There’s something special about a basket of warm homemade biscuits straight from the oven. These Dolly Parton-style buttermilk biscuits are tender, fluffy, lightly golden on top, and surprisingly simple to make with just a handful of classic pantry ingredients.
Whether you serve them with butter and honey for breakfast or alongside chicken, chili, soup, or gravy for dinner, these old-fashioned biscuits are the kind of comfort food everyone comes back for.
Why You’ll Love This Biscuit Recipe
These biscuits are wonderfully soft on the inside with a lightly crisp, golden exterior. Buttermilk gives them a subtle tang while helping create that tender texture we all love.
Even better, you don’t need any complicated equipment. A bowl, pastry cutter or two forks, rolling pin, and biscuit cutter are all you need.
This recipe makes approximately 24 small 2-inch biscuits.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 5 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 cup buttermilk
About the Buttermilk
Store-bought buttermilk works beautifully, but you can also make a quick substitute at home.
Add about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, stir, and allow it to sit for around 5–10 minutes before using.
How to Make Dolly Parton-Style Biscuits
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Baking soda
Whisk or sift everything together so the leavening ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Cut in the Fat
Add the lard or vegetable shortening.
Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the fat into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Small pieces of fat throughout the dough help create tender biscuits once they bake.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk.
Gently mix until the ingredients begin forming a soft dough.
If the dough feels extremely sticky, sprinkle in a little additional flour, one tablespoon at a time.
The dough should remain soft, so avoid adding too much flour.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Gently knead it for about 2 minutes until it comes together.
Avoid aggressively kneading or squeezing the dough because overworking it can make the finished biscuits dense rather than tender.
Wrap the dough and place it in the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place the chilled dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it until it is approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Use a 2-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits.
No biscuit cutter? The rim of a small drinking glass works too.
Place the biscuit rounds about 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for approximately 13–15 minutes, or until the biscuits have risen and the tops are beautifully golden.
Remove them from the oven and serve while warm.
Tips for Soft and Tender Biscuits
Don’t Add Too Much Flour
The dough should be soft.
Adding excessive flour can create dry biscuits, so only add extra flour if the dough is too sticky to handle.
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Gentle handling is one of the secrets to tender biscuits.
Mix and knead only until the dough comes together.
Try Lard for a More Traditional Flavor
Vegetable shortening works perfectly well, but lard creates a slightly richer, more traditional Southern-style flavor.
Keep the Dough Cool
Chilling the dough for 20 minutes helps the fat remain firm before baking, which contributes to a better biscuit texture.
Serve Them Warm
Biscuits are especially delicious right after baking.
Split one open and add:
- Butter
- Honey
- Jam
- Maple syrup
- Sausage gravy
They’re also wonderful served alongside savory meals.
What to Serve With Buttermilk Biscuits
These biscuits are incredibly versatile.
For breakfast, serve them with butter, honey, homemade jam, eggs, bacon, or sausage.
For lunch or dinner, pair them with:
- Fried chicken
- Chicken and gravy
- Beef stew
- Chili
- Vegetable soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Sausage gravy
- Roast chicken
They also make a delicious base for breakfast biscuit sandwiches.
How to Store Leftover Biscuits
Allow leftover biscuits to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Keep them at room temperature for around 2 days or refrigerate them for several days.
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture, warm them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can You Freeze Homemade Biscuits?
Yes!
Once completely cooled, place the biscuits in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
When you’re ready to eat them, thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven until soft and heated through.
Final Thoughts
If you love classic Southern comfort food, this simple buttermilk biscuit recipe deserves a place in your recipe collection.
With only six main ingredients, the biscuits come together quickly and bake into soft, golden little rounds that work for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or holiday gatherings.
Serve them warm with a generous spread of butter and a drizzle of honey, and don’t be surprised if the whole batch disappears faster than expected.
Save this recipe for the next time you’re craving warm, homemade biscuits!
