Lemon Swirl Biscuit

How to Make Lemon Swirl Biscuits:

Step 1: Make the Biscuit Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine the dry ingredients.

Next, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This step is crucial for achieving the flaky texture of the biscuits.

Slowly add the whole milk, stirring gently with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to ensure the biscuits stay light and fluffy.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. The dough should still have visible pieces of butter for that flakey texture.

Step 3: Add the Lemon Swirl

Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to create the lemon swirl filling. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 4: Form the Biscuits

Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, like you would for a cinnamon roll. Once rolled, slice the dough into 1-inch wide pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each biscuit to allow for expansion as they bake.

Step 5: Bake the Biscuits

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 6: Glaze the Biscuits (Optional)

While the biscuits are baking, you can prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Once the biscuits are done baking and have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the warm biscuits for an extra layer of sweetness and tang.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Lemon Swirl Biscuits warm, drizzled with the optional glaze or enjoyed plain for a burst of citrusy flavor. Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or a fresh fruit compote for the perfect breakfast or brunch treat.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Swirl Biscuits:

1. Use Cold Butter: To achieve the flaky layers, it’s important to use cold butter and handle the dough gently. This ensures the butter doesn’t melt into the flour before baking, which creates the desired flakiness.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Stir the dough just until it comes together.
3. Adjust the Lemon Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest and lemon juice in the swirl mixture to your liking. If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, add more zest.
4. Freezing the Dough: If you want to prep ahead of time, you can freeze the rolled dough (before slicing) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the dough and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the bake time.
5. Make it Your Own: For a fun twist, you can add other flavors like blueberries, poppy seeds, or vanilla to the dough or glaze for a more complex taste.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Swirl Biscuits:

1. Bright and Refreshing: The fresh lemon flavor shines through in every bite, providing the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness in a buttery biscuit.
2. Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re having them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these biscuits are incredibly versatile and satisfying.
3. Simple and Quick: This recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers yet yields a bakery-quality result, making it perfect for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort.
4. Deliciously Addictive: The combination of flaky, buttery biscuit with sweet and tangy lemon swirl makes these biscuits truly irresistible. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
5. Ideal for Gifting: These biscuits make a great homemade gift for friends and family. Package them up in a cute box or tin for a thoughtful treat they’ll surely appreciate.

Final Thoughts:

Lemon Swirl Biscuits offer the perfect blend of fresh lemon, flaky biscuit, and buttery goodness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served with a drizzle of lemon glaze or enjoyed plain, these biscuits are sure to brighten up your day. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to make a batch of these zesty delights in no time. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these biscuits will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the perfect bite of citrusy bliss!