Spiced Butternut Squash Biscuits

These Spiced Butternut Squash Biscuits are a delightful addition to any holiday spread, offering a unique twist on the classic biscuit. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, these biscuits bring the comforting flavors of fall to your table. The roasted butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful golden hue, making these biscuits as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether serving them as a side dish with your holiday meal, making turkey and cranberry sliders, or enjoying them with a drizzle of honey or gravy, these biscuits will surely be a hit.

These biscuits are perfect for the big day and fantastic for breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving, perhaps paired with some leftover gravy. They’re versatile, easy to make, and a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal produce into your baking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 3/4 cup roasted and mashed butternut squash puree (or any cooked squash puree)
• 3 tablespoons honey, warmed until pourable (ensure it’s not hot)

Directions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the biscuits from sticking.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the dry ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. The blend of spices will give your biscuits a warm, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for the season.

Cut in the Butter

1. Add the butter:
   Add the chilled, diced butter to the flour mixture. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles a coarse meal with pea-sized bits of butter scattered throughout. This step is crucial for creating the flaky layers that make biscuits irresistible. Once the butter is incorporated, place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for about 10 minutes. Keeping the butter cold ensures that it melts slowly during baking, which creates those flaky layers.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Combine the wet ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the warmed honey until well combined. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory spices and the squash's natural sweetness.
2. Add the squash:
   Stir in the roasted and mashed butternut squash puree until smooth and evenly combined. The butternut squash adds moisture to the dough, helping to create a tender biscuit with a beautiful golden color.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the dough:
   Pour the squash and buttermilk mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits, so mix until the ingredients are incorporated and the dough comes together.

Knead the Dough

1. Knead gently:
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently 8-10 times, folding it over on itself to help create layers. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle extra flour as needed. The goal is to handle the dough as little as possible while ensuring it is cohesive and easy to work with.

Shape and Cut the Biscuits

1. Shape and cut:
   Pat or roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a floured 2-inch biscuit cutter or the rim of a floured mason jar to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter to ensure the biscuits rise evenly. Gather the scraps, gently re-roll, and cut out additional biscuits until all the dough is used.

Bake the Biscuits

1. Bake:
   Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet so they touch slightly. This helps them rise upward rather than spread outward during baking. Bake in the oven for 14-18 minutes or until the biscuits are lightly browned on top and cooked through. As the biscuits bake, the kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting aroma of spices.

Serve

1. Serve warm:
   Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter and honey, or use them as the base for savory sliders with turkey and cranberry sauce. These biscuits are also delicious drizzled with gravy, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to have fresh biscuits ready for your holiday meal with minimal last-minute effort.
• Freezing: These biscuits freeze well. After cutting them out, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Flavor Variations: For a different flavor profile, try adding a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the dough or a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or sage.

These Spiced Butternut Squash Biscuits are a delicious addition to your holiday menu and a versatile recipe you can enjoy throughout the fall and winter. Whether pairing them with a savory meal or enjoying them with a touch of sweetness, these biscuits will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them warm from the oven and savor the comforting flavors of the season.