Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture and use your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the flour-butter mixture until evenly distributed.

Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just comes together.

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.

While the biscuits bake, melt the butter for the topping and stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, dried chives, and salt.

Brush the garlic herb butter generously over the top of each warm biscuit as soon as they come out of the oven.