What is a simple biscuit recipe?

A simple biscuit recipe doesn’t get easier than the 3 ingredient biscuit recipe s. All you need is self-rising flour , cold butter , and milk . Mix, shape, and bake—no special equipment, no rising time, and no extra steps. It's the perfect introduction to homemade baking for beginners or anyone short on time. You’ll get flaky, soft biscuits in under 30 minutes. This recipe is so straightforward, even kids can help out. For more simple ideas, check out our 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe for a fun baking day.

What are the main ingredients of biscuits?

The main ingredients in most biscuit recipes include flour, fat (usually butter or shortening), and liquid (like milk or buttermilk) . The 3 ingredient biscuit recipe s simplifies that to self-rising flour (which already includes leavening and salt), butter, and milk. These three elements create structure, richness, and lift, all working together to make a biscuit that’s fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside. Using high-quality butter and cold milk makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.

Can I make biscuits with just flour and milk?

You can , but you’ll be sacrificing texture and lift. A biscuit made with just flour and milk will bake up dense and chewy rather than light and fluffy. The fat—typically cold butter—is what creates those signature flaky layers. Without it, you’re essentially making flatbread. That said, if you're in a pinch, self-rising flour and milk can form a basic dough, especially for drop-style biscuits. But for the real biscuit experience, the full 3 ingredient biscuit recipe s (with butter!) is the way to go. For another creative take on 3-ingredient cooking, check out our 3-ingredient chicken salad recipe .

What are the three methods for making biscuits?

There are three main techniques for making biscuits, and all can work with a 3 ingredient approach: Cut-In Method: Cold butter is cut into flour before adding milk. This creates the flakiest texture. Creaming Method: Butter is blended with the milk first, making biscuits soft and cake-like. Blending (Drop) Method: Melted butter is mixed with milk and flour, forming a sticky dough that’s scooped instead of shaped. Each method changes the texture slightly. The cut-in method remains the go-to for traditional, layered biscuits. Looking for more 3-ingredient meal inspiration? Try our easy 3-ingredient onion dip —perfect as a side or party snack with biscuits.

3 Ingredient Biscuit Recipes – The Best Fluffy Biscuits in 15 Minutes

Name: 3 ingredient biscuit recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 biscuits
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups self-rising flour; 1/2 cup unsalted cold butter, cubed; 3/4 cup cold milk (whole milk or any preferred variety)

Description

A quick and foolproof 3 ingredient biscuit recipes that’s perfect for any meal. Fluffy, buttery, and golden, these homemade biscuits come together in just 25 minutes with pantry staples—ideal for beginners and busy families.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup unsalted cold butter, cubed
3/4 cup cold milk (whole milk or any preferred variety)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, add self-rising flour and cold cubed butter. Cut butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
Pour in cold milk and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it down to 1-inch thickness. Fold once or twice for flakier layers.
Cut out biscuits using a round cutter (do not twist). Place them close together on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Optional: Brush tops with melted butter before serving.

Notes

Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
Substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.
Freeze unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen.
For drop-style biscuits, skip patting/cutting and spoon dough directly onto the sheet.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Side
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 biscuit
Calories: 160 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg