Cranberry Orange Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Introduction

These Cranberry Orange Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and bright orange zest nestled in tender, buttery biscuits. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they offer a unique twist on classic biscuits with a sweet glaze option to finish.

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), melted
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cups buttermilk

For the glaze:

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk (more or less, to desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Melt the butter in a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chopped cranberries, and orange zest.
3. Step 3: Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until the dough comes together to form a ball.
4. Step 4: Press the biscuit dough evenly into the pan with the melted butter.
5. Step 5: Using a knife, cut the dough into 9 squares directly in the pan.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
7. Step 7: For the glaze, combine the vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk in a small bowl. Mix until you reach a drizzle-able consistency.
8. Step 8: Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top if desired, or serve plain.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
• Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; just thaw and drain before adding.
• Swap orange zest for lemon zest for a different but equally delicious citrus twist.
• To make the biscuits dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar and use vegan butter.

Storage

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh glaze after reheating if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the biscuits fresh, but you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before pressing into the pan and baking.

Cranberry Orange Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

These Cranberry Orange Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful fusion of tart fresh cranberries and bright orange zest baked into tender, buttery biscuits. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, these biscuits are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, optionally topped with a smooth vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 biscuits 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Biscuits

• 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), melted
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cups buttermilk

Glaze

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Melt Butter: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the stick of unsalted butter in a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking dish and melt it completely either in the oven or on the stovetop, so the butter coats the bottom of the pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Then, fold in the chopped fresh cranberries and orange zest evenly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir with a spoon until the dough comes together to form a cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender.
4. Shape and Cut Biscuits: Transfer the dough into the baking dish with the melted butter. Press the dough gently and evenly into the dish to fill the bottom. Using a knife, cut the dough into 9 equal squares to form the biscuits.
5. Bake Biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the biscuits bake or cool, mix together the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk in a small bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and has a drizzling consistency. Add more milk if needed.
7. Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled biscuits as desired and enjoy!

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen can be used but may alter moisture levels.
• The glaze is optional; biscuits are delicious plain or with butter, honey, or jam.
• If you prefer, butter can be melted in the pan directly in the oven as it preheats.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Biscuits, Cranberry Orange Butter Swim Biscuits, Holiday Breakfast Biscuits, Southern Biscuits, Buttermilk Biscuits