I have successfully used butter-flavored Crisco in place of the butter. They still taste great!
I never have buttermilk so I substitute 1 Tbs vinegar in measuring cup and then fill to ¾ line with milk, let sit while mixing dry ingredients.
If you let them set on the counter for a few minutes before baking they will be extra light & tasty!
These taste great if you replace about ¾ cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Also, add 1 Tbs ground flax seed. They are nutty and tender!
They taste best hot from the oven, the tops & bottoms of the biscuits will be crisp and melt in your mouth!