Baking Powder Biscuits Pre 1940
Transport your taste buds back to the timeless kitchens of pre-1940s America with these classic Baking Powder Biscuits. Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter or lard, and milk, these golden, flaky biscuits come together quickly in just over 20 minutes. The secret to their tender crumb lies in cutting cold fat into the flour and handling the dough gently to avoid overmixing. Perfectly baked at 450°F, these biscuits emerge soft, buttery, and irresistibly golden, ready to be served warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or alongside hearty stews and soups. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, a holiday feast, or a comforting dinner, this vintage recipe is a true slice of culinary history, capturing the simplicity and charm of traditional home baking.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup butter or lard
- 0.75 cup milk
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a baking sheet lightly or line it with parchment paper if desired.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter or lard into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the fats from melting.
Step 4
Make a well in the center of the mixture and slowly pour in the milk. Stir gently with a spoon or fork until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
Step 5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 8–10 times until it is smooth. Pat or roll the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Step 6
Using a round biscuit cutter or the rim of a drinking glass (dusted with flour), cut out biscuits and place them on the baking sheet. Re-roll scraps and cut out additional biscuits as needed.
Step 7
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Step 8
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your preferred toppings.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (499.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1407.9 |
| Total Fat 54.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 33.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
| Cholesterol 144.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2608.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 198.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.5g | |
| Protein 31.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 116.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 275.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 557.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories