Delicious High Protein Biscuits: A Macro-Friendly Recipe for Every Lifestyle
Whether you’re an expectant mother, a dedicated bodybuilder, or simply seeking more macro-friendly options, learning to make homemade protein biscuits can be a game-changer. These are classic American-style protein breakfast biscuits, ideal for pairing with a savory gravy for a hearty high protein biscuits and gravy meal. If you’re looking for what Americans call “cookies,” explore our Kodiak Cake cookies for your protein cookie fix. This comprehensive guide will primarily feature a Kodiak Cakes biscuits recipe, while also providing insights into making delicious protein biscuits using protein powder.
Understanding Protein Biscuits: More Than Just a Snack
Protein biscuits have gained immense popularity among health-conscious individuals and fitness enthusiasts. Unlike traditional biscuits, these are specifically formulated to offer a higher protein content and often a lower carbohydrate profile, making them a smarter choice for balanced nutrition. They serve as an excellent component of a meal or a satisfying snack, helping you meet your daily protein goals without compromising on taste or texture.
To embark on your protein biscuit baking journey, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A sturdy whisk will help combine your dry ingredients thoroughly. A rolling pin is crucial for achieving an even dough thickness, which is key to perfectly baked biscuits. A reliable biscuit cutter will ensure uniform shapes, promoting even baking. Additionally, a light-colored cookie sheet paired with parchment paper is essential to prevent the biscuit bottoms from burning. For precision in baking, especially with dry ingredients, a food scale is indispensable. Volume measurements, particularly for flour and protein powder, can be inconsistent and often lead to less-than-perfect results, so weighing is highly recommended for success.
Why Choose High Protein Biscuits? Benefits for Various Lifestyles
- For Pregnancy: Expectant mothers require increased protein intake to support fetal development and their own changing bodies. These biscuits offer a convenient and palatable way to boost protein.
- For Bodybuilding & Fitness: Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth. Incorporating high protein biscuits into your diet can help with post-workout recovery or simply contribute to your overall protein macro targets.
- For Weight Management: Protein promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and potentially reducing overall calorie intake. By replacing traditional biscuits with a protein-rich version, you can manage hunger more effectively.
- Macro-Friendly Eating: For those tracking macronutrients, these biscuits provide a balanced profile, offering more protein and often fewer net carbs than their traditional counterparts, making them easier to fit into various dietary plans.
- Sustained Energy: The combination of protein and complex carbohydrates provides a sustained release of energy, avoiding the sharp blood sugar spikes and crashes often associated with simpler carbohydrate foods.
Ingredients for Our Easy Protein Biscuit Recipe
This recipe focuses on using Kodiak Cakes mix for its inherent protein content and whole-grain benefits. Here’s a precise list of what you’ll need:
- 160 grams Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix, buttermilk flavor (approximately 1.5 cups, with a little extra reserved for dusting if needed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for optimal lift and fluffiness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (just enough to balance flavors, without making them overly sweet)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed (we recommend salted butter for added flavor, but unsalted works too)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top after baking)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk (for tenderness and a subtle tang)
For this protein biscuits recipe, we specifically utilize the Kodiak buttermilk pancake mix due to its relatively low added sugar content. This particular mix contains only 2 grams of added sugar per 53 grams (half cup) serving, ensuring your biscuits aren’t overly sweet. If you opt for a different Kodiak pancake mix, be mindful of its sugar content to avoid an excessively sweet biscuit.
Good news for those with gluten sensitivities: you may be able to prepare gluten-free protein biscuits by using the gluten-free Kodiak Cakes mix. This seems like a promising experiment for anyone needing a delicious GF biscuit alternative.
Making Protein Biscuits with Protein Powder (No Kodiak Mix)
If you don’t have Kodiak Cakes mix on hand or prefer to use your favorite protein powder, you can adapt a classic biscuit recipe. The key is to experiment with replacing a portion of the flour with protein powder. A good starting point is to substitute approximately ¼ of the total flour amount (by weight) with whey protein powder for dairy-based options, or a plant-based protein powder for vegan protein biscuits. Keep in mind that different protein powders absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the buttermilk slightly to achieve the right dough consistency. This method opens up a world of possibilities for customizing your protein powder biscuits to your exact macro needs and flavor preferences. If you enjoy experimenting with protein powder in baking, don’t miss our fantastic Protein Cake recipe!
Step-by-Step High Protein Biscuits Recipe
Follow these detailed instructions to create fluffy, flaky high protein biscuits right in your kitchen. This recipe yields 6 delicious biscuits.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to a high 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232°C). This high temperature is crucial for creating that initial burst of steam that gives biscuits their signature rise and flaky layers. Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper. This is an important tip: using a dark baking tray can cause the bottoms of your biscuits to burn before the tops are golden brown, so opt for a lighter sheet if possible.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Using a food scale, accurately weigh out 160 grams of the Kodiak Cakes mix. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the measured Kodiak mix, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agents and flavor evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Cold Butter
Cut 3 tablespoons of very cold butter into small, pea-sized cubes. Add these butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using your clean hands or a pastry blender, quickly work the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to create uniform sandy crumbs, with some pieces of butter still visible. The cold butter will create steam pockets during baking, resulting in flaky layers.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk and Form Dough
Pour in the buttermilk. Using a spatula or your hands, gently stir and then knead the mixture until it comes together into a soft, cohesive dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough! Over-kneading develops the gluten too much, which can lead to tough, dense biscuits instead of light, flaky ones. Work just enough until the ingredients are combined.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to a uniform ½-inch thick (approximately 1.27 cm). If the dough feels a bit sticky, lightly sprinkle some extra Kodiak mix onto the parchment paper before rolling to prevent sticking. Rolling between parchment paper also helps ensure an even thickness.
Step 6: Cut and Arrange Biscuits
Using a biscuit cutter (or a floured glass rim) with a 2.5-inch diameter (5 cm), cut out your biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter to ensure a good rise. If you make the biscuits a different thickness or diameter, be aware that this will alter the baking time. Carefully transfer the cut biscuits to the lined baking sheet, spacing them out slightly.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes on an oven rack positioned approximately ⅓ down from the top of the heated oven. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown on top and cooked through. Once baked, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops of the hot biscuits with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter for a beautiful sheen and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade protein biscuits!
While these may not perfectly replicate your Southern grandmother’s secret recipe, we believe they offer a fantastic, healthier alternative. These biscuits boast a wonderfully crisp outside and a tender, soft inside—exactly what many associate with a classic American biscuit, not a dinner roll. They achieve a remarkable level of flakiness for a whole-grain biscuit, especially one with added protein, making them a satisfying and nutritious treat.
Freezing and Reheating Your Protein Biscuits for Convenience
One of the great advantages of homemade protein biscuits is their freezer-friendliness, allowing you to enjoy them fresh whenever a craving strikes. Leftover protein biscuits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat from the fridge, simply place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
For longer storage, these biscuits freeze exceptionally well. Allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Store the individually wrapped biscuits in a freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible, for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the frozen biscuits in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating them in the oven as described above.
FAQs About Protein Biscuits
Do biscuits inherently contain protein?
Yes, like most foods, biscuits do contain some protein. A standard 2.5-inch diameter biscuit typically offers around 3-4 grams of protein, primarily from the flour and any dairy ingredients used in its preparation.
What is the protein content in a Pillsbury biscuit?
A single Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers original biscuit contains approximately 4 grams of protein, according to their official product information (source).
How much protein can I expect from Bisquick biscuits?
For those using convenience mixes, one Bisquick buttermilk biscuit typically provides 3 grams of protein per serving.
Are there commercially available high protein biscuits?
While American biscuits generally aren’t marketed as “high protein,” products like Threptin protein biscuits are popular in regions like India, often used for weight gain. These baked goods are more akin to what Americans would call cookies. For instance, their chocolate protein biscuits (available here) are quite protein-dense, offering an impressive 8 grams of protein per 115 calories.
What are effective ways to boost the protein content in biscuits?
The most straightforward method to increase protein in biscuits is by making protein powder biscuits. As discussed in our recipe variation section, you can experiment by replacing about ¼ of the flour in your preferred biscuit recipe with protein powder, measured by weight. This technique works well with whey protein for traditional biscuits or plant-based protein for vegan protein biscuits, allowing for significant protein fortification.
When is the best time to consume protein biscuits?
There isn’t a single “best” time to eat protein biscuits. They can be enjoyed as part of a balanced breakfast, a satisfying snack, or alongside a meal. If your primary goal is muscle growth, the optimal timing of protein intake post-workout is a subject of ongoing debate among experts (source). However, by choosing protein biscuits over traditional ones, you are consistently contributing to a higher daily protein intake, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance and overall health regardless of timing.
Which protein biscuits are suitable for individuals with diabetes?
For those managing blood sugar levels, whether through a carbohydrate exchange system or a low-carb diet, incorporating low carb protein biscuits can be very helpful in meeting macro goals. Biscuits formulated with a low glycemic index, minimal or no added sugar, and high fiber content are generally preferred, as they are less likely to cause a rapid spike in blood sugar compared to conventional biscuits.
