Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (plus extra for brushing)
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk)
  • (Optional) A pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder for added flavor

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is key to getting those fluffy layers in your biscuits.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If you wish to add any spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder for enhanced flavor, mix them in at this stage.
  4. Add the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
  5. Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Gently stir just until combined; do not overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky.
  6. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it about five times—this helps incorporate everything without developing too much gluten which could make them tough.
  7. Pat down gently into an approximate thickness of one inch (about two cm). Use a round biscuit cutter or glass to cut out rounds from the dough—do not twist while cutting as this can seal edges preventing rising!
  8. Place each cut biscuit onto your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart and brush tops with melted butter if desired for extra richness.
  9. Bake in preheated oven for about ten–twelve minutes until they are golden brown on top.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm!