4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. chilled unsalted butter
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. melted butter

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt together into a large bowl. Cut in chilled butter; blend with a pastry blender until the texture of coarse crumbs. Stir in butter to form a soft dough. Turn dough onto a floured board. Knead lightly, about 1 minute. Roll dough 1 1/4". Cut into 3" circles. Arrange biscuits, with sides touching in a lightly buttered 9" square cake pan. Brush tops lightly with melted butter. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes.