1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature is crucial for getting that immediate rise in the oven. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. It is vital that your butter and milk are cold. Cold butter creates steam pockets in the oven, leading to flaky layers.

2-Second Step: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisking ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which prevents uneven rising or salty spots in your biscuits.

3-Third Step: Cut the 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Add these cubes to the flour mixture. You can use a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These bits of butter will melt as the biscuits bake, creating the flaky texture we love.

4-Fourth Step: Stir in the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Toss the cheese in the flour mixture to coat the shreds lightly. This coating helps prevent the cheese from clumping together. Next, pour in the 3/4 cup of milk. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mixture gently just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the biscuits tough instead of tender. The dough should be sticky and slightly shaggy.

5-Fifth Step: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 10 to 12 biscuits depending on the size of your scoop. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. If you want uniform biscuits, use a 1/4-cup measuring scoop for each drop.

6-Sixth Step: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end. You are looking for a golden-brown color on the tops and bottoms. The smell of baking cheese and garlic will fill your kitchen, letting you know they are almost done.

7-Final Step: While the biscuits are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of melted butter with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Once the biscuits come out of the oven and are still hot, brush this mixture generously over the tops of each biscuit. The hot biscuits will absorb the butter, making them incredibly flavorful and moist. Serve them warm for the best experience.