Directions

• Step One

  Place a rack in the center and lower third of the oven. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line one baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone sheet and set aside.

• Step Two

  In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tarter and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Toss together cheddar cheese and scallions. Set aside.

• Step Three

  Add butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour, until the butter is well incorporated into the flour mixture. The flour will resemble coarse meal.

• Step Four

  Toss the cheese and scallion mixture into the flour mixture. Create a small well in the center of the flour mixture and add the buttermilk mixture all at once. Toss together with a fork making sure that all of the flour bits are moistened by the buttermilk. This mixture will be shaggy. Dump biscuit dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead 10 times. Knead a few more times if needed or until the dough comes together. Pat the dough together into a 1½-inch thick circle.

• Step Five

  Using a 3-inch round biscuit cutter to cut rounds. You can also use a knife to cut squares or wedges. Gather dough scraps, knead lightly, and cut out more biscuits until the batter is gone. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheets, brush with buttermilk and cracked black pepper. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the inside flaky. .