Preheat oven to 425°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Using a fork or pastry blender, cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly and about the size of peas. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and gently knead 3 to 4 times. Pat dough to 1-inch thickness using a light touch; the more you work the dough, the tougher your biscuits will be. Using a 2½-inch round cutter dipped in flour, cut dough without twisting cutter, flouring cutter between each cut. Make cuts close together to minimize scraps. Gently re-pat scraps and cut to use all dough. Place biscuits on prepared pan, sides touching so they rise high. Gently press down top of biscuits with your knuckles; brush with melted butter.
