These golden, buttery biscuits bake in a pool of melted butter for ultra-crisp edges and a tender, fluffy center—studded with melty chocolate chips for an easy one-bowl treat.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place the butter in an 8x8-inch baking pan and set the pan in the oven just until the butter is fully melted, then remove carefully.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold milk and vanilla. Stir with a spatula just until a thick batter forms; do not overmix. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Pour the batter over the melted butter in the hot pan. Do not stir. Gently spread the batter to the corners.
Lightly score the top into 9 squares with a buttered knife. If using, sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the surface.
Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until deeply golden on top and the edges are crisp and bubbling with butter.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Cut along the scored lines to separate the biscuits.
Serve warm so the chocolate chips are melty. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
Use mini chocolate chips for more even distribution. If your kitchen is warm, chill the chips and milk for 10 minutes before mixing to keep them from sinking. To re-crisp, reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.