If you’re craving a warm, sweet treat that’s both comforting and delightfully simple to make, the Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is just the answer. These biscuits have a tender crumb soaked in melted butter, then topped generously with a cinnamon sugar blend that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet snack to brighten your day, this recipe combines classic flavors with an irresistibly buttery finish that feels like a little indulgence swimming on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role in achieving those tender, fluffy biscuits with a luscious cinnamon-sugar crust.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your biscuits, making them soft yet sturdy.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to ensure the biscuits rise perfectly fluff.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: A hint of sweetness within the dough balances the buttery richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and balancing sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that gives the biscuits tender texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): This is what creates the delicious “swim” pool of butter that infuses the biscuits with richness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Mixed with cinnamon, this sugar forms the irresistible caramelized top.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice adding warmth and depth to the topping.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for topping): Brushed over the scored dough to lock in moisture and help the cinnamon sugar stick.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F to get that nice oven spring on the biscuits. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, which means every bite is consistently delicious.
Step 2: Mix in the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. The key here is not to overmix, which keeps the biscuits tender and prevents them from becoming tough. A little lumpy batter is perfectly fine — it means your biscuits will be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter “Swim” Base
Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish. This melted butter forms the swimming pool that bathes the biscuit dough, creating a rich, buttery bottom crust. It’s one of the most magical parts of this recipe!
Step 4: Assemble the Biscuit Dough and Score
Gently spread your biscuit dough evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Use a knife to score the dough into 9 equal squares. Scoring helps the biscuits bake evenly and allows the cinnamon sugar topping to seep into each piece as it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Then brush the top of the dough with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the surface. This step is what gives these biscuits that iconic sweet, crunchy, and cinnamony topping that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the biscuits for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and set. The scent of cinnamon and butter wafting through your kitchen will make it impossible to wait for them to cool. Let them cool slightly, then slice along the score lines and prepare for the best bite of the day.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
These biscuits shine brightly on their own but adding a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze or a dollop of whipped cream elevates them to dessert-worthy status. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of nutmeg over the top for an extra layer of warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a perfect morning treat. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness. These biscuits also make a cozy companion to warm apple compote or even a dollop of ricotta cheese with honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these biscuits in a rustic bread basket lined with a cheerful napkin to bring a cozy, homestyle vibe to your table. You can cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for sharing at a party or brunch buffet. For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm biscuit for an easy dessert that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them extra soft, place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. They’re best enjoyed fresh but still taste wonderful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the biscuits either before baking (after scoring and topping) or after cooling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake or reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for even results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, warm the biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes if frozen or 5 minutes if refrigerated. You can also microwave a biscuit for about 15 seconds but be careful not to dry it out. A quick re-brush with melted butter before serving revives their buttery charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and reacts with the baking powder for fluffier biscuits. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 1/2 cups of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then use it as a substitute.
What makes these called “butter swim” biscuits?
The name comes from the layer of melted butter poured into the dish before adding the dough, creating a buttery “swim” that saturates the biscuits from the bottom, giving them a rich flavor and slightly crisp base.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar topping?
Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a dash of cardamom can add lovely complexity to the topping. Just ensure the cinnamon remains the dominant flavor to keep that classic taste.
Are these biscuits good for breakfast or dessert?
Both! Their sweet and buttery profile makes them versatile enough to serve as a comforting breakfast biscuit or a quickly assembled dessert. Adding a drizzle of glaze or ice cream easily transitions them into a sweet treat.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking mix designed for biscuits. Just be aware that texture may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust liquid ratios accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe enough for anyone who loves a warm, buttery sweet treat with minimal fuss. It’s a recipe that brings a touch of magic to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Next time you crave something cozy and indulgent, I hope you give these biscuits a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, buttery, and coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they feature a tender buttermilk biscuit base baked right on a pool of melted butter for extra richness and flavor. Finished with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle and more melted butter for an irresistible golden crust, these biscuits are warm, comforting, and delightfully sweet.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the biscuits.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt to combine evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the 1/2 cup melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create the buttery ‘swim’ layer for the dough.
- Transfer Dough: Carefully spoon the biscuit dough over the melted butter in the baking dish and gently spread it evenly without disturbing the butter underneath.
- Score Dough: Use a knife to score the dough into 9 even squares; this helps with slicing after baking.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Apply Topping: Brush the top of the biscuit dough with the remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the biscuits turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the biscuits cool slightly before slicing along the scored lines. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added warmth and complexity.
