Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits: The Ultimate Guide to a Festive Holiday Biscuit Bar Brunch
Imagine a brunch spread that’s both inviting and effortlessly elegant, a centerpiece that encourages conversation and culinary creativity. This holiday season, we’re elevating the classic biscuit to new heights with our incredibly soft, flavorful, and flaky cream cheese biscuits, coupled with a delightful build-your-own biscuit bar. It’s a concept that promises to be the highlight of any festive gathering, offering a personalized experience that guests will absolutely adore, whether they prefer sweet or savory toppings.
This post is sponsored by Challenge Butter.
Last month, I had the pleasure of hosting a brunch bridal shower for my sister, and the star of the show was undoubtedly a homemade biscuit bar. We served a generous batch of classic buttermilk biscuits alongside an array of sweet and savory toppings. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive – not just from our friends and family at the event, but also from my wonderful followers on Instagram. Dozens of messages poured in, exclaiming, “Such a fun idea!”
Inspired by this fantastic feedback and with the holiday season upon us, I knew I had to share this concept with you here, complete with the perfect biscuit recipe, comprehensive tips, and a helpful video. December is synonymous with parties, family gatherings, and joyful celebrations, making it the perfect time to introduce a festive twist to this beloved brunch idea. If you’re currently planning a get-together with friends and loved ones this month, a biscuit bar brunch is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. It’s an opportunity to create cherished memories around delicious, comforting food. Forget the stress of elaborate menus; this approach keeps things simple, interactive, and incredibly satisfying for everyone involved, making your holiday entertaining a breeze.
The Secret to Unforgettable Biscuits: Why Cream Cheese Makes All the Difference
While my easy buttermilk biscuits have long been a household favorite – a recipe I genuinely make at least once a week – I was eager to experiment and try something new for this special holiday feature. That’s how these delightful cream cheese biscuits came into being, and honestly, they were nothing short of amazing. Dare I say, perhaps even better (gasp!) than my trusty old standby buttermilk version. They retain all the wonderful flakiness you expect from a perfectly baked biscuit, but with an added dimension of incredible softness and a richer, more nuanced flavor, thanks to the cream cheese.
The addition of cream cheese introduces a subtle tang and an unparalleled tenderness to the biscuits. It works harmoniously with the butter, creating tiny pockets of moisture within the dough that, when baked, result in a biscuit that practically melts in your mouth. This unique characteristic makes them exceptionally versatile, whether they’re the star of your holiday brunch, a delightful accompaniment to breakfast, or a comforting snack any day of the week. The cream cheese ensures a moist crumb and helps the biscuits achieve a beautiful, golden-brown exterior. If you’ve yet to venture into the world of biscuits made with cream cheese, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a game-changer that might just become your new favorite for its delicate flavor and remarkable texture.
Why Quality Ingredients Matter: Featuring Challenge Dairy Products
For both the butter and cream cheese in this delectable recipe, I consistently reach for my trusted supply from Challenge Dairy. I often emphasize this, but the truth is, the quality of your ingredients truly makes an undeniable difference in the final taste and texture of your baked goods. Challenge Butter, made from 100% real cream with absolutely nothing artificial added, provides that rich, pure dairy flavor essential for superior biscuits. Its high-quality fat content contributes significantly to the desired flakiness and helps achieve that beautiful, golden-brown crust we all crave in a perfect biscuit.
Similarly, Challenge Cream Cheese, crafted with the freshest milk, cream, and all-natural ingredients, delivers an unmatched smoothness and a delicate tang that elevates these biscuits from merely good to truly extraordinary. The natural goodness of these premium dairy products shines through in every bite, providing the perfect foundation for a truly exceptional culinary experience. When you’re aiming for that soft, tender crumb and exquisite flavor that sets your homemade biscuits apart, using premium dairy products like those from Challenge Dairy is a step you simply cannot afford to skip. It’s an investment in taste that pays dividends in deliciousness, ensuring your efforts in the kitchen are always rewarded with superior results.
Click here to find a Challenge retailer near you and experience the difference quality ingredients make in all your baking and cooking.
Crafting the Ultimate Holiday Biscuit Bar Brunch: Essential Tips & Creative Ideas
Why simply serve biscuits when you can transform them into an interactive and unforgettable culinary adventure for your guests? Hosting a build-your-own biscuit bar is a fantastic way to engage everyone and offer a personalized dining experience that caters to all palates. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, allowing guests to customize their breakfast or brunch to their heart’s content. Here are my top tips and creative ideas to ensure your holiday biscuit bar brunch is an absolute smash hit and a memorable occasion for everyone:
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Keep Biscuits Bite-Sized for Variety and Enjoyment
One of the keys to a successful and engaging biscuit bar is offering variety without overwhelming your guests. I highly recommend using a 2-inch round cutter to make mini biscuits. This ideal size allows guests to comfortably take several biscuits and sample a wider array of toppings, exploring different sweet and savory combinations. Smaller portions encourage experimentation and ensure everyone can try multiple flavors without feeling too full too quickly. It’s all about making the experience fun, accessible, and ensuring every guest finds their perfect bite amidst the festive spread.
