Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the biscuit dough.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Slowly pour in 3/4 cup of buttermilk, stirring until just combined. Add a bit more buttermilk if needed, until the dough is moist but not too sticky.
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Pie Biscuits
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Add Apple Filling: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Cut: Carefully roll up the dough, like a cinnamon roll, and then slice it into 1-inch rounds.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
- Brush with Butter and Sugar: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter, then sprinkle with a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon for an extra sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and fluffy.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the biscuits to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Optional Glaze
For a sweeter finish, drizzle the biscuits with a simple glaze made by whisking together:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Biscuits
- Choice of Apples: Granny Smith apples bring tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add more sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: These biscuits are delicious as-is, but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
These Apple Pie Biscuits combine the flavors of a classic apple pie with the soft, pillowy texture of biscuits. The result is a comforting treat that’s perfect for cozy mornings or sweet evening indulgence. Enjoy!