Butter Swim Biscuits: Golden, Flaky, and Irresistibly Buttery

Butter Swim Biscuits: Golden, Flaky, and Irresistibly Buttery

There are some recipes that sound too good to be true, and this one for Butter Swim Biscuits is a prime example. The name says it all: biscuits that bake directly in a pool of melted butter, creating a golden, flaky, and unbelievably moist result. This is a game-changer for anyone who loves biscuits but wants to avoid the mess of rolling and cutting dough. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a batch of these heavenly biscuits ready in no time.


Why I love This Recipe

I’m a firm believer that great food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this recipe proves it. What I love most is its genius technique. Instead of a traditional biscuit recipe that requires cold butter and a delicate touch, this recipe uses melted butter, which simplifies the process and guarantees a perfectly moist and flavorful biscuit. The “butter swim” is a game-changer. As the biscuits bake, they absorb all that delicious melted butter, creating a soft interior and a crispy, buttery crust that is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect recipe for a family breakfast or a special gathering, as they are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 121​ cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Swaps and Notes

  • Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a key ingredient for this recipe. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder to create a light, fluffy biscuit. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling it to the 121​ cup line with whole milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for this recipe, as it allows you to control the amount of salt. You can also use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. You can also use a self-rising flour, but be sure to omit the baking powder and salt.
  • Sugar: A little bit of sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory, buttery flavor of the biscuits. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your personal taste.
  • Add-ins: You can get creative with this recipe! You could add a tablespoon of fresh chives or a pinch of garlic powder to the dough for a savory biscuit, or a little cinnamon and sugar for a sweeter version.

List of Steps for the Recipe

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  3. Prep the Pan: Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  4. Add the Dough: Scrape the dough into the buttered dish and gently spread it to fill the pan. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
  5. Cut the Biscuits: Use a knife to cut the dough into 9 squares without cutting all the way through. This will help you get perfectly portioned biscuits after they bake.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20−25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and flaky.
  7. Serve: Serve the biscuits warm, right out of the pan.

Tips for Success

  • Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense biscuit. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
  • Use a Hot Oven: A high oven temperature is crucial for this recipe. It ensures that the biscuits rise quickly and get a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
  • Cut Before Baking: Cutting the dough into squares before baking is a simple but important step. It helps the biscuits bake evenly and makes them much easier to separate after they’ve been baked.
  • Serve Warm: These biscuits are at their best when they are served warm, right out of the pan. The melted butter and soft, flaky interior are simply irresistible.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These butter swim biscuits are delicious on their own, but they are also a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals. They are a great side for a big family breakfast with scrambled eggs and sausage, or a wonderful addition to a cozy dinner with roasted chicken or a hearty stew. They are also fantastic with a little bit of honey or jam.

For a drink pairing, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk would be a perfect complement.


Nutritional Information

(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)

This is a hearty, satisfying treat. The calories, carbohydrates, and fats come from the flour, butter, and buttermilk. While it is an indulgent treat, it’s a wonderfully delicious one that is perfect for a special occasion or a fun family breakfast.


Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of these biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat them, you can place them in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back some of that crispy, buttery texture. You can also warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.


Final Thoughts

This Butter Swim Biscuits recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a flaky, buttery biscuit and a simple cooking method is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious treat as much as I do!

Butter Swim Biscuits: Golden, Flaky, and Irresistibly Buttery

Butter Swim Biscuits: Golden, Flaky, and Irresistibly Buttery

There are some recipes that sound too good to be true, and this one for Butter Swim Biscuits is a prime example. The name says it all: biscuits that bake directly in a pool of melted butter, creating a golden, flaky, and unbelievably moist result. This is a game-changer for anyone who loves biscuits but wants to avoid the mess of rolling and cutting dough. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a batch of these heavenly biscuits ready in no time.
By Jason GriffithPublished on August 5, 2025
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time30 min
Total Time45 min
Servings4 servings
Category: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. In a measuring cup, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and fill it to the 1 cup line with whole milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to create buttermilk.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  4. Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch baking dish, then drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough on top of the butter.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation
Calories: 250 calories
Protein Content: 4g
Carbohydrate Content: 30g
Fat Content: 12g
Tags: biscuits, buttery biscuits, baking, American biscuits, easy biscuits