Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Mix first four dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar). Cut shortening into mix until crumbled.
Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish. Add to an 8x8 square pan. Reserve 1 tablespoon for later.
Add buttermilk to dry mixture until a sticky, wet dough forms.
Spoon and spread dough mixture on top of the melted butter in the pan. Cut into 9 squares.
Bake for 20 minutes or until tops are golden.
Brush reserved butter on top of biscuits and let sit for 5 minutes or until all butter is absorbed.
Serve with jam, gravy, or by itself!