Up-And-Down Biscuits

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Grease the inside of a 12-cup regular muffin tray with softened butter or cooking spray.

Whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to a large bowl.

Add the shortening and 1/2 cup of the cold butter to the flour mixture. Cut it into the flour using a pastry blender or by rubbing between your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. Add the buttermilk and stir gently until all the flour is incorporated. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the remaining 1/4 cup butter in a covered, microwave-safe bowl and cook on HIGH for 30 to 40 seconds, until mostly melted. Stir until fully melted. Set aside to cool until just warm.

Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon to a small bowl; mix to combine.

Turn the biscuit mixture onto a lightly floured surface. Knead and fold it together 3 to 4 times until combined. Divide the mixture in half. Return half to the refrigerator.

On a floured surface, shape the dough into a square with your hands. Sprinkle the top of the dough lightly with flour and roll it into a 12-inch square, about 1/8-inch thick. Brush flour from the top, flip the dough onto a large cutting board, and brush off any remaining flour.

Cut the square into 6 equal strips, about 2 inches wide. Brush the tops of the strips with melted butter to coat, then sprinkle evenly with half of the cinnamon-sugar. Stack the strips on top of each other, with the bottom of each strip resting on the cinnamon-sugar part of the strip below. Cut the stack into 6 equal squares, about 2 inches wide.

Place the pieces in the prepared muffin tin so that a clean cut side faces up. Refrigerate the muffin pan while you repeat with the other half of the dough.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. Re-warm any remaining melted butter and brush the tops immediately when they come out of the oven. Transfer to a cooling rack and serve warm.

For a sweeter finish, drizzle with vanilla glaze while the biscuits are still warm.