Warm Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits Recipe

Fluffy Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits Recipe for Breakfast

Warm, golden biscuits with a cranberry-cinnamon twist burst with homemade comfort straight from the skillet.

Rustic and inviting, these tender treats promise a delightful morning experience.

Each bite combines the tartness of cranberries with rich, warming cinnamon notes.

The skillet method ensures a perfectly crisp exterior and soft, pillowy center.

Butter melts into every crevice, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

These biscuits transform an ordinary breakfast into a memorable culinary moment.

Dive into this simple yet extraordinary recipe and elevate your morning routine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 7

Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits Ingredients Breakdown

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our biscuits, providing structure and a tender crumb; choose unbleached flour for the best texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the cranberries and cinnamon; opt for fine-grain sugar for even distribution.
  • Baking Powder: The key to making biscuits light and fluffy; ensure it's fresh for maximum rising power.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with cranberries; use freshly ground for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness; use fine sea salt for even mixing.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers when cut into the flour; use high-quality unsalted butter straight from the refrigerator.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a tender crumb; look for full-fat buttermilk for the richest results.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Dried Cranberries: Adds bursts of tart sweetness and beautiful color; choose plump, moist dried cranberries for the best texture.
  • Melted Butter: Gives a golden, glossy finish and extra richness; use unsalted butter for brushing.
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: Provides a sweet, spicy topping that caramelizes beautifully; mix freshly ground cinnamon with fine sugar for the best coating.

What You’ll Need For Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits

  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing dry ingredients and incorporating butter.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining flour, sugar, and spices smoothly.
  • Pastry Cutter: Ideal for cutting cold butter into dry ingredients for flaky texture.
  • Cast-Iron Skillet: Crucial for baking and serving biscuits with even heat distribution.
  • Measuring Cups: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely measure baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for gently folding cranberries and buttermilk into dough.
  • Pastry Brush: Useful for applying melted butter on biscuit tops.

Making Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits Step By Step

  • Warm Kitchen Atmosphere

Prepare your kitchen for a cozy baking adventure. A cast-iron skillet becomes your canvas for creating delightful golden biscuits that will fill your home with irresistible cinnamon aromas.

  • Flour Power Blend

Combine dry ingredients with a gentle touch, creating a soft foundation that will transform into fluffy biscuits. The mixture should look like delicate snow with subtle texture variations.

  • Butter Magic

Work cold butter into the flour mixture using fingertips, creating small buttery pockets that promise incredible flakiness. Break down butter until the texture resembles rough breadcrumbs.

  • Liquid Harmony

Introduce buttermilk to bring everything together, folding cranberries gently into the dough. The mixture should feel tender and slightly bumpy with bursts of crimson fruit.

  • Skillet Arrangement

Nestle soft dough portions closely together in the skillet, allowing biscuits to support and rise against each other. Their edges should barely touch, creating a beautiful communal bake.

  • Golden Transformation

Brush biscuit tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake until they turn a warm, inviting golden brown with crispy edges that whisper of homemade goodness.

  • Delicious Finale

Serve these heavenly biscuits straight from the skillet, letting their warmth and fragrance invite everyone to the table. Enjoy with a drizzle of honey or a pat of creamy butter.

Tips To Change Up Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits

  • Butter Brushing Brilliance: Generously brush melted butter on top of the biscuits before baking to create a golden, crispy exterior that adds rich flavor and stunning shine.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows flavors to develop and makes morning baking a breeze.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these biscuits accessible for those with wheat sensitivities. Add a touch of xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar and use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped apricots, blueberries, or raisins to create unique flavor combinations that keep this recipe exciting and versatile.

Serving Ideas For Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, fluffy biscuits with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty morning meal that'll kick-start your day.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside a steaming cup of cinnamon tea or hot cocoa, creating a perfect mid-afternoon treat that comforts and satisfies.
  • Sweet Dessert Transformation: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to turn these biscuits into an indulgent dessert that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Create a beautiful brunch spread by arranging the biscuits on a rustic wooden board with small dishes of honey, jam, and softened butter for guests to customize their experience.

Storage Tips For Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them stacked with a sheet of parchment paper between each biscuit to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual biscuits tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These delicious treats can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive cold biscuits by warming them in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. For a crispy exterior, wrap loosely in aluminum foil to trap moisture and restore their fresh-baked appeal.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dry ingredients and cut in butter the night before. Store the mixture in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, simply add buttermilk and cranberries, then pop into the oven for fresh, warm biscuits in minutes.
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Warm Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits Recipe

Warm Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Homemade cranberry-cinnamon skillet biscuits blend rustic Southern comfort with festive holiday warmth. Rich, buttery dough mingles tart cranberries and warming spices, promising a delightful breakfast or brunch companion you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar mixed with ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and thoroughly grease a cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray to ensure seamless biscuit release.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until completely uniform and well-integrated.
  3. Butter Incorporation: Break cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips, creating a textured, sandy consistency that will provide flaky layers.
  4. Dough Formation: Pour buttermilk into the mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Delicately fold in dried cranberries, maintaining a light touch to preserve the biscuits’ tender texture.
  5. Skillet Arrangement: Distribute dough dollops evenly in the prepared skillet, positioning them snugly to create a cohesive baking arrangement. This technique ensures uniform cooking and an appealing presentation.
  6. Final Touches and Baking: Brush biscuit tops with melted butter and generously sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior that promises irresistible flavor and texture.
  7. Serving: Remove skillet from oven and serve biscuits warm. Enhance with optional accompaniments like butter, honey, or a decadent glaze to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Control: Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to create flaky, tender biscuits. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in a lighter texture.
  • Minimal Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense biscuits. Stir just until ingredients combine, keeping the mixture loose and delicate.
  • Cranberry Distribution Trick: Toss dried cranberries in a bit of flour before adding to the dough to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the biscuits.
  • Skillet Selection Matters: Cast-iron skillets provide even heat distribution and create a beautiful crispy exterior. If unavailable, use a similar heavy-bottomed baking dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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