Today, I’ve actually got a super simple savoury recipe. My quick canola oil drop biscuits are the most simple biscuit you can make and only contain normal pantry staples. These biscuits are ready to go in less then 30 minutes and require no mixer.
These canola oil drop biscuits were born from needing a biscuit in a pinch but having no butter or buttermilk in the house. I also wanted something a smidge healthier so I wanted to use an oil instead of butter. I know people tend to views oils as a terrible thing but most peer reviewed studies do not back up any of the claims. When it comes down to it, butter is an unsaturated fat which is generally not great for your body although it tastes delicious. It’s also generally much more expensive compared to oil, depending on the oil obviously.
My quick canola oil drop biscuits are the fastest biscuit and require no kneading, no folding and no trying to mix in cold butter. You just dump everything into a bowl and drop it by bits on a pan. You cannot get anything more simple than this!
If you’re also looking for some quick sweet treats for after supper, try my triple chocolate oatmeal cookies or my no bake peanut butter oat bars if you need your oven for other things. If you got here because you have no butter, then try my graham cracker pecan cookie bars.
Do I Need to Use Canola Oil?
Nope, use whatever neutral oil you like. Vegetable oil or avocado oil are also great options. Olive oil will also work but may add a bit of flavour to the biscuit.
Can I Add More Flavour?
Yes, add any herbs or spices you like. I generally just add black pepper to these as I absolutely love black pepper. We eat these biscuits with soup a lot so I keep them a bit more neutral.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Absolutely! Just use your milk of choice and you’ve got vegan canola oil drop biscuits.
Should I Knead These?
No, you want to work this dough as little as possible to get nice fluffy biscuits. Once the dough comes together with a spoon, just drop it by spoonfuls onto your prepared pan.
Don’t roll these into balls either, they’re meant to be a drop biscuit.
Can I Baste Them?
Yes, melt some butter or margarine and brush them prior to baking. You can also brush them with whatever oil you use. Feel free to add seasonings to your basting liquid like garlic or rosemary.
You can also brush them after baking. Sometimes I don’t baste them with anything, sometimes I brush them with oil and a smidge of salt before and after baking. Completely up to you!
For the pictures, I didn’t baste them at all and they they still turn brown if your main concern is appearance.
How to Properly Measure Flour
So when it comes to measuring flour, the most accurate and easiest way is to use a kitchen scale. I always use a scale and could never go back to measuring in cups. It’s such a hassle and way more dishes!
If you don’t own a scale, there are a couple steps to properly measure flour as it becomes compacted just sitting in the bag or container. I highly recommend you follow these as just scooping flour out of the bag can potentially lead to at least an additional 1/4 cup of flour. This equals dry and dense baked goods which is not what anybody is going for.
1. Fluff the flour by giving it a mix with a whisk or fork.
2. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup.
3. Level the excess flour off using a butter knife. (With the back of the knife level to the top of the measuring cup, run it over top, pushing the excess flour back into it’s container.)
4. Repeat until you’ve measured the amount the recipe calls for.
Baking Tips
- DON’T overmix!! Just mix with a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Add any dry seasonings you like to match your meal or to your preferences.
- I create my recipes based off weights so I recommend measuring by weights if you own a scale. It’s actually so much easier and makes for much less cleanup. I wish I had baked by weight from the beginning, I could never go back now.
Today’s song is one anyone who’s watched Full House will know! I grew up with that show and I still love watching it and this song always reminds me of it. Here’s Do Wah Diddy Diddy by Manfred Mann. Happy baking!! **Disclaimer: Liv’s Little Muffins owns no rights to this song.
Don’t forget to leave a STAR REVIEW if you try my recipe! Follow me on Facebook or tag me on instagram @livslittlemuffins. Find more ideas on my Pinterest or Whisk.
Quick Canola Oil Drop Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp (8g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (optional)
- 3/4 cup milk of choice (preferably not skim)
- 1/2 cup (60g) canola oil (or any neutral oil)
- Additional oil, melted butter or margarine to baste prior to or after baking (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉. Line or spray a baking pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and black pepper if using. (If you want to add any other dry seasonings, add them now). Stir together with a wooden spoon.
- Add in the milk and oil and stir together until just combined using a wooden spoon or your hands. This will be a bit sticky and some of it will stick to your spoon or hands. (*See notes)
- Scoop large spoonfuls, about 2 tbsp, and drop them onto the pan, about 2 inches apart. As this is a sticky dough, I use a butter knife to scoop the batter out of my scoop and drop it onto the pan. You should end up with 12 biscuits.
- If you want to baste the biscuits, then do that now, this is completely optional. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until starting to turn golden brown. Eat immediately or once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and enjoy!
