In case you didnt know, you can make drop biscuits without baking powder but taste can remain 100% perfect! And Im not just talking about those hockey puck things that everybody seems to hate. Nope, today were making real drop biscuits - the kind that are soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. Best of all, theres no need to haul out the oven or even turn on the stove top. All you need is a bowl and a spoon!
So what are you waiting for? Lets get started with some information before getting to drop biscuits without baking powder!
Table of Contents
Drop biscuits – What is That?

Drop biscuits without baking powder
You might be wondering, what are drop biscuits? Well, biscuits (or scones) generally fall into two types: cut biscuits and drop biscuits. When making cut biscuits, you use a biscuit cutter or knife to separate the dough into biscuits. One of the top recipes for how to make homemade biscuit.
Cut Biscuits vs Drop Biscuits: What is The Difference?
Cut biscuits have to be cut out with a biscuit cutter or else into squares using a knife, but drop biscuits batter is simply dropped right onto the baking sheet.
Not only are drop biscuits quicker and easier, they also can serve many more purposes than their cut brethren-both sweet and savory. For example, use drop biscuits as an easy cobbler topping or in shortcake recipes; on chicken and beef stew; for breakfast sandwiches-the list goes on.
So which one is better:
- Drop biscuits have more of a crumbly texture while cut out biscuits have firmer dough.
- Drop biscuits generally look more rustic, whereas Cutout biscuits appear neater-great when you want to show off your baking skills.
Substitute Ingredients for Baking PowderÂ
When preparing drop biscuits without baking powder, add an acid (such as cream of tartar) to activate the baking soda and follow the rest of the recipe exactly as given. Here are some suggestions for you:
- Buttermilk.
- Plain Yogurt.
- Molasses.
- Cream of Tartar.
- Sour Milk.
- Vinegar.
- Lemon Juice.
- Baking Soda.
So thats all you need to know before jumping in the recipe of drop biscuits without baking powder. Lets go!
How to Make Drop Biscuits Without Baking Powder?

Drop biscuits without baking powder
To make drop biscuits without baking powder, you will need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chilled butter, diced
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
Lets jump into the recipe of drop biscuits without baking powder:
- Simply combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.
- Then, stir together until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Finally, drop the batter onto an oiled baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
And thats it! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy delicious drop biscuits without any hassle, just like biscuits without shortening. So the next time youre in the mood for something tasty, give drop biscuits a try!
ATTENTION: Why chilled butter for drop biscuits without baking powder?
A critical component to making light, fluffy biscuits and scones is inclusion of small, cold pieces of butter that melt and create steam. If the butter is too warm when mixed in with the dry ingredients, it will not produce those same desired results.
How to Make Drop Biscuits With Self-Rising Flour?

Drop biscuits without baking powder
Ingredients of drop biscuits recipe
- 2 cups self-rising flour (check-out the notes sections below)
- 1/2 cup grated butter
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
Instructions of drop biscuits recipe
- Set oven to 450ºF before beginning.
- Combine self rising flour and cold butter in a grater over a medium-sized bowl. Stir mixture until the butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Make a small hole in the center of your dry ingredients (flour and butter). Gently pour milk into the well then stir for about 30 seconds. If you want your biscuits to be flaky and tender, do not mix too much.
- Before you begin, grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, measure out the batter onto the baking sheet. This recipe usually makes 8 - 10 biscuits total.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, until theyre golden in color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
If you would like to use all purpose flour in place of self-rising flour, mix the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
Videos of Drop Biscuits without Baking Powder
1-Baker Bettie Channel:
2-Inspired Taste Channel:
3-Connor Minix Channel:
How to Tell if My Drop Biscuits without Baking Powder
Oftentimes, we dont have the luxury of watching our cookies while theyre in the oven - however, its highly recommended that you check on them periodically.
- For the most delicious drop biscuits, youll want to observe their coloring and consistency. The top should be a rich gold-brown hue, while the bottom needs to be firmly cooked through for perfect results every time!
- Test the texture of your biscuit to determine if it is ready. If its still tender, leave it a few more moments in the oven; once its surface appears firm and slightly crisp, you can proudly remove them from the heat!
- Furthermore, you can verify if your homemade biscuits are ready to be served by inserting a toothpick or bamboo skewer into the center of one biscuit. If it comes out clean, then congratulations - theyre finished baking!
Tips to Have Good Homemade Drop Biscuits

Drop biscuits without baking powder
1- Make your baking sheet or pan with oil or cooking spray before placing the drop biscuits on top. This will help them bake evenly and prevent sticking.
2-To make drop biscuits, you should also pay attention to the consistency of your batter. The dough should be thick enough that it holds together when you drop it from a spoon, but not so thick at your drop biscuits with a light dusting of flour before baking to create a nice, golden crust.
3-You can also try experimenting with different herbs and spices to add extra flavor and variety to your drop biscuits.
4-And lastly, be sure to keep an eye on your drop biscuits as they bake, making sure that they dont overcook or burned up to a warm batch of drop biscuits any time youre in the mood for something delicious and comforting.
5-Whether you choose to make drop biscuits with self-rising flour or all-purpose flour, the key is to keep your ingredients cold and mix them just enough to form a cohesive batter. And always be sure to use a light dusting of up to a warm batch of drop biscuits any time youre in the mood for something delicious and comforting.
FAQs of Making Drop Biscuits without Baking Powder
Is it OK if I use baking soda instead of baking powder for my drop biscuits?
Yes, it is fine to use baking soda instead of baking powder for your drop biscuits. Just remember that baking soda will cause your biscuits to have a slightly different texture and flavor than if you were using baking powder. Additionally, make sure that you are also adding an acid (such as cream of tartar) to activate the baking soda, and that you follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Can I use cut butter instead of grated one in drop biscuits without baking powder?
Sure! Some people like using a pastry cutter to mix in the butter. Alternatively, you can use two knives to cut the butter in with the flour. The butter should be pebble-sized.
What are the benefits when using self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour tends to produce a lighter, fluffier end result. Additionally, self-rising flour can simplify the overall recipe since you dont need to add additional leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. So, this is a perfect ingredient to use in your recipe of drop biscuits without baking powder
How do I know when my drop biscuits are done baking?
One good indicator is to look for a golden brown color around the edges and on top of the biscuits. Another way to tell if theyre done is to use a toothpick or skewer to test the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, your drop biscuits should be ready to enjoy!
Can yogurt replace baking powder for drop biscuits?
Yes indeed. Yogurt contains an amount of acid that can help the texture just like baking powder, but remember to choose the plain yogurt one for better taste.
Conclusion
Making drop biscuits without baking powder is not very difficult to learn how to do. In order to perfect the recipe, all you need to do is pay attention to the advice offered in this blog post from The Blue Stove and have enough patience. We hope that once you have finished reading this piece, you will head on over to our website where you can find even more information about various cooking recipes. Were appreciative that youve taken the time to read this article.