Fluffy Drop Biscuits
This delightful recipe for Fluffy Drop Biscuits comes from the 1942 Good Housekeeping Cook Book and is a testament to simplicity and speed in baking. Perfect for busy mornings or as a side for dinner, these biscuits are light, airy, and surprisingly easy to make. You can customize them by adding a cup of grated cheese for a savory twist, making them a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted or fluffed)
baking powder
3 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
shortening
6-7 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
milk
1 cup (none)
grated cheese (optional)
1 cup (optional addition in step 4)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and grease a muffin pan or a cookie sheet with cooking spray or butter.
2
Instead of sifting, fluff up your flour to aerate it before measuring for the right consistency.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
4
Cut the shortening into the dry mixture using a pastry blender or two knives, ensuring the mixture resembles fine crumbs with no large pieces of shortening remaining.
5
Gradually add the milk to the mixture. Gently stir with a fork or wooden spoon, just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
6
The dough will be sticky. Using a spoon or your hands, fill the greased muffin pan until each cup is about 2/3 full, or drop spoonfuls of dough about 1 inch apart on the greased cookie sheet.
7
Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Fluffy Drop Biscuits recipe?
This recipe comes from the 1942 Good Housekeeping Cook Book.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
What are the primary characteristics of these biscuits?
They are described as light, airy, and very easy to make.
How should I prepare the flour if I don't want to sift it?
You should fluff up the flour to aerate it before measuring to ensure the right consistency.
What dry ingredients are needed?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of fat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 7 tablespoons of shortening.
How do I incorporate the shortening?
Cut the shortening into the dry mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until it resembles fine crumbs.
How much milk is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of milk.
Can I add cheese to these biscuits?
Yes, you can add 1 cup of grated cheese for a savory twist.
When should I add the optional cheese?
The cheese should be added during step 4 of the instructions.
What is the best way to mix the milk into the dough?
Gradually add the milk and gently stir with a fork or wooden spoon just until combined.
Why is it important not to overmix the dough?
Overmixing the dough can result in tough biscuits.
What should the consistency of the dough be?
The dough will be sticky.
What types of pans can I use for baking?
You can use either a muffin pan or a cookie sheet.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan with cooking spray or butter.
How much dough should I put in each muffin cup?
Fill each cup until it is about 2/3 full.
How far apart should I place the dough on a cookie sheet?
Drop spoonfuls of dough about 1 inch apart.
How long do the biscuits need to bake?
Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I tell if the biscuits are done?
The biscuits are done when the tops turn golden brown.
Should the biscuits be served hot?
Yes, allow them to cool slightly and serve them warm.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include biscuits, quick bread, easy recipe, drop biscuits, homemade, and comfort food.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is noted as a testament to simplicity and speed in baking.
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
The original recipe specifies shortening, though butter is often used as a substitute in similar baking recipes.
What tools do I need for the dough?
A large mixing bowl, a pastry blender (or two knives), and a fork or wooden spoon.
Is this a yeast-based bread?
No, it is a quick bread that uses baking powder as a leavening agent.
What is the texture of the finished biscuit?
The finished biscuits are light and airy.
Can these be served as a side dish?
Yes, they are perfect as a side for dinner or for breakfast.
How much baking powder is used per cup of flour?
This recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this specific recipe does not list sugar as an ingredient.