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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- 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.
- Add Buttermilk and Cranberries: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until a dough forms. Fold in the cranberries.
- 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.
- Arrange in Skillet: Place the biscuits in the prepared skillet, touching slightly for a soft texture.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- 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!
PrintCranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 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.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- 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.
- Add the wet ingredients:
- Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Be careful not to overmix.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.