Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dry Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
3. Butter Incorporation: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will ensure flakiness in your biscuits.
4. Wet Mix: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Stir just until the dough comes together. It will be sticky.
5. Kneading: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it becomes cohesive. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the biscuits tough.
6. Shaping: Roll or pat the dough to about 1-inch thick. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting to ensure even rising.
7. Baking: Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they touch each other (this helps them rise uniformly). Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they're golden brown on top.
8. Serving: Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.