Vegan Biscuits

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Freeze ¾ cup/170 grams vegan butter sticks until frozen, at least 1 hour. Grate the frozen butter on the larger side of a box grater onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and spread it in an even layer. Freeze again for at least 1 hour. If you have the space, place a wide shallow bowl in the freezer to chill at the same time.

2. Step 2

   Add flour, baking powder and salt to the wide shallow bowl. Whisk to combine.

3. Step 3

   Add the frozen shredded butter to the flour and toss to coat. Gently press the mixture between your thumb and fingers in a snapping motion. Continue with this motion, leaving a few larger pieces of butter throughout, until the butter is fully incorporated but not overworked.

4. Step 4

   Create a well in the mixture and add the oat milk, a few tablespoons at a time. (You most likely will not use all of it.) Mix by putting your hands under the flour, spreading your fingers and using an upward motion, letting the mixture fall between your fingers. Continue until the mixture comes together into dough but is not sticky. It is better to undermix than to overmix.

5. Step 5

   Place dough on a well-floured surface. Gently gather and work the dough together and down in a folding motion until the dough comes together enough to be pressed or lightly rolled into a 1½- to 2-inch-thick slab. Lightly dust with flour as needed. Using a bench scraper or large knife, cut the dough in half, stack the halves on top of each other and press again to form a 1½- to 2-inch-thick slab. Repeat cutting, stacking and pressing twice more.

6. Step 6

   Use a floured rolling pin to level and seal the top of the dough. Roll to a beefy ½-inch thickness. Using a well-floured 2-inch round cutter, cut out biscuits without twisting. Gather the scraps together and roll out once more to cut a few more biscuits.

7. Step 7

   Transfer the biscuits to the sheet pan and freeze them while the oven is heating. Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

8. Step 8

   Once the oven is at temperature, place biscuits, slightly touching, in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. (The pan will not be filled completely.) Bake until the biscuits are lightly browned and have risen, 18 to 20 minutes. Melt the remaining ¼ cup/57 grams butter.

9. Step 9

   Remove the pan from the oven and brush or dot the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter. Serve warm. Biscuits will keep in a covered container for up to three days; rewarm before serving.