Golden Brown Shortcake Biscuits in 30 Min

Instructions:

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Use a pastry cutter to work the chilled butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized lumps remaining.
3. Stir in the cold buttermilk and vanilla extract just until the dough comes together. Stop mixing the moment the flour disappears.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently fold the dough over itself 3-4 times to create layers.
5. Pat the dough down to a 1-inch thickness and press a 2.5-inch circular biscuit cutter straight down without twisting.
6. Place biscuits on a parchment-lined tray so they are just barely touching and brush the tops with melted butter.
7. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes until the tops are mahogany-colored and the edges are a deep golden brown.