Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup cold buttermilk
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 tablespoon melted butter, for brushing

Before you cook

• Heat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and set a rack in the middle.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Melt the butter and let it stand for five minutes so it is warm but not hot.
• Pour the buttermilk into a measuring cup and keep it in the refrigerator until you need it.

Steps

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar together in a large bowl.
2. Pour the melted butter into the cold buttermilk and stir once with a fork.
3. Watch for the butter to seize into small clumps, which is exactly what you want.
4. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until no dry flour remains.
5. Stop mixing while the dough is still lumpy and sticky.
6. Scoop level quarter-cup mounds of dough onto the lined sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
7. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and firm to a light tap.
8. Brush the hot biscuits with melted butter and serve them straight from the pan.