1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Grease a baking sheet with butter or oil.

2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Stir in the cream with a wooden spoon until dough forms, about 30 seconds. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and gather into a ball. Knead the dough until smooth, about 30 seconds. NOTE: These biscuits will rise higher if kneaded relatively roughly.

3. Shape the dough into a 3/4-inch-thick circle and cut biscuits into rounds using a cookie cutter. Place rounds on greased baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking.

Makes eight 2.5 inch biscuits.