Butter Biscuits

### Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

2. **Prepare Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **sugar** (if using). Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure they’re well-mixed.

3. **Cut in the Butter**: Add the cold, cubed **butter** to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still have small bits of butter throughout the dough—that’s what helps create a flaky texture in the finished biscuits.

4. **Add the Milk**: Pour in the **milk** and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in dense biscuits. It’s okay if the dough is a bit shaggy.

5. **Shape the Biscuits**: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, but don’t overdo it. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Then, use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down—don’t twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.

6. **Brush with Egg Wash (Optional)**: For a golden, shiny finish, beat an **egg** and brush it over the tops of the biscuits. This step is optional, but it does give the biscuits an extra beautiful look once baked.

7. **Bake**: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake.

8. **Serve**: Once the biscuits are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, jam, or even a drizzle of honey. They’re perfect alongside any meal or as a snack on their own.

### Tips for Perfect Butter Biscuits:

– **Use Cold Butter**: Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits. When it’s cut into the flour, it creates little pockets of air that help the biscuits rise.

– **Don’t Overmix**: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to dense biscuits.

– **High Heat**: Baking at a high temperature helps the biscuits puff up quickly and form a crispy crust.

– **Experiment with Add-Ins**: You can add shredded cheese, herbs, or even bacon bits to the dough for a fun twist on the classic butter biscuit. Just fold them into the dough before cutting out the biscuits.

### Why You’ll Love These Butter Biscuits

These butter biscuits are incredibly versatile and easy to make. With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and golden, buttery flavor, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or any time in between, these biscuits are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your craving for comfort food. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or reheated the next day, these biscuits are a timeless treat that everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try next time you want to bake something simple yet delicious, and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade butter biscuits!