Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, chives, baking powder, salt and pepper. Gradually stir in enough of the cream to form a dough that comes together into a ball.

Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead gently, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking, until smooth, about 10 turns. Roll out the dough 1/2 inch thick. Using a round biscuit cutter 2 1/2 inches in diameter cut out as many biscuits as possible. Transfer the biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart. Gather together the scraps, roll out 1/2 inch thick and cut out as many additional biscuits as possible. Add to the baking sheet. Brush the biscuits with the melted butter and sprinkle with pepper.

Bake until light brown, about 15 minutes. Remove the biscuits from the oven and serve hot or let cool an the pan on a wire rack and serve warm.