Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
6 ounces sharp white cheddar, shredded
1 1/3 cups buttermilk, well shaken
3 tablespoons chopped chives
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425 degrees with racks in upper and lower third positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Work butter into flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your fingers until butter is incorporated and pea-size lumps remain. Stir in cheddar, then buttermilk and chives, just until dough comes together.
Using two spoons, drop 1/4 cup quantities of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake in oven until golden brown, 12-14 minutes, rotating baking sheets once.