Ingredients:

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 4 tsp Baking Powder
  • ½ tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 8 Tbsp (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, frozen and grated
  • 1 cup very cold Buttermilk
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted (optional, for brushing)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet. Grate the frozen butter using a box grater and immediately place it back into the freezer.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Cut in the Butter: Add the frozen, grated butter to the dry ingredients. Quickly toss to coat, then use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand mixed with small pea-sized pieces. Work quickly to keep ingredients cold.
  4. Add Liquid: Pour in the cold buttermilk. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until just combined. Stop mixing the second you see no dry flour remaining; do not overmix.
  5. Turn Out and Shape: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the shaggy dough onto the surface. Gently pat the dough into a rough rectangle, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick.
  6. Execute the 'Book Fold': Fold the rectangle in thirds, like folding a business letter (bring one short end to the center, then fold the other end over it). This builds the layers.
  7. Repeat the Fold: Gently rotate the dough 90 degrees, pat it down to a 1-inch thick rectangle again, and repeat the 'Book Fold' process (Total of 2 folds).
  8. Final Flattening and Cutting: Pat the laminated dough down to a final thickness of 1 inch (2.5 cm). Dip the 2.5-inch biscuit cutter in flour, then press the cutter straight down firmly—do not twist! Twisting seals the edges and prevents rising.
  9. Arrange and Chill: Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the sides are lightly touching. Place the tray in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
  10. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven.
  11. Finish and Serve: Brush the tops immediately with melted butter (optional). Allow to cool slightly on the pan before serving warm with your favorite toppings.