Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits: Prepare to be transported to a cozy autumn morning with the aroma of warm spices and tart cranberries wafting through your kitchen! These aren’t just any biscuits; they’re a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet. Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery biscuit, studded with juicy cranberries and infused with the comforting warmth of cinnamon.

Biscuits, in their simplest form, have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, evolving from hardtack to the soft, fluffy treats we know and love today. Adding cranberries and cinnamon elevates them to a festive and flavorful experience, perfect for holiday gatherings or a special weekend brunch. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet cinnamon is a match made in heaven, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.

People adore these Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits because they offer the perfect blend of textures and tastes. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, while the cranberries burst with a tangy sweetness that complements the warm spice of cinnamon. Plus, baking them in a skillet creates a rustic presentation that’s both visually appealing and incredibly convenient. Forget individual biscuits; this one-pan wonder is easy to make and even easier to devour. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake up a batch of these irresistible biscuits that are sure to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for brushing
• Optional: Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Preparing the Biscuit Dough

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to get all our dry ingredients together. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and gives our biscuits that perfect rise and texture.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure you whisk it really well – we don’t want any clumps of baking powder hiding in there!
2. Now, for the butter! This is crucial for those flaky layers we all love. Add the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. The colder the butter, the better. I sometimes even pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before cubing it.
3. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (if you’re feeling brave!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some small pieces of butter – that’s what creates those beautiful layers. Don’t overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough biscuits.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup of cold buttermilk, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure the sugars are well dissolved into the buttermilk. This mixture will add moisture, sweetness, and that lovely cinnamon flavor to our biscuits.
5. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. We want a shaggy dough, not a smooth one.
6. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. The cranberries add a burst of tartness and chewiness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.

Cutting and Arranging the Biscuits

Now comes the fun part – shaping our biscuits! We’re going for a rustic, skillet-baked look, so don’t worry about perfection. Just aim for even sizes so they bake evenly.

1. Using a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter), cut out the biscuits. If you’re using a knife, cut straight down – don’t twist, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
2. Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet). You can use butter, shortening, or cooking spray.
3. Arrange the biscuits in the skillet, starting from the center and working your way outwards. They should be close together, but not completely touching. This helps them rise up nicely and creates soft sides.
4. If you have any leftover dough scraps, gently press them together and cut out more biscuits. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped – they’ll still taste delicious!

Baking the Biscuits

Almost there! The aroma of these biscuits baking is simply divine. Make sure your oven is preheated and ready to go. Keep a close eye on them – baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the tops of the biscuits with the 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a rich, buttery flavor.
3. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the biscuits with coarse sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely crunchy texture.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit should come out clean.
5. Let the biscuits cool in the skillet for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

• With butter and jam: A classic combination that never fails. Try a cranberry or raspberry jam to complement the flavors of the biscuits.
• With honey or maple syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and warmth.
• With whipped cream: For a decadent treat, top the biscuits with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• As a side dish: These biscuits are a perfect accompaniment to breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. They pair well with eggs, bacon, sausage, or roasted chicken.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits turn out perfectly every time:

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for creating flaky biscuits.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough biscuits.
• Handle the dough gently: Be gentle when patting and cutting the biscuits.
• Bake in a preheated oven: A preheated oven ensures that the biscuits rise properly and bake evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Leave a little space between the biscuits so they can rise properly.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover biscuits (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, wrap the biscuits in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen to the satisfyingly soft and flaky texture, every bite is a little slice of heaven. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, especially if you’re looking for something comforting, festive, and surprisingly easy to make.

Why are these biscuits so special? Well, the combination of tart cranberries and warm cinnamon creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The skillet baking method ensures a perfectly golden-brown crust and a tender, moist interior. Plus, the visual appeal of the biscuits arranged in a cast iron skillet is simply stunning – perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.

But the best part? These biscuits are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They’re also fantastic alongside a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon. For a savory twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of cranberries, like white cranberries or even dried cranberries soaked in orange juice.

Here are a few more serving suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

Serving Suggestions:

* Brunch Bliss: Serve alongside a mimosa bar for a sophisticated brunch gathering.
* Holiday Hero: A perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread.
* Cozy Comfort: Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening.
* Sweet & Savory: Pair with a creamy brie cheese and a drizzle of honey for a delightful appetizer.
* Breakfast Sandwich: Slice a biscuit in half and fill it with your favorite breakfast fillings, like sausage, egg, and cheese.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these biscuits your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about creating something delicious and sharing it with the people you love.

I’m so confident that you’ll adore these Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits that I urge you to give them a try. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are simply divine. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

And once you’ve baked your own batch of these delightful biscuits, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps inspire other bakers to try this amazing recipe.

So, go ahead, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get baking! I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of these warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits! I know I will!