Flaky Biscuits That Delight and Impress Every Bite

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 0.25 cup shortening, chilled
• 0.75 cup buttermilk, chilled
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as chives or rosemary, optional for flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the chilled butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the chilled buttermilk and honey (if using). If you're adding fresh herbs, fold them in at this stage as well.
5. Mix gently with a fork until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should still be a little rough and shaggy.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together – do not over-knead.
7. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Fold the dough over itself in thirds (like a letter) and pat it down again into a rectangle, repeating this folding process two more times.
8. Finally, roll the dough to 1-inch thickness and use a floured biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are touching for a softer side.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm with butter or your favorite spreads.