Spiced Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Special equipment: a 3-inch biscuit cutter
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
3. 3
   Combine the flour, baking powder, 1 tablespoon of the za'atar, the sugar and salt in a medium bowl using a whisk.
4. 4
   Using a bowl scraper or your fingers, mix in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal; using your fingers will create a more cake-like texture.
5. 5
   Make a well in the center and pour in the milk.
6. 6
   Stir until just combined.
7. 7
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 5 or 6 times.
8. 8
   Roll the dough into a 1-inch-thick disc and cut out biscuits using a 3-inch biscuit cutter.
9. 9
   Make sure you don't twist the cutter otherwise you'll squish the sides and the biscuit won't rise.
10. 10
    Knead the scraps together, re-roll and cut out biscuits until all the dough has been used.
11. 11
    Place the biscuits bottom-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. 12
    Whisk together the vegetable oil with the remaining 1 tablespoon za'atar and brush the mixture on each biscuit.
13. 13
    Bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.