Scrumptious Spelt Biscuit Recipes: From Classic to Creative

Spelt biscuits are a delightful and wholesome alternative to traditional biscuits, offering a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory toppings. Spelt, an ancient grain, is known for its nutritional benefits, making these biscuits a healthier treat or accompaniment to your meals. This article delves into a variety of spelt biscuit recipes, ranging from the classic buttermilk biscuit to more adventurous variations. Get ready to bake up some deliciousness!

Why Spelt? The Benefits of Baking with Spelt Flour

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why spelt flour is a fantastic choice for biscuit making. Spelt is an ancient grain that is closely related to wheat but offers several advantages:

* **Nutritional Value:** Spelt is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc. It tends to be easier to digest than modern wheat for some people.
* **Flavor:** Spelt has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that adds a unique depth to baked goods.
* **Texture:** Spelt flour tends to produce a slightly denser and more tender crumb compared to all-purpose flour, resulting in a satisfyingly chewy biscuit.

While spelt flour can often be substituted 1:1 for all-purpose flour in many recipes, it’s important to be mindful of the potential differences in gluten development. Spelt gluten is more fragile, so avoid overmixing to prevent tough biscuits.

Recipe 1: Classic Spelt Buttermilk Biscuits

This recipe is a foundational one, perfect for mastering the art of spelt biscuit making. The buttermilk adds a tangy richness and helps create a tender crumb.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups (240g) spelt flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 3/4 cup cold buttermilk

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to keep the butter cold; this creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in flaky layers. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
4. **Add Buttermilk:** Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be slightly shaggy.
5. **Turn Out and Knead (Briefly):** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. The key word here is *gently*. Overworking the dough develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough biscuits.
6. **Cut Biscuits:** Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife) to cut out biscuits. Press straight down; avoid twisting the cutter, as this seals the edges and prevents them from rising properly. Reroll the scraps once to cut out more biscuits, but be aware that these biscuits may not be as tender as the first batch.
7. **Arrange and Bake:** Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together but not touching. This encourages them to rise upwards. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite toppings.

**Tips for Perfect Spelt Buttermilk Biscuits:**

* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Cold butter and buttermilk are crucial for creating flaky biscuits. You can even chill the flour mixture and baking sheet before starting.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Handle Gently:** Pat the dough gently and avoid twisting the biscuit cutter.
* **Bake at High Heat:** A hot oven helps the biscuits rise quickly and develop a golden-brown crust.

Recipe 2: Spelt Cheese Biscuits

Add a savory twist to your spelt biscuits with this cheesy recipe. These biscuits are perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a snack.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups (240g) spelt flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* 3/4 cup cold milk (or buttermilk)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Add Cheese:** Stir in the shredded cheese.
5. **Add Milk:** Gradually add the cold milk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Turn Out and Knead (Briefly):** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
7. **Cut Biscuits:** Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife) to cut out biscuits.
8. **Arrange and Bake:** Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. **Serve:** Serve warm.

**Variations:**

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Herbaceous:** Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or pepper jack.

Recipe 3: Spelt Honey Biscuits

For a touch of sweetness, these spelt honey biscuits are a delightful treat. The honey adds a subtle sweetness and a moistness to the biscuits.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups (240g) spelt flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/2 cup cold milk (or buttermilk)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Add Honey and Milk:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and cold milk. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Turn Out and Knead (Briefly):** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
6. **Cut Biscuits:** Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife) to cut out biscuits.
7. **Arrange and Bake:** Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of honey.

**Tips for Honey Biscuits:**

* **Choose Your Honey:** Different types of honey will impart different flavors. Try wildflower, clover, or buckwheat honey for variety.
* **Don’t Overbake:** These biscuits can brown quickly due to the honey content. Keep a close eye on them while baking.

Recipe 4: Spelt Drop Biscuits

Drop biscuits are incredibly easy to make because they require no rolling or cutting. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and comforting bake.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups (240g) spelt flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/3 cup (67g) melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
* 3/4 cup cold milk (or buttermilk)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Add Butter and Milk:** Add the cooled melted butter and cold milk to the flour mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Do not overmix.
4. **Drop Biscuits:** Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Use two spoons to help shape the biscuits, if needed.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. **Serve:** Serve warm.

**Variations:**

* **Savory Herbs:** Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the batter.
* **Cheese Please:** Stir in some shredded cheese for a cheesy drop biscuit.
* **Sweet Treat:** Add a handful of dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a sweet version.

Recipe 5: Spelt and Oat Biscuits

Combine the goodness of spelt with the heartiness of oats in these flavorful biscuits. These are perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (120g) spelt flour
* 1 cup (80g) rolled oats
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 3/4 cup cold milk (or buttermilk)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Add Milk:** Gradually add the cold milk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Turn Out and Knead (Briefly):** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
6. **Cut Biscuits:** Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife) to cut out biscuits.
7. **Arrange and Bake:** Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Serve warm with butter and jam, or alongside a savory dish.

**Tips for Oat Biscuits:**

* **Quick-Cooking Oats:** You can use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats for a slightly finer texture.
* **Soaking the Oats:** For a softer biscuit, soak the oats in the milk for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the flour mixture.

General Tips for Baking with Spelt Flour

* **Don’t Overmix:** Spelt flour has a lower gluten content than all-purpose flour, so it’s important not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
* **Use Cold Ingredients:** Cold butter and milk are essential for creating flaky biscuits. Keep your ingredients chilled until you’re ready to use them.
* **Handle Gently:** Handle the dough gently when patting and cutting the biscuits. Avoid pressing down too hard or twisting the biscuit cutter.
* **Bake at High Heat:** A hot oven helps the biscuits rise quickly and develop a golden-brown crust.
* **Experiment:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Add herbs, spices, cheese, or sweeteners to create your own unique spelt biscuit recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Spelt biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or a side of eggs and bacon.
* **Lunch or Dinner:** Accompany soups, stews, salads, or roasted meats.
* **Snacks:** Enjoy as a quick and satisfying snack with cheese, hummus, or your favorite spread.
* **Sandwiches:** Use as a base for breakfast or lunch sandwiches.
* **Dessert:** Split the biscuits and top with whipped cream, berries, and a drizzle of honey.

Storage Tips

* **Store Leftovers:** Store leftover spelt biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat biscuits in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through.
* **Freeze:** Freeze biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Spelt biscuits are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional biscuits, offering a nutty flavor and a tender crumb. With these recipes and tips, you can bake up a batch of wholesome and satisfying spelt biscuits that are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade spelt biscuits!