There’s something undeniably comforting about the warmth of a freshly baked biscuit, especially when it’s infused with the sweetness of blueberries and topped with a delicate vanilla glaze. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of lazy Sunday mornings spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. We’d gather fresh blueberries from the garden, freeze them just right, and then transform them into these delectable treats that filled the house with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients:
2 cups All-Purpose Flour (such as White Lily)
1 tablespoon Baking Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
3 tablespoons Sugar
1 stick Unsalted Butter, very cold
3/4 cup Buttermilk (adjust as needed)
1 cup Frozen Blueberries (fresh ones frozen overnight)
1/2 stick Salted Butter, melted
Sauce:
1 cup Powdered Sugar
3 tablespoons Milk (adjust for desired consistency)
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Directions:
Prepare Ingredients and Oven:
Cut the unsalted butter into small pats and spread them on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Place in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the powdered sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside.
Prepare the Skillet:
If available, grease a cast iron skillet with a small amount of bacon grease. Alternatively, a quick wipe with bacon and cleaning out the pan also works!
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
Incorporate Butter:
Retrieve the cold butter pats from the freezer and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork. Continue until the butter pieces are about pea-sized and evenly distributed.
Add Buttermilk:
Pour in the buttermilk slowly, stirring gently until the dough just begins to come together. Add more buttermilk if needed, just until the dough is moist enough to separate from the sides of the bowl.
Prepare Dough and Blueberries:
Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. Press it out gently (no need for a rolling pin) to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Sprinkle the frozen blueberries over the dough. Knead the dough a couple of times to incorporate the blueberries, then flatten it back out to about 1-inch thickness.
Bake the Biscuits:
Arrange the biscuits in the greased cast iron skillet so that they are touching.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the blueberries have burst.
Brush with Butter:
Around 6-8 minutes into baking, remove the skillet from the oven and generously brush the tops of the biscuits with melted salted butter. Ensure to coat the sides if they are exposed.
Finish Baking:
Return the skillet to the oven and continue baking until the biscuits are fully cooked and golden brown on top.
Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze over the warm biscuits. Use as much or as little as desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the blueberry biscuits immediately while still warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Variations and Substitutions:
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or soy milk for the biscuits and the glaze.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blackberries, or even diced apples for a seasonal twist.
Conclusion:
These blueberry biscuits with vanilla glaze are not just a recipe; they’re a celebration of comforting flavors and cherished memories. Whether you’re baking them on a lazy weekend morning or preparing them for a special brunch, the process of making and enjoying these biscuits brings joy and satisfaction. The tender, flaky texture of the biscuits combined with bursts of sweet blueberries and the creamy vanilla glaze make every bite a delightful experience. Embrace the warmth of Southern hospitality and indulge in these homemade treats that are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.
