1. Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Work in the Butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate the Lemon Zest: Stir the lemon zest into the crumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
2. Combining Wet Ingredients
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
3. Shaping the Biscuits
- Flour the Surface: Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
- Roll and Cut: Gently roll the dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds. Re-roll scraps as needed, but avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them. Brush the tops with a little buttermilk for a golden finish.
4. Baking the Biscuits
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top and firm to the touch.
- Cool: Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
5. Making the Lemon Glaze
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a few drops of water.
- Add Zest (Optional): Stir in lemon zest for extra flavor.
6. Glazing the Biscuits
- Drizzle the Glaze: While the biscuits are still slightly warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. For a more polished look, use a spoon or piping bag to control the drizzle.
- Let Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
- Dress It Up: Add a dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd for a dessert-style presentation.
- On-the-Go Snack: Pack a biscuit for a midday pick-me-up.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Butter: Ensure the butter is very cold before incorporating it into the flour mixture. This helps create flaky layers.
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled juice for this recipe.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently to keep the biscuits soft and tender.
- Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Why These Biscuits Are Irresistible
Soft, buttery, and bursting with citrusy brightness, these lemon biscuits are a true delight. The tangy glaze complements the delicate sweetness of the biscuit, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will leave you craving another bite. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves simple yet elegant baked goods.
Let this recipe inspire you to create a little sunshine in your kitchen—one soft lemon biscuit at a time!