Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4-oz.) envelope active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105° to 115°)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8-oz.) package cold cream cheese, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• Parchment paper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Combine yeast and warm water in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes.
2. 2. Meanwhile, whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; cut cream cheese and cold butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly.
3. 3. Combine yeast mixture and buttermilk, and add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 6 to 8 times (about 30 seconds to 1 minute), sprinkling with up to 1/4 cup additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. 4. Roll dough to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter, rerolling scraps once. Arrange biscuits on 2 parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
5. 5. Bake at 400° for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.