Place flour, cubed butter, baking powder, sugar and salt in a food processor. Pulse about 6 times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
2 ½ cups flour, 2 Tablespoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup butter
Pour mixture into a large bowl. Add chives, cheese and fold together
¼ cup fresh chives, 1 cup cheddar cheese
Add buttermilk. Mix with a spatula just until mixture comes together. You may need to use your hands to gently knead dough 3-4 times to incorporate all the flour. This is a wet, shaggy dough.
1½ cups buttermilk
Use a large scoop to make mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake at 425°F for 12 - 15 minutes until biscuits are golden and baked through
Notes
Start with chilled ingredients: For the best results, ensure that your butter and buttermilk, are cold. This helps create a flakier texture in the biscuits.
Don't overmix the dough: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and any lumps are incorporated.
Use a light hand when shaping: Unlike rolled biscuits, drop biscuits are meant to have a more rustic appearance. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to drop portions of dough onto the baking sheet. Don't worry about making them perfect; their slightly irregular shape adds charm.
Adjust the consistency if needed: If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a small amount of buttermilk, to bring it together.
Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F before baking the biscuits. This helps ensure they rise properly and bake evenly.
Bake on the correct rack: Position your baking rack in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution. This helps the biscuits bake to a golden brown color and cook through evenly.
Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the biscuits as they bake and adjust the baking time if needed. They should be golden brown on top and cooked through in the center. Be cautious not to overbake, as it can result in dry biscuits.
Enjoy them fresh: Drop biscuits are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are at their fluffiest and most flavorful.