warm with a brush of honey butter. They make a comforting addition to any breakfast or brunch.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What gives the biscuits their unique flavor?
Grated apples and a mix of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cloves infuse the biscuits with a cozy autumn aroma and sweet flavor.
- → Why is folding the dough important?
Folding the dough several times helps create layers, resulting in a flaky and tender texture throughout the biscuits.
- → How does the honey butter glaze enhance the biscuits?
The glaze adds a rich sweetness and buttery finish that melts over the hot biscuits, balancing their subtle spice and apple notes beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the buttermilk if I don't have any?
Yes, you can mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes as a buttermilk substitute to maintain moisture and texture.
- → What is the best way to store leftover biscuits?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness, then warm gently before serving.