Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, irresistibly tender treat that bursts with warm autumn flavors, these Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze will soon become your new favorite. Imagine soft, flaky biscuits speckled with fragrant spices and fresh grated apple, all topped with a luscious honey butter glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine. This recipe brings a delightful twist on classic biscuits, turning a simple breakfast or snack into something to savor and share. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch table or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze are a comforting bite of fall happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the blend of warming spices that lift the aroma to the chilled butter that ensures tender, flaky layers. The fresh apple adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness, while the honey butter glaze ties it all together with its shiny sweetness.

• 4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure and tender crumb for these biscuits.
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (plus 1 teaspoon): Gives the biscuits a light, airy rise that’s essential for fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to enhance the rise and tenderness.
• 2 teaspoons Sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic apple pie flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg: Adds a cozy depth and nutty aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger: Gives a subtle spicy kick that pairs beautifully with apple.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cardamom: Introduces a delicate floral note that elevates the biscuits.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves: Infuses a slightly sweet, aromatic layer of flavor.
• 1 cup Butter (Cold): The key to flaky layers; keeping it cold helps create that tender texture.
• 1/2 cup Apple (Grated): Fresh apple adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a lovely texture contrast.
• 1 cup Buttermilk (Chilled): Adds tanginess and moisture that tenderize the dough.
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Chilled): For the glaze; enriches with creamy richness.
• 3 tablespoons Honey: Sweeter, natural glaze that gives a glossy finish and gentle sweetness.
• Pinch Salt: Balances the honey glaze perfectly, preventing it from being overly sweet.

How to Make Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for a quick, hot bake. Meanwhile, gather all your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and those fragrant apple pie spices — and whisk them together in a large bowl. This not only combines the flavors but also ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed for a perfect rise. Don’t forget to grate your apple fresh; it’s the star piece that adds moisture and sweetness.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Apple

Next, cut the cold butter and grated apple into the dry mixture. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your hands—whichever feels right to you. The goal is to reach a coarse crumbly texture where the butter is well distributed in tiny pieces, creating pockets of flaky goodness after baking. When you squeeze a handful, it should hold together but not be too wet or dense.

Step 3: Stir in the Buttermilk

Now, gently fold in the chilled buttermilk using a rubber spatula. At this stage, the dough will be sticky and wet—that’s exactly how it should be! Don’t overmix; just combine until everything is moistened and you can see the dough starting to come together.

Step 4: Knead and Fold for Layers

Flour your work surface generously and turn out the sticky dough. Flour your hands too, then gently knead the dough a few times to make it manageable. Pat it into a roughly 1-inch-thick oval shape. This is the fun part: fold the short sides toward the center like folding an envelope, then press it down and reshape it into the oval again. Repeat this folding and pressing process 7 times total—this creates lovely layers that will make your biscuits flaky and tender.

Step 5: Cut and Bake

Using a biscuit cutter or a round glass about 3 to 4 inches wide, cut the dough into rounds. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet or in round cake pans spaced evenly. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and beautifully risen.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze

While those tempting biscuits bake, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. This glaze is what transforms the biscuits from delicious to utterly irresistible by adding shine and a hint of sticky sweetness.

Step 7: Glaze the Hot Biscuits

The moment the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm honey butter glaze. The heat allows the glaze to soak in slightly and create a glossy, flavorful coating that’s simply mouthwatering.

How to Serve Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze

Garnishes

To add a little extra charm and flavor, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top just after glazing. Fresh apple slices or a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts make beautiful and tasty garnishes that complement the autumnal spice notes.

Side Dishes

Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze pair wonderfully with savory breakfast staples like crispy bacon or sausage links. For a cozy brunch, add scrambled eggs or a creamy cheddar cheese spread to bring a balance of savory and sweet to the table. They also work beautifully alongside a steaming bowl of spiced apple cider or your favorite coffee blend.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few warm apple biscuits and layering whipped cream or mascarpone cheese between them to create a mini biscuit shortcake. Or, slice a biscuit in half and spoon on some spiced jam or apple butter for a delightful handheld treat. They also shine simply on a rustic wooden board with a small dish of honey butter glaze for dipping—it’s sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender and prevents them from drying out, though they are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Freezing

To keep these treats longer, freeze the unbaked biscuit rounds on a lined tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked biscuits wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or thawed Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes until warm and soft. You can brush a little extra honey butter glaze or melted butter on top after reheating to refresh their shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another type of apple for these biscuits?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are a great choice for tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter, juicier bite. Just make sure to grate them finely so they blend smoothly into the dough.

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Yes, you can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes. This mimics the acidity needed for tender biscuits.

Do I need to chill the butter for the glaze?

Chilling the butter used in the dough is important for texture, but for the glaze, you want the butter melted and warm so it blends easily with the honey. The recipe calls for unsalted, chilled butter before melting, which helps control the final glaze consistency.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the biscuit dough?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried raisins can add lovely texture and flavor. Just fold them in along with the buttermilk to ensure even distribution.

What’s the best way to cut the biscuits for a good rise?

Use a sharp biscuit cutter without twisting it when pressing into the dough. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. A clean straight press ensures nice lift and flaky layers.

Final Thoughts

Apple Biscuits with Honey Butter Glaze are one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. The blend of spices, fresh apple, and that sticky honey butter finish creates a truly memorable biscuit experience. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing at your next brunch, these biscuits are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy hearts. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this recipe a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Print