| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 13g | 8g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 2g | 6g | 0.2g |
Being born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, the magic of Southern cuisine has always been a part of my life. It was no great leap then, that my indulgence for cooking would blend harmoniously with this traditional culinary culture. Amidst the vast variety of delectable dishes that arise from the Southern kitchen, biscuits hold a special place. Hence, I can’t begin to express my adoration for this particular recipe—Sweet Apricot Biscuits.
A Touch of Sweet Southern Sunlight
Sweet Apricot Biscuits are like capturing the very essence of summer and baking it into a delightful, flaky biscuit. The succulent sweetness of fresh apricots, coupled with the zing provided by the zest and juice of a lemon, results in a tantalizing balance of flavors. The slight tartness from the fruit and sweetness from the apricot jam blend harmoniously to create a biscuit that speaks the language of summer itself.
Nourishing Goodness
But these aren’t just any biscuits. They are also packed with nutrients. Apricots are enriched with antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin A. I appreciate food that not only satisfies my taste buds, but also adds to my health quotient. These biscuits are a nod to my love for cooking that doubles up as a health booster, a love that I nurture and want to share with you, my lovely readers. You can read more about the health benefits of apricots here.
Serving Suggestions
Coupled with a perfect cup of hot tea or coffee on a leisurely evening, these Sweet Apricot Biscuits indeed transport you to a sunny Southern serenade. If you’re in the mood for some savory accompaniment, these biscuits perfectly pair well with traditional Southern fried chicken. For a coastal blend, serve them up with a bowl of creamy potato soup, the way we do in Charleston.
In the years that I’ve been baking, the Sweet Apricot Biscuits remain a free-spirited favorite—with a hint of Charleston, a sprinkle of health, and a whole lot of love!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1/4 cup icing sugar for dusting
Method
Step One
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set it aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step Three
Add the 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter pieces to the mix. Use your fingers to combine the butter with the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Step Four
Pour in the 2/3 cup of whole milk and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well to combine, but don’t overmix, as this could toughen the dough.
Step Five
Add the 1 cup of chopped fresh apricots, the zest of one lemon, and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the bowl. Gently fold in these additions until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step Six
Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between each for spreading.
Step Seven
Place the biscuits into the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Check them regularly to avoid over-baking.
Step Eight
While the biscuits are still hot, brush them with the 1/4 cup of apricot jam. Allow them to cool slightly, then dust them with the 1/4 cup of icing sugar for a final sweet touch.
Step Nine
Serve the Sweet Apricot Biscuits warm and enjoy!
