Step 1

Heat oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Rub the inside of a cast iron skillet with a bit of vegetable oil or melted shortening. This will create a deliciously crispy bottom on the biscuits. (*You can also bake these in a baking dish. See note below.)

Step 2

Cut the butter into small 1/2-inch pieces, put them on a plate or in a bowl, and pop it into the freezer for about 10 minutes. You want the butter to be very cold, but not frozen.

Step 3

Put the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor OR in a mixing bowl. Pulse a few times to blend, OR stir with a wire whisk.

Step 4

Add the butter and pulse 3 or 4 times, just until the butter is incorporated enough for the mixture to look like coarse crumbs. Alternatively, use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. You can also just use your fingers; rub the butter into the dry ingredients just until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. (See photos above for guidance.)

Step 5

If you've been using a food processor, dump the mixture into a mixing bowl. Set a small bowl of flour nearby just incase you need it later.

Step 6

Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to gently mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough begins to form. Then, use your hands to gently knead the dough until it holds together completely. (See notes below about under and over working the dough.)

Step 7

Dump the dough out onto a clean work surface. Pat or roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 1-inch thick. If it's really sticking to the work surface, sprinkle with a bit of flour. Use only enough flour to keep the dough from sticking.

Step 8

Fold one side of the dough to the center, then fold the whole thing over again, like you're folding a letter. (See photos above for guidance.)

Step 9

Give the dough a quarter turn and roll or pat it out into a 1-inch thick rectangle again. Repeat the folding process, give the dough a quarter turn, and repeat the folding process once more.

Step 10

Roll or pat the dough back out into a 1-inch thick rectangle and use a 3 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. As you cut them out, set them on a plate. Reroll the dough as necessary, cutting out biscuits until you have 8-10 biscuits.

Step 11

Set the plate of biscuits in the freezer for 10 minutes. Then, remove the biscuits from the plate and place them in the cast iron pan (or baking dish). Set the biscuits very close together inside the pan so that their sides are touching. This will help them rise while they bake.

Step 12

Brush the tops of the biscuits with 2 tbsp (1oz/ 28g) melted butter and place in the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until their tops are golden brown. Biscuits are best served immediately, while still warm, drizzled with honey or spread with jam.