
This buttery blueberry biscuit recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat that will make your breakfast or brunch truly special. The biscuits literally swim in melted butter while baking, creating an irresistibly tender texture, while juicy blueberries add bursts of flavor throughout.
I first made these biscuits for a Sunday brunch with my in-laws, and they've become our family's most requested weekend treat. The way the butter creates those crispy edges while keeping the interior melt-in-your-mouth tender is simply magical.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all purpose flour forms the base of our biscuits and provides structure while remaining tender
- 4 teaspoons baking powder ensures your biscuits rise beautifully with a light texture
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar divided between the dough and blueberry mixture for balanced sweetness
- 2 cups buttermilk adds tanginess and creates an incredibly tender crumb
- ½ cup unsalted butter creates the signature butter swim effect and rich flavor
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries provides juicy bursts of flavor and pretty color throughout
- 1 cup confectioners sugar creates a smooth sweet glaze that sets beautifully
- 2 tablespoons whole milk thins the glaze to the perfect consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Blueberries
- Preheat your oven to a hot 450°F to ensure the biscuits rise quickly and develop golden tops. In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of your blueberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar, gently tossing to coat. This process draws out some juice from the berries and creates a syrupy mixture that will swirl beautifully through your biscuits.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and the remaining tablespoon of sugar until well combined. This even distribution ensures your biscuits will rise uniformly and have consistent sweetness throughout.
- Add the Buttermilk
- Pour the buttermilk into your dry ingredients and stir just until the mixture comes together. The key here is gentle mixing using a light hand only until the flour is moistened. Overmixing will develop gluten and result in tough rather than tender biscuits.
- Incorporate the Blueberries
- Carefully fold in your sugar coated blueberries, including any juice that has accumulated. Use a gentle folding motion rather than stirring to maintain biscuit tenderness and create beautiful purple streaks throughout the dough.
- Prepare the Butter Bath
- Pour the melted butter into your 8×8 inch baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire bottom. The butter will work its way up and around the biscuits as they bake, creating that signature crispy exterior and rich flavor.
- Add the Dough and Score
- Transfer your blueberry studded dough into the butter filled dish and gently spread it to reach all corners. Using a knife or bench scraper, score the unbaked dough into nine equal squares. This makes serving easier after baking and allows butter to reach more surfaces.
- Add Remaining Berries and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of blueberries across the top of the dough, pressing them in slightly. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, until the tops become beautifully golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze
- While the biscuits bake, make your simple glaze by whisking together the confectioners sugar and milk until smooth. Add milk a few drops at a time if needed to reach your preferred consistency. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.
- Finish and Serve
- Allow the biscuits to cool completely before drizzling with your prepared glaze. The cooling period is crucial as it allows the biscuits to set up properly. Once glazed, cut along your scored lines and serve to delighted guests.

My favorite thing about this recipe is how the blueberries burst during baking, creating gorgeous purple swirls throughout the golden biscuits. My daughter always asks for the corner pieces because they develop the most delicious buttery crust during baking.
Storage and Reheating
These biscuits stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. The butter content helps keep these biscuits moist even when reheated.
Seasonal Variations
While blueberries are spectacular in this recipe, you can easily adapt it for different seasons. Try diced strawberries in spring, blackberries in summer, or diced apples with cinnamon in fall. Just maintain the same total volume of fruit and adjust the sugar coating depending on the natural sweetness of your chosen fruit. Cranberries with orange zest make a particularly festive holiday version.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits shine as the star of a breakfast or brunch spread. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete meal, or pair with a fruit salad for a lighter option. For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. A dollop of lemon curd or honey butter also makes a delightful accompaniment that complements the blueberries beautifully.

Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries without thawing them first. This might increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes, and the color may bleed more into the dough, but the flavor will be just as delicious.
- → What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.
- → Why are they called 'butter swim' biscuits?
These biscuits get their name because the dough literally 'swims' in melted butter while baking. This technique creates incredibly tender, moist biscuits with a delicious buttery flavor and slightly crisp exterior.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. The baked biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days and reheated in the oven.
- → How do I prevent overmixing the dough?
Stir the ingredients just until they come together - a few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes biscuits tough rather than tender. Use a gentle folding motion when incorporating the blueberries.
- → Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Absolutely! Try substituting raspberries, blackberries, or diced strawberries. You could also add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon to the dough for additional flavor variations.