You twist the biscuit cutter to get a sharp, clean cut

THE RESULT: Biscuits lacking volume and flakiness.

THE FIX: Biscuit cutters (and even drinking glasses) are ideal for creating perfect rounds of biscuit dough. But resist the urge to twist. That simple movement presses the edges of the dough together, creating tiny seals that prohibit the dough from rising to its maximum flaky peak. Instead, gently press the cutter straight down. The sides of the dough will have slightly ragged edges that allow for those luscious layers to form as the dough rises.