In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter, using your hands or a pastry cutter to press the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is in small pea-sized pieces. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract and work the dough together with a fork until everything is well combined and there are no more dry pockets of flour. You should have a fairly soft, sticky dough here.