Easy Healthy Drop Biscuits (with Gluten-Free and Vegan Options)
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These Easy Healthy Drop Biscuits come together in a flash, are very hearty and they taste great.
The recipe is super flexible too. You can make them with regular whole grain or gluten-free flour and they can be made vegan too. They're so easy to whip up, you'll want to make several batches and freeze a bunch to have on hand anytime.
I'm a super busy mom, so I'm always on the hunt for easy healthy recipes. This recipe for easy healthy biscuits is right up there with the best of 'em as far as easy goes.
As the weather starts to turn a bit cooler, my mind turns to baking again.
I've been pulling my grain mill out again and we are all enjoying the taste of fresh baked goods again.
But time is still tight and I am juggling a lot. Being a wife, a mom, homeschooling, this blog, our special needs son, special diets, and still having physically rough days of adrenal issues (that we later found out had to do with Lyme Disease). On those adrenal/Lyme days, not much gets done.
Clearly, I need fast recipes that can nourish my family without a bunch of fuss.
This is one of those.
Adapted from one of Sue Greggs's Breakfast recipes, this Easy Biscuit Recipe is a recipe that I turned to early and often in my whole grains lifestyle.
We LOVE these biscuits with Homemade Nut or Seed Butter on them and a bit of sweetener. We are on a candida diet, so I sprinkle a bit of xylitol or spread a bit of vegetable glycerine on them, or maybe fruit-only jam. And like almost everything else that I make, I typically double triple the recipe (at least) and freeze the extras (if they last that long!).
Read more on Saving Time and Money by Baking in Bulk. It's so nice to have some of these to grab for a quick lunch, snack, or breakfast.
One thing I will note about this gluten-free biscuit recipe is that the baking soda flavor is somewhat noticeable if you eat them plain. I'm going to see if I can work on that to make it less obvious and will update the post.
We do love them anyhow with all kinds of toppings, but our favorite is Homemade Nut Butter and some honey or jam, but they're particularly yummy with this Sugar-free Lemon Curd on top!
Recipe Tips
- Flour Type: I like to make these easy gluten-free drop biscuits with whatever mix of flours I have on hand. I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to flour usage in gluten-free baking. I typically do, however, like to:
– use some sweet brown rice as it adds a bit of stickiness to baked goods
– use a blend of flours since they work much better than just one type of flour
– not too much buckwheat or quinoa flour as they tend to have an aftertaste
– add at least some homemade oat flour for an “oat-ey” and nutty taste
- Light or Hearty?: This recipe makes a “hearty” biscuit. If you want a lighter biscuit and your diet permits it, then please use some white flour as a substitute for some of the whole grain.
- Flavor Notes: This biscuit is a little “baking soda-y”–that's just the way that they are. If time permits I will work on an update.
See my Gluten-Free Baking Tips for more helpful ideas for flour combinations to use in this easy biscuit recipe.
Recipe Notes
- Gluten-free Baking Help: For help with baking gluten-free, see my Gluten-Free Baking Tips.
- Baking Powder Alternative: If you would like to make your own baking powder, see Homemade Baking Powder. To avoid the starch, use 1 2/3 teaspoons baking soda and a splash more of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar instead of baking powder.
- Buttermilk Alternative: To make your own buttermilk, put 1/8 cup lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (I use this organic option) in a measuring cup and add enough milk to make 2 cups. You can use any milk or milk alternative like Homemade Coconut Milk or Homemade Almond Milk)
More Easy Healthy Recipes
Here are some more easy recipes we love.
– Homemade Protein Bars
– Low-Carb Oat Bran Muffins
– Silky Smooth Bean Fudge
– Nut Butter Truffles
5-Ingredient Easy Healthy Drop Biscuit Recipe (gluten free and vegan options)
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole grain flour (we use gluten-free flour)
- 5 teaspoons baking powder (6 1/4 baking powder if using gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (1 1/4 if using gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk (or DIY vegan option–see above notes)
- 3 tablespoons oil (I like to use melted coconut oil)
Instructions
- Add all dry ingredients to a bowl. Mix well.
- Combine milk mixture (or buttermilk) and oil.
- Add wets to dries and stir until just mixed and then beat another 10 strokes.
- Drop large golf-ball sized balls of dough onto a baking stone or cookie sheet, at least 2″ apart.
- Bake in a 425 degree preheated oven for 12 – 15 minutes until lightly-browned.
Notes
- Gluten-free Baking Help: For help with baking gluten-free, see my Gluten-Free Baking Tips.
