Old-Fashioned Shortcake

For a large shortcake, pat the dough into a 9-inch disk on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. For individual shortcakes, pat dough into a 6-by-12- inch rectangle and cut into eight 3-inch biscuits with a sharp, floured knife. Transfer to a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Paint tops with buttermilk. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until well risen and golden. Check the center of the large shortcake with a toothpick to make sure it is baked through: If the pick emerges with dough still clinging to it, lower temperature to 350F and bake another 5 minutes. Slide the large shortcake onto a platter immediately after it is baked. Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice through the middle, making two layers. Slide th