Zesty Lemon Biscuits

Name: Zesty Lemon Biscuits
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup fresh dill (minced); 2 tbsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 8 tbsp butter (cubed; 1 tbsp melted set aside); 4 tbsp vegetable shortening (divided into ½ tbsps); 1 ¼ cups buttermilk (divided)

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Light, flaky and full of zest, these Lemon Biscuits are a delicious way to add a little zing to your plate. Buttery and fluffy, they strike the ideal balance between bright citrus and satisfying comfort. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside eggs, drizzling with honey, or pairing with sausage and gravy, these biscuits offer a refreshing take on a classic favorite.

A lemon biscuit on a plate spread with butter.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Biscuits Ingredients
Variations
How to Make Lemon Biscuits
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Biscuits
Serving Suggestions
Storing Tips
Recipe FAQs
More Delicious Bread and Biscuit Recipes
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These zesty lemon biscuits strike the perfect balance between light, fluffy, and cozy. Made with simple ingredients like fresh lemon zest, rich butter, all-purpose flour, tangy buttermilk, and fresh dill, they deliver a melt-in-your-mouth, tender crumb with a gourmet touch—without the fuss.

The flaky texture combined with the tangy lemon flavor makes for a refreshing combination that will leave everyone coming back for more. The best part? They come together in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute addition to any meal!

Looking for a delicious gravy to pair with these biscuits? Try this Skillet Pan Gravy, Turkey Gravy or Sausage Gravy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Flavorful: Infused with fresh lemon zest, these biscuits make each bite tender, light, and refreshing. A delightful addition to any meal!
Easy to Customize: This lemon biscuit recipe is perfect for any-level baker, offering plenty of room for you to get creative and make the biscuits your own with simple adjustments.
Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: With the right balance of ingredients and technique, the biscuits bake up with a golden, crispy exterior while remaining soft and flaky on the inside—making them irresistibly delicious.

Lemon Biscuits Ingredients

Ingredients to make lemon biscuits on the table.

Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the dough together, contributing to the texture and control of the rising process during baking.
Leaveners: These ingredients work together to help the biscuits rise. Baking soda reacts with the acidity of buttermilk, while baking powder works with moisture creating a light, airy texture.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and contributes to a fluffier texture by reacting with the leaveners to help the dough rise.
Butter and Shortening: Butter provides richness and flavor, while shortening ensures a flakier, tender texture.
Dill, Lemon and Salt: Fresh dill brings a bright, herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with the fragrant citrus. The lemon zest adds a citrusy kick, and salt balances the flavors.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

Lemon Blueberry Pairing: Toss in a handful of blueberries to the dough for a classic lemon and blueberry combination. The tartness of the berries complements the lemon, giving the biscuits a fun, fruity spin.
Burst of Poppy: Incorporating poppy seeds into the dough not only adds a subtle crunch but also enhances the lemon flavor and their visual appeal.
Nutty Version: If you love nuts, finely chop walnuts, or pistachios and fold them into the dough. They’ll add a satisfying texture and nutty crunch to the biscuits.

How to Make Lemon Biscuits

Ready to bring some zing to your kitchen? With just 4 simple steps, minimal prep, and under 10 ingredients, you'll have warm, golden biscuits in less than 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F, grab your 12” cast iron skillet, gather your ingredients, and let's get started:

Dry ingredients in a bowl to make lemon biscuits.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients. Whisk together the flour, dill, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined.

Butter and shortening added to the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Shortening. Add the butter and vegetable shortening to the dry ingredients and incorporate them just until there are no large clumps remaining.

Step 3: Make the Dough. Gradually add ¼ cup buttermilk at a time, stirring until the dill biscuit mixture comes together into a slightly sticky dough.

Step 4: Portion and Brush. Scoop the dough into biscuit rounds using a ⅓ or ½ measuring cup, and place them in the cast iron skillet. Brush the tops with melted butter.

Step 5: Bake. Bake the biscuits at 425°F for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

⭐️ Hint: For perfectly airy biscuits, do not overmix the dough. Stir just until the ingredients come together - the less you handle it, the better!

Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Biscuits

Use Cold Butter and Shortening: Ensure the butter and vegetable shortening are very cold. This makes it easier to cube and incorporate into the dry ingredients, resulting in a flaky texture.
Tools for Cutting: When cutting in the butter and vegetable shortening, use a fork or a pastry cutter. While using your hands can work, the heat from your hands may melt the butter and veggie shortening, affecting the dough’s consistency.
Zesting the Lemons: When zesting, avoid the white pith, as it’s bitter and will negatively affect the flavor of the lemon in this flavored biscuit recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Got golden brown lemon biscuits? Now, let’s discover all the best ways to enjoy them. Thanks to their versatility, whether you’re serving them with a hearty breakfast or simply spreading on some cream cheese or butter, here are a few ideas to turn these biscuits into your next favorite treat:

Spread them with your favorite toppings like cream cheese, honey, lemon curd, or jam for a satisfying snack or side.
Pair with a wholesome breakfast dish like a skillet frittata or sweet potato hash to start your day right.
Biscuits and sausage are a classic combo! Try them with sausage stuffed butternut squash, sausage stuffed peppers, or Cajun shrimp and sausage.
Make them perfect for dipping by serving alongside comforting soups like sausage tortellini soup, 7 can soup, or homemade chicken noodle soup.

Storing Tips

Storing: After the biscuits cool completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, with parchment layers between them. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, let the biscuits thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon zest?

While lemon extract can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon zest is highly recommended. The zest provides a more vibrant, natural lemon flavor because it contains essential oils that are lost during the extraction process. If you must use lemon extract, do so sparingly, as it is much more concentrated than zest.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches the right consistency. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for a bit to allow it to firm up.

Can I make these biscuits without a cast iron pan?

Yes, you can! While a cast iron pan is highly recommended for even baking, you can use any oven-safe baking dish or a baking sheet. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if needed for the best result.

How do I know when my lemon biscuits are done?

The biscuits are done when they are lightly golden brown on the edges and the tops are set. They should feel firm to the touch but still have a slight give when pressed gently. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as times may vary depending on your oven and biscuit thickness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

To maintain their fluffy texture, it's best to prepare the batter just before baking. Making the batter ahead of time can affect the rise and consistency. However, if you do decide to bake them ahead, follow the storing and reheating instructions to keep them fresh.