These Homemade Angel Biscuits are the best of both worlds—part biscuit, part dinner roll—with a light, airy texture and a golden, buttery finish. Thanks to a clever combination of baking powder and yeast, they rise beautifully while staying soft and tender inside. Best of all, this version is lightened up for a more mindful take on a Southern classic—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lighter Take on a Classic – All the comfort, less guilt.
Beautifully Fluffy Texture – Soft inside with a delicate rise.
Versatile & Easy to Make Ahead – Freezer-friendly and great for batch prep.
Everyday Ingredients – Pantry staples come together with ease.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp light butter or reduced-fat margarine, chilled and cut into pieces
- ¾ cup low-fat buttermilk
- Cooking spray or extra light butter, for brushing
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, baking powder, and sugar.
3. Cut in the Butter
Add chilled butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Combine the Dough
Pour in the buttermilk and yeast mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix.
5. Roll and Cut
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll it to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2- to 2½-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass.
6. Let Rise
Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until puffy.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the tops of the biscuits with cooking spray or brush with a little melted light butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
8. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with sugar-free jam, honey drizzle, or as a base for breakfast sandwiches.

Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit, Approximate)
Calories: 120
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 3g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
(Plan-friendly and great for lighter eating goals.)
Tips for Success
- Use Cold Butter: Helps create flaky layers and lift.
- Don’t Skip the Rise: This makes the biscuits extra fluffy and soft.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Freeze unbaked biscuits and bake straight from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to baking time.
- Try Whole Wheat: Sub half the flour with whole wheat for extra fiber.
Why This Recipe Works
These biscuits marry the rich, satisfying flavor of traditional Southern biscuits with a yeast boost for that extra-soft texture—all while keeping the ingredients lighter and more balanced. They’re ideal for anyone who wants that homemade comfort without going overboard.
Homemade Angel Biscuits are a beautiful blend of simplicity, comfort, and smart eating. Whether served at brunch, paired with soup, or enjoyed fresh from the oven, these light and fluffy biscuits deliver big satisfaction with a light touch. Keep a batch in the freezer for anytime indulgence—without the heaviness.
Homemade Angel Biscuits – Light, Fluffy, and Guilt-Free
12
servings10
minutes12
minutes120
kcal1
hour35
minutesThese Homemade Angel Biscuits are the best of both worlds—part biscuit, part dinner roll—with a light, airy texture and a golden, buttery finish. Thanks to a clever combination of baking powder and yeast, they rise beautifully while staying soft and tender inside. Best of all, this version is lightened up for a more mindful take on a Southern classic—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner side.
Ingredients
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup warm water (110°F)
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp light butter or reduced-fat margarine, chilled and cut into pieces
¾ cup low-fat buttermilk
Cooking spray or extra light butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, baking powder, and sugar. - Cut in the Butter
Add chilled butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs. - Combine the Dough
Pour in the buttermilk and yeast mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix. - Roll and Cut
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll it to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2- to 2½-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass. - Let Rise
Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until puffy. - Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the tops of the biscuits with cooking spray or brush with a little melted light butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. - Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with sugar-free jam, honey drizzle, or as a base for breakfast sandwiches.
Notes
- Use Cold Butter: Helps create flaky layers and lift.
Don’t Skip the Rise: This makes the biscuits extra fluffy and soft.
Make Ahead Friendly: Freeze unbaked biscuits and bake straight from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to baking time.
Try Whole Wheat: Sub half the flour with whole wheat for extra fiber.