Preheat oven ot 375℉.
In a large bowl, sift and combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt. Add the shortening and mix with your hands.
Gradually add the milk and mix well until you have a nice soft dough.
Sprinkle flour on your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough into an oval or rectangle until it is fairly thin, although it should be thicker than a pie crust.
Butter the dough with soft butter (¾ cup) on the entire surface, and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Add a good layer of brown sugar (1 cup), leaving an empty space at the top. Press sugar into the dough (will help avoid spillage once baked).
Roll the dough tightly like a long jelly roll.
Slice into circles about ½-inch thick. Layer into a baking dish.
Prepare the syrup: mix 1 cup of water, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp butter. Pour all over the pets de soeur. Do NOT mix.
Bake at 375℉ for about 30 minutes.