In the United States and Canada, buttermilk biscuits biscuit is a variety of baked bread with a firm, dry exterior and a soft, crumbly interior. Biscuits, soda breads, cornbread, and similar breads are all considered quick breads, meaning that they do not need time for the dough to rise before baking. Biscuits developed from hardtack, which was first made from only flour and water, with later first lard and then baking powder being added.
