Step 1

For the biscuits: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and the chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles a coarse meal. Alternatively, combine the flour and chilled butter in a food processor and pulse to combine until it resembles coarse meal, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Stir in the baking powder, salt, sugar and baking soda. Form a well in the center of the flour and pour in the buttermilk. Mix with a fork until all of the ingredients are incorporated and the dough begins to shape into a ball. (The dough will be slightly dry.)

Step 4

Dust a clean work surface with flour, coat your palms, and rub some on a rolling pin. Turn out the dough onto the work surface. Knead the dough for 1 to 2 minutes, folding it over onto itself each time. Pat the dough into a rectangle and then roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Dip a 3-inch biscuit cutter or the rim of a 3-inch-wide glass in flour, and then cut out the biscuits. Alternatively, use a knife to cut the biscuits into 3-inch squares. Reshape the leftover dough into a ball, roll it out again, and cut out more biscuits. Repeat this process until the dough is gone.

Step 5

Place the biscuits on the baking sheet and bake until the tops are golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes. While the biscuits are still hot, brush the biscuits with the 2 tablespoons softened butter.

Step 6

For the butter: Stir or mash the butter and molasses or honey together to combine, leaving a few streaks of molasses visible.

Step 7

Serve the flavored butter with the warm biscuits.