Here Are the 5 Biscuit Types Every Baker Should Know How To Make

Few pleasures in life are as gratifying as a homemade biscuit. Lucky for us, biscuits come in a beautiful variety of shapes and sizes. Here's what you need to know about five of the most common types of biscuits:

Rolled Biscuits

This is what probably comes to mind when you think of biscuits. Light and fluffy with a structured shape, a well-made rolled biscuit has a crispy, flat top and a soft, flaky interior. To make this type of biscuit, you must use a rolling pin to flatten the dough. Then, cut the dough into evenly shaped circles or squares using a biscuit cutter or knife. Rolled biscuits usually double in height during the baking process.

Try this recipe: Chef John's Buttermilk Biscuits

Drop Biscuits

Culinary pioneer and baking expert Fannie Farmer hit the nail on the head when she called drop biscuits "emergency biscuits" — you can whip them up on a whim with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. Drop biscuit dough is too wet to be kneaded or rolled, so it's simply dropped by the spoonful onto the baking sheet. An irregularly shaped drop biscuit is denser and coarser than a rolled biscuit, so it's perfect for dipping in gravy or a hearty stew.

Try this recipe: E-Z Drop Biscuits

Scones

Yes, a scone is technically a biscuit! Scones are much denser than the aforementioned biscuits, though, because they're made with an ample amount of cream and butter. Distinctive for their wedge shape, scones can be savory or sweet. They have a heavy crumb and, depending on egg content, can have a slightly cakey texture. Scones are usually brushed with an egg wash before baking.

Try this recipe: Simple Scones

Shortcake

A true shortcake has a texture that's more biscuit-like than cake-like. It's similar to shortbread, but shortcake has a chemical leavening agent (such as baking powder) to give it more lift. Shortcake biscuits are often slightly sweet, though they don't have to be. You're probably familiar with strawberry shortcake, which consists of berries and whipped cream sandwiched between two biscuit halves.

Try this recipe: Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake

Angel

Angel biscuits are about as light and airy as biscuits can get. You might even call their texture heavenly. What makes them so fluffy? Angel biscuits are made with three leaveners: baking powder, baking soda, and yeast. Since butter can add density, angel biscuit recipes often call for shortening instead.

Try this recipe: Angel Biscuits II

Now that you're a certified biscuit expert, it's time to put that knowledge to good use. Try one of our 25 Homemade Biscuit Recipes to Make From Scratch. Plus, explore our entire collection of Biscuit Recipes.