1-Preheat oven and chill butter: First, start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat helps the biscuits rise quickly and get that golden brown top. Make sure your butter is very cold by cutting it into small pieces and chilling it ahead of time, as this is key for achieving those flaky layers.

2-Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar if you’re using it.

3-Incorporate butter: Use a pastry cutter to mix in the cold butter until it forms small pea-sized pieces, which ensures the dough stays tender.

4-Add wet ingredients and combine: Then, add 1 egg and 1 cup whole milk, stirring just until combined to keep the dough from getting tough.

5-Knead and shape dough: Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface and sprinkle more flour on top to prevent sticking. Knead it 10-15 times, adding extra flour if needed, but don’t overwork it. Pat the dough to a thickness of 3/4 to 1 inch, then cut it into biscuits using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass. Place them on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

6-Bake and finish with butter: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. For the final touch, brush the tops with melted butter right after baking to add extra flavor.