Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the flaky texture of homemade biscuits. The biscuits are easy to prepare and have just the right balance of sweetness and buttery goodness. I also appreciate how versatile they are since I can enjoy them plain, topped with glaze, or served alongside my favorite breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- cold unsalted butter
- buttermilk
- red food coloring
- vanilla extract
- white vinegar
- cream cheese (for glaze, optional)
- powdered sugar (for glaze)
- milk (for glaze)
- additional vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions
- I preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- I whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- I cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- I combine the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar in a separate bowl.
- I gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- I turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a thick rectangle.
- I fold the dough a few times to create flaky layers, then cut out the biscuits using a biscuit cutter.
- I place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake until they are lightly golden and cooked through.
- I prepare the optional cream cheese glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle it over the warm biscuits before serving.
Servings and Timing
I usually prepare this recipe in about 30 minutes.
- Servings: 8 biscuits
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness. When I want a richer flavor, I use browned butter instead of regular butter. I also enjoy serving the biscuits with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a dessert-style treat. For a festive version, I decorate the glazed biscuits with red or white sprinkles.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover Red Velvet Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if they are glazed. When I reheat them, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes or microwave them briefly until soft. I can also freeze the biscuits for up to 2 months and thaw them before reheating.
FAQs
What makes Red Velvet Biscuits different from regular biscuits?
I use a small amount of cocoa powder and red food coloring to give these biscuits their signature red velvet flavor and appearance while keeping their flaky texture.
Can I make these biscuits without food coloring?
Yes. I can leave out the food coloring if I prefer, although the biscuits will not have the classic red velvet appearance.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk gives the biscuits their tender texture and slight tang, but I can make a substitute by adding a little vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. I can prepare the dough, cut the biscuits, and refrigerate them for several hours before baking them fresh.
What can I serve with Red Velvet Biscuits?
I enjoy serving them with butter, cream cheese glaze, honey, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Conclusion
I always enjoy making Red Velvet Biscuits because they are soft, buttery, and full of classic red velvet flavor. They are simple to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions, holiday breakfasts, or weekend brunches. Whether I serve them plain or topped with a creamy glaze, they always become a memorable addition to my table.
PrintRed Velvet Biscuit
Red Velvet Biscuits are a soft, flaky twist on classic biscuits with a hint of cocoa and their signature red velvet color. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert with butter, cream cheese glaze, or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (optional glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
- Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, pat into a thick rectangle, and fold it several times to create flaky layers.
- Cut out the biscuits with a biscuit cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
- If desired, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the warm biscuits before serving.
Notes
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use browned butter for a richer flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a dessert-style presentation.
- Decorate glazed biscuits with festive sprinkles for holidays.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate glazed biscuits for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
- Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven or microwave briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg