Buttermilk Biscuits

01Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour using a pastry blender until the mixture forms coarse, pea-sized crumbs.

3. 3

   Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the cold buttermilk, and stir gently until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and press it into a rough rectangle.

4. 4

   Fold the rectangle into thirds, rotate the dough a half turn, gather any loose crumbs, and press back into a rectangle. Repeat this folding and pressing sequence two more times for a total of three folds.

5. 5

   Roll the dough on a floured surface to approximately ½ inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a 2½-inch biscuit cutter, rerolling scraps as needed to yield 12 biscuits total.

6. 6

   Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Press a shallow thumbprint into the top of each one, then brush the tops with buttermilk.

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and flaky.