🧈 What to Serve with Your High Protein Biscuits
These versatile protein biscuits are incredibly delicious on their own, but they truly shine when paired with various accompaniments. For a classic experience, spread them with rich, creamy Amish butter and a sweet-tart marionberry jam. To further boost your protein intake, a generous dollop of peanut butter is an excellent choice. And for an authentic Southern-style breakfast, these biscuits are the perfect base for a savory sausage gravy.
Beyond breakfast, protein biscuits make a wonderful side for heartier meals:
- Serve alongside a comforting Air Fryer Beef Stew, perfect for soaking up all the rich flavors.
- Pair with a nourishing Chicken Feet Soup for a complete and wholesome meal.
- Complement a flavorful Marinated Whole Chicken, using the biscuits to sop up any delicious juices.
- Enjoy them with eggs and bacon for a classic diner-style breakfast with an added protein boost.
- Crumble them over a bowl of chili or stew for a hearty, filling addition.
- Create mini sandwiches with sliced turkey or ham for a quick and easy lunch.
Watch How to Make It!
A video guide demonstrating the steps for making these protein biscuits would typically be embedded here. Please refer to the written instructions for the full recipe.
Protein Biscuits Recipe (High Protein Biscuits)
Recipe by Summer Yule
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 3 votes
To rate this recipe, please leave a comment below.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
10 mins
10 mins
Breakfast
American
6
171
kcal
Ingredients
- 160 grams Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix, buttermilk flavor (about 1.5 cups, plus extra as needed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk (equals ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons)
Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below 😊
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450℉ (232°C). Line a light baking sheet with parchment paper. (Important! Your biscuits may burn on the bottoms if you use a dark baking tray.)
- Weigh the Kodiak mix using a food scale. Whisk the Kodiak mix, baking powder, sugar, and salt together.
- Cut 3 tablespoons of cold butter into small cubes. Mix the butter into the dry ingredients with clean hands, until you get uniform sandy crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk. Gently knead the mixture into a soft dough. Don’t overwork the dough if you want flaky biscuits!
- Roll the dough to a uniform ½-inch thick (1.27 cm) between two pieces of parchment paper. Sprinkle some Kodiak mix on the parchment before rolling if the dough is a little sticky.
- Cut the dough into 2.5-inch diameter (5 cm) biscuits using a biscuit cutter. (Note: if you make the biscuits a different thickness or diameter, it will change the baking time.) Space the biscuits out on the lined baking sheet you prepared earlier.
- Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes on an oven rack ⅓ down from the top of the heated oven. Brush the tops of the biscuits with 1 tablespoon of melted butter when they are done baking. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Food Scale
- Biscuit Cutter
- Parchment Paper
- Light Baking Sheet
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Are protein biscuits healthy? Protein biscuits can be enjoyed as a quick source of energy, particularly when you’re short on time, but it’s important to view them as a component of a balanced diet rather than a standalone health food. With butter and flour, these protein biscuits are still fairly calorie-dense, making it easy to overeat if not mindful of portion sizes.
If your primary goal is weight loss, lean protein sources like chicken breast or white fish will generally be more effective. These foods contain significantly more protein per calorie than protein biscuits, offering greater satiety and helping to maintain the calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. Protein biscuits, however, provide a valuable way to increase protein intake for those who struggle to eat enough protein-rich foods, especially if they tend to favor bread-like items.
Here’s a comparison of the nutritional profile of regular baking powder biscuits versus these protein biscuits:
| Calories | Protein (g) | Net Carbs (g) | |
| Regular Baking Powder Biscuits* | 180 | 3 | 26 |
| Protein Biscuits | 171 | 7.6 | 14 |
*Pillsbury Grands biscuits
As you can see, the calorie count for protein biscuits is quite similar to regular biscuits. However, these protein biscuits deliver more than twice the protein and approximately half the net carbohydrates. This makes them a superior choice for individuals looking to enhance their protein intake and better manage carbohydrate consumption, particularly those who might otherwise opt for less nutritious bready items.
Nutritional information provided is for one serving.
Nutrition Info Disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate offered as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t stress over the numbers too much.
“To taste” refers to your personal preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food.
Nutrition
Calories:
171
kcal
Carbohydrates:
16.5
g
Protein:
7.6
g
Fat:
8.5
g
Saturated Fat:
4.8
g
Fiber:
2.5
g
Vitamin A:
5.5
% DV
Calcium:
9.3
% DV
Iron:
5.1
% DV
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