Cheddar and Chive Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder 
• 2 tablespoons chives snipped
• 2.3 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup sharp cheddar grated
• 2 tablespoons butter unsalted melted for brushing, optional
• 6 tablespoons butter unsalted cold cut into small pieces
• 1 cup milk whole cold

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• oven
• blender
• cookie cutter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder and mix well.
3. Add cold butter, cheese and chives. Use a pastry blender, 2 knives or fingertips to mix in butter until mixture is crumbly, with a few pea-size pieces of butter or cheese remaining.
4. Add milk and gently mix to moisten, no more than 10 seconds. Dough will be rough; do not overwork.
5. Turn dough out onto a large floured work surface and knead gently into a ball, no more than 6 to 8 quick turns. Working quickly, roll dough out into a 1/2-inch-thick circle.
6. Cut out small biscuits using a 1-inch cookie cutter. Gather scraps of dough, roll out again to 1/2-inch thickness and cut out more biscuits.
7. Place biscuits about 1 inch apart on baking sheets. Lightly brush tops of biscuits with melted butter, if desired.
8. Bake until lightly browned on top, 15 to 18 minutes.
9. Serve warm.