Description
Delight in these tender Lemon Poppy Seed Biscuits, perfectly balanced with bright lemon zest and crunchy poppy seeds. Soft and flaky with a lightly crisped golden edge, they’re ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea, made from scratch using wholesome ingredients and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (281 g) Bob’s Red Mill organic Ivory Wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons (142 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 1 tablespoon (9 g) poppy seeds
- 1 cup (240 ml) low fat buttermilk, cold
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Optional
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even baking with a crisp base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until thoroughly combined for an even leavening.
- Cut in Butter: Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until the texture resembles small peas, which helps create flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Add Lemon Zest and Poppy Seeds: Gently fold in the lemon zest and poppy seeds evenly, infusing the dough with fresh citrus flavor and a slight nuttiness.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Slowly stir in the cold buttermilk until the dough is just moistened; avoid overmixing to keep the dough slightly shaggy and tender.
- Knead Dough Lightly: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 2 to 3 times to bring it together without developing gluten that would make the biscuits tough.
- Shape and Cut Dough: Pat the dough into a ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick square and cut into 16 equal 2 ¼ inch (5.7 cm) squares to ensure uniform baking.
- Brush and Chill: Arrange biscuit squares on a baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired, and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
- Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden brown with slightly crisp edges. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold before cutting into the flour to achieve a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent dense biscuits.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the biscuits hold their shape and rise better.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest to get the most vibrant flavor.
- For dairy-free options, substitute buttermilk and butter with suitable plant-based alternatives.