Fluffy Homemade Biscuits

Fluffy Homemade Biscuits

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 3/4 cup buttermilk, chilled
– 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
– 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top, optional)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. **Prepare Dry Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar.

3. **Cut in Butter:**
– Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. **Add Buttermilk:**
– Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the chilled buttermilk. Stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

5. **Knead Dough:**
– Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times until it is smooth. Pat the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness.

6. **Cut Biscuits:**
– Use a biscuit cutter or a round cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out biscuits. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together but not touching.

7. **Optional Egg Wash:**
– Brush the tops of the biscuits with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.

8. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

9. **Optional Butter Finish:**
– Brush the tops of the hot biscuits with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

10. **Serve:**
– Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.