Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits: Imagine pulling a warm, fragrant skillet from the oven, filled with golden-brown biscuits bursting with tart cranberries and the comforting spice of cinnamon. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy autumn morning, doesn’t it? These aren’t your average biscuits; they’re a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet side dish with dinner.

While the exact origins of skillet biscuits are a bit hazy, they’re deeply rooted in Southern American culinary tradition. The cast iron skillet, a kitchen staple for generations, allowed for even baking and a beautifully crisp crust. Adding cranberries and cinnamon elevates this humble dish to something truly special, blending the familiar comfort of biscuits with festive flavors.

What makes these Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The slightly tangy cranberries complement the warm, sweet cinnamon, while the biscuits themselves are tender and fluffy on the inside, with a delightfully crisp exterior. Plus, the one-skillet preparation makes cleanup a breeze! Who doesn’t love a delicious and easy recipe? Get ready to experience biscuit bliss!

Ingredients:

• For the Biscuits:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk, cold
• ¼ cup heavy cream, for brushing
• For the Cranberry Cinnamon Filling:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Cinnamon Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparing the Cranberry Cinnamon Filling:

1. Combine the Cranberries and Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries and granulated sugar. Toss them together well, ensuring the cranberries are coated with sugar. This will help them release their juices and create a delicious, slightly tart filling.
2. Melt the Butter: In a separate small bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in short bursts (about 15-20 seconds each) or in a small saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
3. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In another small bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will add warmth and spice to the filling. Make sure there are no lumps in the brown sugar.

Making the Biscuit Dough:

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for light and fluffy biscuits.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This step is essential for creating flaky layers in the biscuits. The colder the butter, the better! If you notice the butter getting too soft, pop the bowl into the freezer for a few minutes.
3. Add the Buttermilk: Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.

Assembling the Skillet Biscuits:

1. Turn Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the biscuit dough out onto the floured surface.
2. Pat into a Rectangle: Gently pat the dough into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible.
3. Spread the Melted Butter: Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough rectangle. This will add richness and flavor to the biscuits.
4. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
5. Add the Cranberry Mixture: Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer. Gently press the cranberries into the dough to help them adhere.
6. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, gently roll up the dough into a log. Try to roll it tightly, but be careful not to tear the dough.
7. Slice the Biscuits: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 8-10 equal-sized biscuits.
8. Arrange in Skillet: Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet) with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the biscuit slices in the skillet, placing them close together. They will expand as they bake.
9. Brush with Heavy Cream: Brush the tops of the biscuits with heavy cream. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven.

Baking the Biscuits:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit should come out clean.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the biscuits cool in the skillet for a few minutes before serving. This will allow them to set slightly and make them easier to handle.

Making the Cinnamon Glaze (Optional):

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the biscuits but thin enough to drizzle.
2. Drizzle over Biscuits: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the warm biscuits. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Skillet Biscuits:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and buttermilk are key to flaky biscuits. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it melts in the oven, resulting in layers of flaky goodness.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Handle Gently: Be gentle when handling the dough. Avoid pressing or kneading it too much.
• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will help you slice the biscuits cleanly without squishing them.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry biscuits. Bake until they are golden brown and cooked through, but not overly browned.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the filling. You could add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or different spices.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat or a comforting dessert.
• They’re also delicious served with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the biscuits. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven or microwave.

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 burst of tart cranberries and comforting cinnamon in every bite, this is a dish that truly delivers on flavor and satisfaction. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast, brunch, or even dessert game.

Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s the simplicity and versatility that really sets it apart. Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredients lists. This recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples and fresh (or frozen!) cranberries. Plus, the skillet presentation is not only rustic and charming but also ensures that the biscuits bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly golden-brown crust and a soft, fluffy interior. It’s a showstopper without the fuss!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! These biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a more savory twist, try pairing them with a hearty stew or chili. They’re also fantastic on their own with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey.

Looking for variations? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor. You could also add a touch of orange zest to the dough for a brighter, citrusy note. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a cream cheese glaze for an extra layer of indulgence. Another great idea is to add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for a delightful crunch. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

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

* Brunch Board Star: Arrange the biscuits on a brunch board alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing spread.
* Holiday Treat: These biscuits are perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas brunch. Their festive flavors will complement any holiday meal.
* Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve them with a selection of teas and other sweet treats for a cozy afternoon tea.
* Gift Giving: Bake a batch of these biscuits and package them in a pretty tin as a thoughtful homemade gift.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking these delicious Cranberry Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits for yourself. I truly believe you’ll love them as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen! And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your biscuits turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. Tag me in your photos on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!