MAPLE-THYME BISCUITS

Maple-Thyme Biscuits image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup maple syrup
3 sprigs fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 heaping teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, chilled
1 1/4 cup buttermilk, well shaken
Butter, for serving

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees with racks set in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
In a small saucepan, mix together maple syrup and thyme sprigs; bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and let maple syrup glaze cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, baking soda, and thyme leaves. Add butter and cut into flour mixture using a pastry cutter or blend using your fingers until pea-sized lumps remain.
Make a well in the center and add buttermilk. Stir using a fork or wooden spoon until large clumps form; do not allow a dough to form in the bowl. Turn mixture out onto a lightly floured work surface, and using lightly floured hands, knead two or three times just until a dough forms.
Pat dough into a 1-inch-thick square. Using a sharp knife, cut 2-inch-square biscuits and transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush tops with maple syrup glaze; reserve remaining glaze for serving. Transfer to oven and bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Serve warm with butter and remaining maple syrup glaze.