Preheat the oven to 425°F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
In a bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar
Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs
Add 3/4 cup cold milk or buttermilk
Stir just until the dough comes together
Turn the dough onto a floured surface
Gently pat the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness
Fold the dough over itself 2 to 3 times for flakier biscuits
Pat the dough out again to 1/2-inch thickness
Cut biscuits with a round cutter or glass
Place biscuits on the baking sheet close together for softer sides or farther apart for crispier sides
Brush the tops with melted butter if desired
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown
Serve warm