Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar (if using). Whisking ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Cut in the Cold Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is crucial for creating those irresistible flaky layers. Aim for pea-sized butter chunks throughout the dough.
Add the Milk:
Pour in the whole milk or buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits, which we want to avoid.
Knead the Dough Lightly:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a couple of times to bring it together. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the biscuits tender.
Roll and Cut the Biscuits:
Pat the dough out to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out your biscuits. Press straight down when cutting to maintain the layers. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion.
Optional: Egg Wash for a Golden Finish:
If you’d like a glossy, golden finish on your biscuits, lightly beat one large egg and brush it over the tops of the biscuits before baking. This step is optional but adds a beautiful sheen.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake—biscuits should be light and fluffy, with a soft golden crust.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm, spread with butter, or alongside your favorite meal.
Enjoy your delicious homemade biscuits! Let me know if you need any more adjustments!
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