- Baking Powder Alternative: If you would like to make your own baking powder, see Homemade Baking Powder. To avoid the starch, use 1 2/3 teaspoons baking soda and a splash more of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar instead of baking powder.
- Buttermilk Alternative: To make your own buttermilk, put 1/8 cup lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (I use this organic option) in a measuring cup and add enough milk to make 2 cups. You can use any milk or milk alternative like Easiest Coconut Milk or Easiest Almond Milk)
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Do you have a favorite “grab and go” snack or baked good to share?
What would you serve your Easy Drop Biscuits with?
I made these and they were so yummy with coconut butter and honey!
Great! So glad you enjoyed it!!
We made these (with spelt and almond milk) twice in the last few days because they are so delicious. And easy! Thanks!
And I have to say, until this recipe, I wasn’t aware I could make “buttermilk” by adding vinegar to almond milk. You’ve changed my life. Last weekend I was able to make my usual pancake recipe so well that my husband, who simply accepts the inferior results of dairy-free cooking, said, “Wow, these are amazing!” Woo hoo!
You’re site in general has blessed me so much. You rock. 🙂
What a thoughtful kind comment. Thank you!!!!
I found your recipe when looking for a gf biscuit recipe since biscuits and gravy sounded good. I’ve never made biscuits before but thought this was simple, and it was! Super easy and so tasty! I made about half the recipe using 1/4c sweet rice flour, 1/2c of both white and brown rice flour, and then 1/4c of a gf flour mix I had on had. Added a dash of natural vanilla too and 1.5 TSP of sugar to make it sweeter since I’ve been having a sugar attack. LOL So good! This recipe is a keeper. Thank you so much!! My 1yr old loved it too with a little organic applesauce on it for a “jam” idea. 🙂
You are so welcome! Thanks for coming back to share!!!
Hi, I made these tonight and put pulled BBQ pork on them. They were good, but I think I need to play with the recipe a bit. Might have been the mix of flours I used…but I was thinking that some ground flax seed goop might add a bit more moisture and hold them together a bit better. What do you think?…Otherwise though they were a hit with my kids, and my non-GF hubby ate 3!
Sounds like a great idea!! I think it does depend on the flour but they are a little dry. Still, they do get eaten. Typically GF means – “doesn’t hold together well” unless there’s substantial flax, chia or gums (which I try not to use).
I know what you mean about “doesn’t hold together well”…my biggest gripe! I was also thinking maybe to make these more of a treat or breakfast item to hand mix in a bit of all fruit preserves before baking, not really mixing in, but leaving clumpy in the dough. Might try it tomorrow, I’ll keep you posted! Can this dough be made up the night before and left in the fridge till morning?
Absolutely it can. If you leave it out w/ just the grains and the liquids you’ll be soaking the grain which is supposed to be better for you. You should have a grain w/ phytase in it but that’s another topic :-). See my post on Soaking grains.
Your biscuits look utterly delicious!
What is the difference between a biscuit & a scone? I see biscuits recipes on American blogs; is it typical American? I am a Belgian!
I have never made biscuits before, scones & cookies, yes! I must try these! 🙂
Good question! I’ve looked it up and learned something:
1. Scones are usually sweeter, though biscuits can be either sweet or savory.
2. Scones are typically cut into triangles whereas biscuits are typically round.
3. Biscuits are usually a side dish w/ breakfast or dinner whereas scones are usually served with tea.
Welcome! My roots are in Ireland. Are you still in Belgium? Hope to see you around again and I hope to post a scone recipe sometime. I love them!
Do you use a tablespoon or a teaspoon measurement for this when you drop them on the cookie sheet? Thanks!
Hi Amy. I just drop whatever size I’d like. I’d say it’s typically about 1/2 a muffin size. Gluten free foods typically hold together better in small sizes. Hope that helps!
These are delicious! I flagged them last fall, and finally got around to playing with the recipe. I’ve made them several times in a past few days for myself, family, new neighbors and company. They’re a hit. It’s now my basic healthy biscuit/quickbread recipe.
Yea! Thanks for sharing!
Sorry this has nothing to do with your current post but I have a question. I was checking out your recipe for rice milk on Money Saving Mom. If you wanted to make a chocolate version, what do you suggest for the flavor? Thank you! Love your blog.
I think just add chocolate or carob. We’ve done that and love it. Just try about 1-2 T for the whole batch and then you’ll be able to see what strength you like! Enjoy and thanks for your kind words!
I have to try these!!
Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasure’s Whole Health Weekend Link-Up.
Check back tonight when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe with the Gallery of Favorites. It is great it has gluten and dairy free options too!