There’s just something so special about pulling a warm pan of spelt flour biscuits from the oven. It’s a feeling like love coming from the oven. The simple ingredients and the delicious way they come together make them deeply satisfying and leave you feeling like you’re getting a quiet little hug on a plate.
If you’ve been wanting to make biscuits from scratch using more natural grains, you’re in the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly how to make soft, flaky spelt flour biscuits using simple, time-tested methods you can trust.
Spelt Flour Biscuits Made Simple
There’s something special about working with spelt flour. It connects us to an older way of baking before everything was rushed and over-processed.
Now, if you’ve tried baking with spelt before, you might’ve noticed it behaves a little differently. The dough feels a bit sticky compared to modern flour. That’s perfectly normal.
Spelt just needs a gentler hand and a little patience. Once you get the feel for it, you’ll find that making spelt flour biscuits becomes second nature.
Spelt flour absorbs liquid at a slower rate than modern wheat, which means your dough needs a few extra minutes to rest. That one small step makes a big difference.
Here’s what to remember:
- The dough may feel sticky, so resist adding too much flour
- Let it rest for 10 minutes so it can fully hydrate
- Handle it gently to keep your biscuits soft and tender
That’s really the heart of it. Simple, steady, and not rushed.
Three Ways to Shape Spelt Flour Biscuits
One of the things I love most about making spelt flour biscuits is how flexible they are. You can shape them using the method that you prefer.
1. Roll Out and Cut
If you like that neat, evenly sized biscuit look, this is your method.
- Roll the dough to about ¾ inch thick
- Use a dough cutter, jar ring, or glass
- Press straight down on the dough with the cutter. Be sure not to twist the cutter as you finish the cutting. Twisting seals the edges and keeps your spelt flour biscuits from rising well.
Tip for flaky layers:
Fold the dough like a letter, chill it for about 30 minutes, then roll again. That’s how you get those soft, layered biscuits.
2. Drop Biscuits (Quick and Easy)
Short on time? This one’s for you.
- Scoop dough with a spoon
- Drop onto your baking pan or skillet
- No rolling needed
These come out a bit rustic, but just as soft inside.
3. Hand-Rolled Biscuits (Classic Method)
This is the way many of us learned growing up.
- Scoop dough by hand or using a spoon
- Lightly flour your palms
- Gently roll and tuck into shape
It’s simple, no tools needed, and gives that homemade look we all love.
How to Make Spelt Flour Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups spelt flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust if using unsalted butter)
- 8 tablespoons cold butter or lard
- ½ cup cold buttermilk
- ¼–½ cup water (as needed) OR You can also use all milk instead of water if you prefer.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly
- Add buttermilk and a bit of water or milk, whichever you choose
- Mix gently—don’t overwork
- Let the biscuit dough rest 10 minutes
- Shape using your preferred method
- Place in a greased cast iron skillet
- Bake 20 minutes or until golden
Tips for Soft and Flaky Spelt Flour Biscuits
If you remember nothing else, keep these in mind:
- Keep ingredients cold: especially your butter
- Don’t overmix: less handling means softer biscuits
- Use just enough flour: too much dries them out
- Let the dough rest: this step matters more with spelt flour than other types of flour
These small tips make all the difference.
A Little Encouragement From My Kitchen
If your first batch isn’t perfect, don’t let that discourage you. Truth is, biscuits have always been something you learn by feel. My grandmother taught me to make biscuits when I was a girl and they always turned out great. But as a young wife, I made them on my own and they were like baseballs. You could throw them and break something.
I called her crying, trying to figure out what I had done wrong. She laughed, as she often did at me and we walked back through the process. They turned out better but not the same as when she was standing there with me. But over time, I became as good a biscuit baker as her; I know because she had me make her some when she visited me and she told me so.
Stick with it, trust your hands, and before long, your spelt flour biscuits will turn out just the way you like them.
Bringing It All Together
There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a pan of warm spelt flour biscuits from the oven. It’s simple food, but it feeds more than just your stomach.
Whether you serve them with eggs in the morning or alongside supper, they bring a little comfort to the table.
If you’re looking to build more baking skills, you might enjoy some of the recipes here on The Farmer’s Lamp. We are happy to help with baking, cooking from scratch, and living a little closer to the land.
And if you’ve made these, I’d truly love to hear how they turned out for you. Every kitchen teaches us something new.
Homemade Spelt Flour Biscuits Like Grandma Made
Equipment
- skillet or baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups spelt flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust if using unsalted butter
- 8 tablespoons cold butter or lard
- ½ cup cold buttermilk
- ¼ –½ cup water as needed OR You can also use all milk instead of water if you prefer.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly
- Add buttermilk and a bit of water or milk, whichever you choose
- Mix gently—don’t overwork
- Let the biscuit dough rest 10 minutes
- Shape using your preferred method
- Place in a greased cast iron skillet
- Bake 20 minutes or until golden
Notes
Tips for Soft and Flaky Spelt Flour Biscuits
If you remember nothing else, keep these in mind:- Keep ingredients cold: especially your butter
- Don’t overmix: less handling means softer biscuits
- Use just enough flour: too much dries them out
- Let the dough rest: this step matters more with spelt flour than other types of flour
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Spelt Flour Biscuits
Helpful Resources
For more on whole grains and baking basics, this is a helpful resource from a trusted extension service: PSU
Ready to add another sustainable living skill to your belt or apron pocket? Learn to make your own baking powder.
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