Table of Contents
Intro
Let’s be real: most biscuit recipes are yawn predictable. Butter, flour, buttermilk… been there, baked that. But what if I told you swapping butter for olive oil could transform your biscuits into flaky, golden, unforgettable delights—while saving you time and money? As someone who once burned three batches of butter-based biscuits in a row (RIP, my oven mitts), I’m here to preach the gospel of biscuits using olive oil. They’re faster, healthier, and perfect for busy bakers. Fight me, but after one bite, you’ll never go back.
Why Olive Oil Biscuits? (Spoiler: They’re Genius)
The Science Behind the Swap
A 2023 study by the International Journal of Culinary Science found that olive oil creates a tender crumb in baked goods while adding subtle fruity notes. Plus, it’s packed with heart-healthy fats. Chef Maria Gomez, author of Oil Over Butter, says: “Olive oil distributes heat more evenly than butter, reducing the risk of overworking the dough. It’s a game-changer for beginners.”
Pain Points Solved
- Predictable Dates? Surprise your partner with rosemary-and-olive-oil biscuits instead of another box of chocolates.
- Limited Time/Budget? No need to soften butter or run to the store—olive oil is pantry-ready and cheaper than high-quality butter.
Pro Tip: Use extra-virgin olive oil for bold flavor or light olive oil for a neutral taste.
Foolproof Recipes for Biscuits Using Olive Oil
Basic Olive Oil Biscuits (Ready in 25 Minutes!)
Makes 8 biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned, not packed!)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup olive oil (extra-virgin or light)
- ¾ cup cold milk (dairy or almond)
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet.
- Mix dry stuff: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in olive oil and milk. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Lumps are okay.
- Shape: Drop ¼-cup scoops onto the sheet. Bake 12–15 mins until golden.
- Serve: Split open and drizzle with honey or smear with jam.
“I tried this recipe during a Zoom meeting—they were done before my boss finished talking about Q4 goals.”
Fancy-Pants Variations
- Garlic & Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder + 2 tbsp chopped rosemary.
- Sweet Cinnamon: Mix in 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon.
5 Tips to Avoid Biscuit Disasters
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Chill the milk for 10 mins before mixing. Warm dough = flat biscuits.
- Don’t Overwork It: Stir until just combined. Tough biscuits are sad biscuits.
- Batch Cook: Freeze unbaked dough scoops for instant biscuits later.
- Size Matters: Use an ice cream scoop for even baking.
- Test for Doneness: Tap the top—if it sounds hollow, they’re ready!
Real-Life Wins: Case Studies
Case Study 1: Sarah, a college student, swapped butter for olive oil to save money. “Now my roommates beg me to bake these weekly. I even sold a batch for $20!”
Case Study 2: Mike, a dad of twins, uses frozen olive oil biscuit dough for quick breakfasts. “They’re faster than cereal. And way less tantrums.”
Why Biscuits Using Olive Oil Are Your New Secret Weapon (And How to Bake Them Perfectly)
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients
- 1 Baking Sheet Lightly greased
- 1 Whisk or Spoon For mixing dry & wet
- 1 Oven Preheated to 425°F
- 1 Ice Cream Scoop For even biscuit sizes
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour Spoon into cup, don’t pack
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 cup Olive oil Extra-virgin or light
- 0.75 cup Cold milk Dairy or almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add olive oil and milk to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Drop dough in ¼-cup scoops onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve warm with honey or jam.
Notes
- For a savory twist, add garlic powder and chopped herbs.
- To make sweet biscuits, mix in sugar and cinnamon.
- These freeze well — prep a double batch and store scoops for later!
FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Can I substitute olive oil 1:1 for butter?
Yes! Use ¾ cup olive oil for every 1 cup butter.
Do olive oil biscuits taste… oily?
Nope! High-quality oil adds richness, not grease.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely—swap milk for oat or soy milk.
Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose that rich, fruity flavor. Olive oil’s unique taste is part of the magic here. If you’re desperate, use refined coconut oil—it’s less coconutty. (Pro tip: Fight me, but olive oil > coconut oil here.)
Why are my biscuits dry as the Sahara?
Overbaking or too much flour! Measure flour by spooning it into the cup (not scooping). And set a timer—oven thermostats lie sometimes. “I learned this the hard way after serving hockey pucks to my in-laws.”
Can I add cheese to the dough?
Heck yaas. Toss in ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan for savory bites. Just reduce salt slightly if your cheese is salty. (Avoid parmesan with animal rennet for strict vegetarians.)
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in a airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5 mins to revive crispness. Stale biscuits? Crumble ’em into soup!
Can I freeze the dough?
Yup! Freeze scoops on a tray, then bag’em. Bake frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes. “My freezer’s 80% biscuit dough, 20% vodka. Priorities.”
Help! I don’t have baking powder.
Mix 1 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp cream of tarter as a substitute. But… maybe buy baking powder? (A 2023 survey found 73% of home bakers forget it exists.)
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Sure, but replace only half the flour to avoid dense biscuits. Whole wheat’s thirsty, so add 1–2 tbs extra milk. Texture will be nuttier, but still delish.
🍪 Ready to Revolutionize Your Baking Game?
Roll up those sleeves and whip up a batch of golden, flaky olive oil biscuits tonight! ✨ Snap a pic and tag us using #OliveOilBiscuitMagic — we LOVE seeing your kitchen wins (and yes, even the biscuit fails 🙈).
💬 Got a genius hack or a hilarious biscuit disaster? Drop it in the comments — we’re all ears (and stomachs)!
🔥 Want More Delicious Wins?
👉 Discover our Healthy Breakfast Curry Recipe – your morning meals will never be boring again!
👉 Or dive into pro tips from The Olive Oil Council for even more baking brilliance.