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Curate a Diverse Selection of Sweet & Savory Toppings
The toppings are where your biscuit bar truly shines and reflects your creativity! Think broadly to offer something for every preference. For the sweet tooth, consider homemade or artisanal flavored compound butters (like cinnamon honey, cranberry orange, or maple pecan), local raw honey, luscious Nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spreads, an assortment of vibrant jams and preserves (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, fig), apple butter, fruit curds (lemon or passionfruit), or even a decadent chocolate ganache. On the savory side, offer thinly sliced deli meats (honey ham, smoked turkey), an array of complementary cheeses (sharp cheddar, creamy brie, fresh goat cheese with herbs, pepper jack), crispy bacon or savory sausage patties, and for a truly comforting touch, a rich homemade sausage gravy. Don’t forget fresh herbs, sliced avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or even a smoked salmon and dill cream cheese spread for a more gourmet option. The possibilities are endless, making each biscuit a unique, personalized creation!
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Complement Your Biscuits with Refreshing Sides and Drinks
To balance the richness of the biscuits and their diverse toppings, incorporate fresh and vibrant side dishes that cleanse the palate and add color to your spread. A large, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, perhaps with seasonal fruits or nuts, or a colorful platter of fresh seasonal fruit (berries, melon, citrus segments) are always excellent choices. For beverages, get into the holiday spirit with a fun, non-alcoholic holiday punch (like sparkling cranberry ginger ale), or for an adult-friendly brunch, a big batch of sparkling cranberry-orange mimosas, a warm spiced cider, or a festive sparkling rosé. Offering a selection of freshly brewed coffee and various teas is also a must for any complete brunch.
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Embrace Smart Planning & Advance Preparation for Effortless Entertaining
The secret to a stress-free holiday brunch, allowing you to actually enjoy your own party, lies in thoughtful planning and advance preparation. Prepare all of your toppings in advance – chop vegetables, slice meats and cheeses, mix spreads, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator a day or two before your event. For the biscuits themselves, you can even freeze unbaked biscuits right on a parchment-lined sheet pan, well-wrapped, up to a week before your gathering. This means that on the morning of your event, all you’ll need to do is pop the frozen biscuits into the oven and arrange your beautifully prepped toppings. This strategy allows you to enjoy your guests without being tethered to the kitchen, transforming you into a relaxed, present, and joyful host.
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Thoughtful Presentation: Simple Decor & Informative Labels
Presentation adds wonderfully to the festive atmosphere, but there’s absolutely no need to overcomplicate things or break your budget. If you’re looking for charming labels to identify all of your delectable toppings, I’m a big fan of chalkboard place cards. They add a rustic yet elegant touch and are easily reusable. For broader brunch decor ideas, Pinterest is an endless source of inspiration for festive table settings and centerpiece ideas. I personally prefer to keep it simple and natural for a holiday theme: a few fresh evergreen boughs, some bright holly berries, scattered pinecones, and delicate strands of mini fairy lights can instantly create a cozy and magical ambiance without requiring extensive effort or expensive purchases.
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Embrace Imperfection and Let the Food Shine
Resist the urge to buy brand new, perfectly matching bowls and serving dishes for all of your toppings. Instead, embrace a more eclectic, homey feel by digging through your existing collection of mismatched canning jars, small ramekins, antique dishes, and various serving platters. There’s truly no need to spend a lot of money or strive for Pinterest-perfect uniformity. The charming, rustic aesthetic of a homemade setup often resonates more deeply with guests and makes them feel more at home. Keep your setup simple, let the vibrant colors, diverse textures, and enticing aromas of the food be the true star of your holiday biscuit bar. Your guests will appreciate the warmth, authenticity, and personal touch of your efforts far more than any perfectly coordinated, sterile display. The goal is to celebrate, not to stress over perfection.
Watch the Video: Crafting Your Cream Cheese Biscuits & Holiday Biscuit Bar
Seeing is believing, especially when it comes to baking and entertaining! To guide you through the process of making these magnificent cream cheese biscuits and setting up your festive biscuit bar, I’ve prepared a helpful video. It offers a visual step-by-step for the biscuit recipe, demonstrating crucial techniques like properly cutting in the butter and cream cheese, and handling the dough for optimal flakiness. You’ll also get a glimpse into how effortlessly you can arrange your myriad toppings and complementary sides to create an appealing, abundant, and inviting spread. This comprehensive video is designed to make your holiday baking and entertaining as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, ensuring delicious results and a beautiful presentation every time you host.
Cream Cheese Biscuits
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Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon coarse salt
- 6 tablespoons cold Challenge Butter (85 grams), cubed
- 3 ounces cold Challenge Cream Cheese (85 grams), cubed
- 1 ¼ cup cold buttermilk (310 ml), plus more for brushing
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prepare a large sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. This crucial step ensures your biscuits bake evenly, prevents sticking, and makes for easy cleanup, leading to perfectly golden bottoms.
