Buttermilk Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 450F (230C) or 425F (220C) with convection.
2. 2
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda until well blended.
3. 3
   Drop the butter into the flour and quickly rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. 4
   Alternatively, you can freeze the butter in a chunk and grate it into the dry ingredients, stirring lightly so the butter is coated by the flour.
5. 5
   Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture just comes together into a sticky dough.
6. 6
   Turn it out of the bowl onto a floured work surface.
7. 7
   Dust the top of the dough with flour and fold and turn it a few times to form a cohesive mass.
8. 8
   Pat it out to a thickness of about an inch (2.5 centimeters) and use a sharp, floured cutter to punch out 2-inch (5-centimeter) rounds.
9. 9
   The scraps can be re-formed and cut out one time.
10. 10
    Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
11. 11
    Place the biscuits 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart on the baking sheet.
12. 12
    Bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, 15 to 20 minutes.
13. 13
    Let rest for 5 minutes before eating.