Fluffy gluten-free holiday biscuits perfect for Christmas brunch or soup pairings
These almond-flour biscuits are light, buttery, and completely gluten-free, making them an inclusive addition to any Christmas brunch or dinner. Ready in 25 minutes, they're simple enough for beginners yet impressive for guests.
With their delicate crumb and subtle nutty flavor, these biscuits bring warmth to holiday tables while accommodating dietary needs. The almond flour provides a rich texture while maintaining gluten-free integrity.
The recipe uses simple pantry staples like butter, buttermilk, and baking powder, making them accessible for last-minute baking. Their golden crust and soft interior make them ideal for slathering with honey butter or pairing with hearty soups.
Whether you're hosting a gluten-free guest or simply want a healthier holiday treat, these biscuits deliver comfort without compromise. The recipe's short prep time makes them perfect for busy holiday mornings.
Why This Recipe Works
Gluten-Free Alternative
Almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour, creating a tender crumb while maintaining gluten-free integrity. The recipe uses no binders or fillers.
Quick Baking
Ready in just 25 minutes, these biscuits are perfect for last-minute holiday baking. The short baking time preserves their delicate texture.
Universal Appeal
Cater to all dietary needs while maintaining a rich, buttery flavor. Perfect for inclusive holiday gatherings and family brunches.
Versatile Pairing
Complement any meal - serve warm with honey butter, alongside roasted meats, or as a base for savory toppings like herb-infused cheeses.
Gluten-Free Almond Flour Biscuits Recipe
Perfect for holiday brunches and inclusive gatherings
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup almond flour
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- - 1 cup buttermilk
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1 tsp honey (for glaze)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
💡 Use your hands if you don't have a pastry cutter for better control.
Add Liquid: Gradually pour in buttermilk while gently stirring with a fork. Mix until just combined - the dough should be slightly sticky but workable.
💡 Overmixing can lead to dense biscuits - stop when just combined.
Shape Biscuits: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Gently pat into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a biscuit cutter to cut rounds, rerolling scraps once if needed.
💡 For taller biscuits, stack cut rounds and gently press together before baking.
Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with honey glaze (honey + 1 tsp water). Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
💡 Rotate the sheet halfway through for even browning.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Almond Flour
Provides a rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb. Use finely ground blanched almond flour for best results.
Substitutions: Substitute 1:1 with hazelnut flour for a similar texture, or use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Buttermilk
Adds moisture and slight tanginess. The acid helps activate the baking powder for a light rise.
Substitutions: Replace with whole milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar (let sit 5 minutes first).
Honey Glaze
Adds subtle sweetness and shine to the crust. Can be omitted for savory versions.
Substitutions: Substitute with maple syrup or a light egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water).
Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits
Dough Consistency
The dough should hold together when pressed but not be sticky. Add 1-2 tbsp more almond flour if too wet.
Butter Temperature
Use cold cubed butter for flaky layers. Let sit 5 minutes if too hard to cut, but don't melt.
Chilling Tips
Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking for better rise and flakiness.
Baking Success
Rotate baking sheet halfway through for even browning. Biscuits should be golden brown, not pale.
Variations & Customizations
Cheese-Stuffed Biscuits
Add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar to half the dough. Place 1 tbsp cheese in each biscuit before baking.
Herb Biscuits
Mix 1 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme) into the dough before adding buttermilk for savory flavor.
Sweet Version
Add 1/4 cup sugar to the dough and brush with melted butter instead of honey glaze.
Mini Biscuits
Use a 1.5-inch cutter for bite-sized versions perfect for holiday appetizers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage Butter
- Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf with Gravy
- Herb-Infused Gluten-Free Gravy
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with mulled wine or spiced chai tea for holiday flavor. For brunch, try with fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough and chill for up to 24 hours before baking. Shape biscuits and freeze on baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled biscuits in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refriger for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked biscuits in single layer, then transfer to freezer bag. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in oven rather than microwave to maintain crust texture. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my biscuits dense?
A: Common causes: Overmixing the dough, using warm butter, or incorrect baking temperature. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer.
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes! Shape and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake frozen biscuits at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Q: What if I don't have almond flour?
A: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour, but expect a different texture. Add 1 tbsp xanthan gum to improve binding.
Q: How to make these dairy-free?
A: Use vegan butter and substitute buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tsp lemon juice. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
These gluten-free almond flour biscuits prove that inclusive baking doesn't mean compromising on flavor or texture. With their delicate crumb and rich almond flavor, they'll become a holiday staple for all dietary needs.
Whether you're catering to gluten-free guests or simply want a healthier alternative to traditional biscuits, these will impress with their buttery texture and festive appeal. The quick preparation time makes them perfect for busy holiday mornings, while the elegant presentation elevates any brunch table.