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In a spacious large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and coarse salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly for about 30 seconds to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is crucial for achieving light, fluffy, and well-risen biscuits.
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Add the cold, cubed Challenge Butter and cold, cubed Challenge Cream Cheese to the dry ingredients. Using either a sturdy fork, a dedicated pastry blender, or your fingertips, carefully cut the fats into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter and cream cheese still visible. This step is absolutely vital for creating those coveted flaky layers in your biscuits. Be mindful not to overwork the dough at this stage, as warmth from your hands can melt the butter prematurely.
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Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the mixture and stir gently with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy, craggy dough forms. Again, exercise caution not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough biscuits. Dump the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface and gently work it together into a cohesive ball with your hands, just until it comes together. Flatten the dough into a rough rectangle (about 1-inch thick) and perform the “laminating” technique: fold it on top of itself 4 times, turning it 90 degrees after each fold. This process helps create numerous additional layers for maximum flakiness and a tender texture.
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Roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 1 inch. For perfectly portioned mini biscuits, which are ideal for a tasting bar, use a 2-inch round cutter. For larger, regular-sized biscuits, a 3 or 3 1/2-inch round cutter will work perfectly. When cutting, press straight down with the cutter and resist the urge to twist it, as twisting can seal the edges of the biscuit and prevent it from rising properly. Place the cut biscuits on your prepared sheet pan, arranging them so they are slightly touching each other. This proximity helps them rise taller and creates softer, more tender sides. Finally, lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with a little extra buttermilk for a beautiful golden-brown finish and a perfectly tender crust.
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Bake your biscuits in the preheated oven until their tops are beautifully golden brown and they have puffed up significantly. This typically takes 15-17 minutes for mini biscuits and 18-20 minutes for regular-sized biscuits. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. To check for doneness, the internal temperature of a biscuit should be around 200-205°F (93-96°C). Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven.
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Biscuits are undeniably best enjoyed warm, directly from the oven, on the very day they are baked, when their flakiness and tenderness are at their peak. However, if you happen to have any delicious leftovers, they will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. To revive their tenderness and warmth, reheat them gently in a warm oven for a few minutes or briefly in a microwave. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings from the biscuit bar!
Essential Tools for Baking Perfect Cream Cheese Biscuits
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking endeavors, especially when aiming for perfectly flaky and tender cream cheese biscuits. These are some of my go-to items that will help you achieve outstanding results for your biscuits and streamline your holiday brunch preparation. While not all are strictly necessary, they certainly make the process smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable, leading to consistently delicious outcomes:
- **Pastry Blender:** This simple yet effective tool is crucial for efficiently cutting cold butter and cream cheese into the flour mixture, ensuring proper texture without overworking the dough. It helps create those desired pockets of fat that result in flaky layers.
- **Round Biscuit Cutters:** Essential for creating beautifully shaped and uniformly sized biscuits. A 2-inch cutter is ideal for the mini biscuits suggested for a tasting bar, while a 3 or 3.5-inch cutter works well for standard sizes. Remember to press straight down without twisting to ensure maximum rise!
- **Large Mixing Bowls:** Having a set of large, sturdy mixing bowls is necessary for comfortably combining your dry and wet ingredients without making a mess. A wide bowl allows for easier handling of the dough.
- **Parchment Paper:** A baker’s best friend! Lining your sheet pan with parchment paper prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup an absolute breeze, especially with delicate pastries like biscuits.
- **Rolling Pin:** A good quality rolling pin is key for rolling out your biscuit dough to the perfect, consistent thickness, which is vital for even baking and a beautiful rise.
- **Heavy-Duty Sheet Pan:** For baking your biscuits, a heavy-duty sheet pan (or baking sheet) provides superior heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring your biscuits bake through evenly with a golden bottom and top.
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Disclosure: This recipe was created in partnership with Challenge Dairy, Inc. as part of a long-term ambassadorship. I am proud to partner with brands whose values align with mine and whose products I genuinely love and use in my own kitchen. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible and allow me to continue sharing delicious recipes and entertaining ideas with you. All opinions expressed in this post are always 100% my own. To learn more about Challenge Dairy, their commitment to quality, and their range of products, you can visit their website here. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest for more inspiration.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a new twist on a classic or just starting out and seeking an impressive yet approachable recipe, these cream cheese biscuits are a fantastic choice to master. Their exceptional tenderness, delicate flakiness, and rich flavor profile make them a delightful choice for any occasion, and especially memorable when presented as part of a lavish, interactive holiday biscuit bar. This approach to entertaining is not only practical and fun but also deeply satisfying, allowing your guests the creative freedom to craft their perfect bite. Embrace the joy of homemade goodness and shared culinary moments this holiday season. Happy baking, joyful entertaining, and even happier feasting with these incredible cream cheese biscuits!