Chive and Cotija Cheese Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper.
3. 3
   Add the butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse meal.
4. 4
   In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, water and half of the egg (reserve the remaining egg for the finish); mix well.
5. 5
   Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
6. 6
   Add the cotija cheese and chives and stir to combine.
7. 7
   Turn out dough onto a lightly floured work surface and pat into a 1"-thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half, turn it 90 degrees and pat into a 1"-thick rectangle. Repeat the process 2 more times, flouring your work surface as necessary to prevent sticking.
8. 8
   Cut out biscuits with a round cutter and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Press together scraps and cut out one or two more biscuits.
9. 9
   Brush tops of biscuits with reserved egg and sprinkle with pepper and smoked paprika, if using.
10. 10
    Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
11. 11
    Serve warm or at room temperature.