Preheat the oven to 200°C and grease a baking tray.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until coarse crumbs are formed.
Whisk together the egg, milk, the sugar and vanilla essence and add to the flour mixture.
Gently cut the liquid into the flour mixture to form a ball.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead briefly. Do not overwork the dough. Pat it down to a thickness of 2cm.
Cut out rounds using a cookie cutter or glass and place them on the baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.