In a large bowl, sift together flour sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Make a well in the center of mixture. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Using a fork, stir until a dough forms.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using hands, gently knead 3 or 4 turns. Pat dough to 3/4-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch star cutter, cut biscuits, using dough scraps only once. Use as a topping for cobbler.

Sweet Biscuits also make a great foundation for shortcake. Simply place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 450 degrees until light golden brown, usually 12 to 15 minutes.