Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
If you’re looking for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth breakfast treat that feels like an instant hug, Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits are about to become your new obsession. Imagine pillowy soft biscuits with a golden, buttery crust, all crowned in shimmering cinnamon sugar—irresistibly nostalgic and perfect whether you’re serving weekend brunch or indulging in a cozy dessert. The best part? This recipe comes together easily with everyday ingredients and minimal fuss, so you can bring all the warmth and comfort of homemade baking to your table without any stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these biscuits is simple yet vital, each one layering in flavor and texture to create the ultimate sweet and buttery experience. From the tangy richness of buttermilk to that iconic cinnamon sugar finish, these staples transform into something truly magical when combined.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base for light, tender biscuits—make sure to measure it correctly for the fluffiest texture.
- Baking powder: Gives these biscuits their signature rise and bounce, ensuring every bite is perfectly airy.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance every flavor in the pan.
- Granulated sugar: You’ll use some in the dough and some for the topping, bringing the perfect touch of sweetness throughout.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and ensures the biscuits stay moist and tender while baking.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma and ties the cinnamon and sugar notes together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Both the base and topping need this for irresistibly crisp edges and rich, buttery undertones.
- Ground cinnamon: Classic and warming, it’s the star of the show in your cinnamon sugar topping.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish
Get things started by preheating your oven to 450°F. This higher temp gives you beautifully risen and golden biscuits. While your oven heats, pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish—this is the magic that gives the biscuits their crispy, buttery bottoms. Set the dish aside while you mix the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mixing well at this stage ensures your leavening agent and salt are distributed evenly, so your biscuits rise evenly and have balanced flavor throughout.
Step 3: Stir in the Wet Ingredients
Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the bowl. Gently stir just until everything comes together—the secret to tender Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits is not to overmix. The dough should be thick and a tad shaggy, just moist enough to scoop.
Step 4: Layer the Dough Over Butter
Carefully drop or spoon the biscuit dough over the pool of melted butter in your prepared dish. Use a spatula to gently nudge the dough so it covers the entire bottom. Don’t worry if it looks rustic—imperfection here means more buttery edges later!
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, blend together the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this generously over your dough, making sure it’s beautifully blanketed. Then, slowly drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter right on top, locking in flavor and helping the topping caramelize in the oven.
Step 6: Score Before Baking
Using a sharp knife, score the unbaked dough into 9 squares. This simple move will help you cut clean, fluffy biscuits once they’re baked, and lets even more butter soak into every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish onto the middle oven rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown, bubbling top and edges—that’s your sign these Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits are ready. The aroma at this point will be absolutely intoxicating!
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Let the biscuits cool for a minute or two so they’re easy to handle, then slice along your scored lines. Scoop out each square, making sure to get a good bit of that buttery bottom. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits

Garnishes
Topping these biscuits with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk is a decadent way to take them over the top. Or, add a gentle dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for that extra bakery-style finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of honey never hurts, adding a surprise crunch or floral sweetness to every bite.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits are beautiful on their own, but they play especially well with breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-savory combo. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the richness. And if you’re thinking dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure magic against the warm biscuits.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the biscuits smaller and serving them as finger-friendly bites at a brunch buffet. Layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and berries for a show-stopping dessert, or package them up with parchment in a basket for gifting—a sweet way to brighten someone’s morning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve feasted, any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge—they won’t last long anyway, but you’ll retain maximum freshness and moisture this way.
Freezing
To freeze, let the biscuits cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment before tucking them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave gently until warm.
Reheating
Pop leftover biscuits into a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy edges and soft centers. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) does the trick, but the oven method delivers the best just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert
Absolutely! You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar as a quick substitute for buttermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using and you’ll get a similar tang and tenderness in your biscuits.
Can I make these Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will stay pretty close to the original, though you may notice a slight difference in crumb.
Why do I need to score the dough before baking?
Scoring the dough before baking is a little insider trick—it helps the biscuits rise beautifully and makes for easy serving. Plus, it ensures each piece gets a good dose of cinnamon sugar and buttery crust!
Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?
For sure! Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to tack on a couple of extra minutes to the bake time, so keep an eye out for that golden brown top.
What’s the best way to serve these if I want to make them extra special?
Serve Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a generous dollop of whipped cream. For parties, offer a toppings bar with honey, jams, and toasted nuts for a build-your-own biscuit experience.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall for the gooey, buttery magic of Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits—they’re the kind of recipe that brings people running to the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast or just because, I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch soon. If you do, be ready for requests for the recipe, because these sweet biscuits never stick around for long!
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Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits that are a perfect blend of sweet and buttery flavors. These tender biscuits are infused with a cinnamon sugar topping and baked to golden perfection, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in buttermilk and vanilla until just combined.
- Prepare baking dish: Pour melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Form biscuit dough: Drop biscuit dough onto the butter and spread it out.
- Make topping: Mix 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Bake: Score dough into 9 squares and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze after baking.
- Best served fresh; reheat in the oven for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg