Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits

Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits are a cozy and flavorful breakfast or brunch treat featuring tender, flaky biscuits baked with tart cranberries and a warm cinnamon glaze. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, these biscuits are perfect for sharing and bring a rustic charm to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines tart cranberries and warm cinnamon for a delightful flavor.
  • Perfectly soft, buttery biscuits baked with a golden crust.
  • Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday gathering.
  • A one-pan dish that’s easy to make and serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Biscuits:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • Buttermilk
  • Fresh or dried cranberries

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk or heavy cream
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
  3. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add Buttermilk and Cranberries: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until a dough forms. Fold in the cranberries.
  5. Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Roll out to 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter.
  6. Arrange in Skillet: Place the biscuits in the prepared skillet, touching slightly for a soft texture.
  7. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  8. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
  9. Glaze the Biscuits: Drizzle the glaze over the warm biscuits before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes 10–12 biscuits
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Orange-Cranberry: Add orange zest to the dough and a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
  • Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture.
  • Spiced Biscuits: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
  • Dried Cranberries: If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump before adding.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work well. Soak them in warm water or juice to soften before adding.

2. Do I need a cast-iron skillet?

No, an oven-safe baking dish or pie pan works as a substitute.

3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds tenderness. For a substitute, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk.

4. Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough, cut the biscuits, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

5. Can I add other fruits?

Yes, diced apples, blueberries, or chopped dried apricots are great alternatives.

6. How do I prevent dry biscuits?

Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender texture.

7. What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?

Use a glass or jar lid to cut out biscuit shapes.

8. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the biscuits are delicious on their own or with a pat of butter.

9. Can I add sugar to the glaze for extra sweetness?

The powdered sugar provides plenty of sweetness, but you can adjust to taste by adding more.

10. Can I use cinnamon sugar on top instead of a glaze?

Yes, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the biscuits before baking for a crisp, sweet topping.

Conclusion

Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits are a flavorful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With their tender, buttery texture and the sweetness of cranberries and cinnamon glaze, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

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Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits

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These warm, buttery biscuits are infused with sweet-tart cranberries and a hint of cinnamon. Baked in a skillet, they’re soft inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the biscuits:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
  • ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries

For the topping:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Cut in the butter:
    • Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add the wet ingredients:
    • Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Shape the biscuits:
    • Scoop about ¼ cup of dough for each biscuit and place them close together in the prepared skillet. You should have about 8-10 biscuits.
  6. Bake:
    • Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve warm with butter, honey, or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.

Notes

  • Substitute dried cranberries with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or chocolate chips for variety.
  • These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

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