Imagine the coziness of a classic apple pie and the buttery flakiness of a biscuit coming together in one irresistible treat—that’s exactly what Apple Pie Biscuits deliver. These golden, tender biscuits are studded with juicy apples, kissed with warm spices, and finished with a sweet glaze that makes every bite feel like a celebration of autumn flavors. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, dessert, or simply craving a comforting snack, Apple Pie Biscuits are the dreamy cross between pastry and comfort food you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Pie Biscuits lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is handpicked to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute too much; every element plays a crucial part in making these biscuits truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the biscuits their structure and soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise up tall and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Adds extra lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and that signature apple pie flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends depth and a subtle spicy kick.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): The secret to those flaky, buttery layers—keep it cold!
- Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and keeps the biscuits tender; regular milk plus vinegar works in a pinch.
- Peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star ingredient—choose tart apples for the best sweet-tart balance.
- Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and brightens their flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes to the apple filling.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on top for a gorgeous golden finish.
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional): Adds sparkle and a delightful crunch.
- Powdered sugar and milk for glaze (optional): Drizzle on top to make these biscuits truly decadent.
How to Make Apple Pie Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling and finely dicing your apples—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for that perfect combination of sweetness and tartness. Toss the diced apples in a small bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This quick marinade not only prevents browning but also infuses the apples with flavor and just the right amount of moisture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend creates the backbone of your Apple Pie Biscuits, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and aromatic.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until you have a crumbly texture with small, pea-sized bits of butter scattered throughout. These butter pockets are what make the biscuits supremely flaky and delicious.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently stir the apple mixture into the flour and butter base. Gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to tender biscuits. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more buttermilk.
Step 5: Shape the Biscuits
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and lightly pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. To get those dreamy, flaky layers, fold the dough over itself a few times, then pat it out again. Use a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut out 8 rounds or squares. Arrange these beauties on your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy, golden appearance, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you love a bit of extra crunch and sparkle. Now they’re ready for the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Apple Pie Biscuits at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re puffed and gorgeously golden. Let them cool slightly on the pan—just enough so you won’t scorch your mouth with that first, irresistible bite.
Step 8: Glaze (Optional)
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk to make a simple, sweet glaze. Drizzle it over the warm biscuits and watch it melt into all those nooks and crannies.
How to Serve Apple Pie Biscuits
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze elevates these biscuits to the next level. If you love a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking adds sparkle and texture.
Side Dishes
Apple Pie Biscuits pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous spoonful of whipped cream. For breakfast, serve them with a side of crispy bacon or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate morning treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack biscuits on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch spread, or serve them in a basket lined with a gingham napkin for a classic, homey vibe. For dessert, split them and fill with ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent twist on a classic shortcake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Pie Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, making them perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked and cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment so they don’t stick together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 5–8 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick, but the oven keeps them crisp and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Pie Biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight, or even freeze cut-out biscuits before baking. Just bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time as needed.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices—they hold their shape and offer the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Feel free to experiment with your favorite variety, but avoid overly soft apples which may turn mushy.
Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This quick swap keeps your Apple Pie Biscuits tender and flavorful.
Are Apple Pie Biscuits suitable for breakfast and dessert?
Definitely! These biscuits are just sweet enough for dessert (especially with ice cream or glaze), but not so sugary that they can’t be enjoyed as a special breakfast treat or snack with coffee or tea.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or golden raisins would be a delicious addition to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor. Just stir them in with the apples before combining with the dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Apple Pie Biscuits—the way they fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples, the way they melt in your mouth while still offering a little crunch, the way they bring people together for a cozy moment. Trust me, bake a batch and you’ll see just how quickly they become a family favorite. Give these a try and let Apple Pie Biscuits bring a little extra joy to your table!
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Apple Pie Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Biscuits are a delightful treat combining the flaky texture of classic biscuits with the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they feature diced apples tossed in cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, folded into buttery biscuit dough, then baked to golden perfection. Optionally topped with a sweet glaze, these biscuits bring a comforting, homestyle charm to your table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Optional Toppings
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons milk for glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: In a small bowl, combine the finely diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly blended.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Add apples and buttermilk: Stir the apple mixture into the flour and butter blend. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing gently with a spoon or spatula just until the dough comes together. Add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too dry.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it over onto itself a few times to build flaky layers, then pat it out again to about 1 inch thick. Use a round cutter or knife to cut the dough into 8 rounds or squares.
- Prepare for baking: Place the biscuits onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if you desire added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Add glaze (optional): Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly. If using, mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a simple glaze and drizzle over the warm biscuits before serving.
Notes
- Serve these biscuits warm for the best flavor and texture.
- They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
- Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
