Gluten-Free Drop Biscuits
These Gluten-Free Drop Biscuits are soft, fluffy, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional rolled biscuits that require kneading and cutting, drop biscuits come together in one bowl and are simply scooped onto a baking sheet. The result is a tender biscuit with a golden crust and a light, fluffy interior that’s perfect for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack.
Whether served alongside soup, topped with jam, or enjoyed warm with butter, these gluten-free biscuits deliver all the comfort of classic homemade biscuits without the gluten.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No rolling or cutting required
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for beginners
- Freezer-friendly
- Great with sweet or savory toppings
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield
- 10–12 biscuits
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh herbs
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to:
425°F (220°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Gluten-free flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
Mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
The cold butter creates flaky layers and tender biscuits.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Pour in the cold buttermilk.
Stir gently until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Do not overmix.
The dough should look slightly shaggy and moist.
Allow the dough to rest for:
5 minutes
This helps hydrate the gluten-free flour and improves texture.
Step 5: Drop the Dough
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Leave about 2 inches of space between biscuits.
For rustic biscuits, do not smooth the tops.
Baking Instructions
Step 6: Bake
Bake at:
425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes
The biscuits are done when:
- The tops are lightly golden
- The edges are crisp
- The centers are fully set
Internal Temperature
For accuracy, the center should reach:
200–205°F (93–96°C)
Step 7: Finish
Remove from the oven.
Brush the tops with melted butter if desired.
Allow to cool for:
5 minutes
before serving.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Biscuits
Keep Ingredients Cold
Cold butter and buttermilk create lighter, fluffier biscuits.
Use a Good Flour Blend
A quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum produces the best results.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can make biscuits dense and heavy.
Rest the Dough
A short resting period allows the flour to absorb moisture and improves texture.
Bake Immediately
Once mixed, bake the biscuits promptly for maximum rise.
Flavor Variations
Cheddar Biscuits
Add:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Herb Biscuits
Mix in:
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Garlic Butter Biscuits
Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking.
Sweet Honey Biscuits
Increase sugar to 2 tablespoons and drizzle with honey before serving.
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Add:
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for:
2 days
Refrigerator
Store for:
5 days
Reheat before serving.
Freezer
Freeze baked biscuits for:
3 months
Wrap individually for best results.
Reheating Instructions
Oven
Bake at:
350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes
Microwave
Heat for:
15–20 seconds
until warm.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits pair wonderfully with:
- Vegetable soup
- Chicken soup
- Beef stew
- Chili
- Scrambled eggs
- Sausage gravy
- Butter and jam
- Honey
Nutritional Information
Per Biscuit (Based on 12 Biscuits)
- Calories: 175
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 90mg
- Iron: 1mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free buttermilk (milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar).
Why are my biscuits crumbly?
Gluten-free baked goods can become crumbly if there isn’t enough moisture. Measure ingredients carefully and avoid overbaking.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but buttermilk provides a softer texture and richer flavor.
Can I make mini biscuits?
Absolutely. Reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.
Which gluten-free flour works best?
A cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum generally works best.
