Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure an even, gentle bake.
2. Line the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help lift the biscuits out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with a little butter for easy release.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature, as this will allow it to cream more smoothly.
2. Cream Together: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugar is essential for creating a light, crumbly texture.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

1. Add Salt and Vanilla: Add the salt and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the butter flavor.
2. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough biscuits.

Step 4: Shape the Dough in the Pan

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, using the back of a spoon or your hands to smooth it out.
2. Create an Even Layer: Make sure the dough is spread into an even layer, as this will help the biscuits bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Biscuits

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. The center should be set but still slightly soft to the touch.
2. Check Doneness: The biscuits are ready when they’re lightly golden on top but not browned. Over-baking can make them dry, so watch closely towards the end of baking time.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

1. Cool in the Pan: Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial, as cutting them too early can cause them to crumble.
2. Slice into Bars: Once cooled slightly, lift the biscuits out using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12-16 bars, depending on your preferred size.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve with Tea or Coffee: These biscuits pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
2. Store Leftovers: Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.