Cranberry Orange Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
