1-Preheat oven and prepare sheet: Baking scones starts with simple steps that lead to that sought-after flaky texture. Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This preparation ensures your scones bake evenly and come out golden.

2-Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together to mix them evenly, which helps distribute the baking powder for a nice rise.

3-Cut in butter: Next, cut 1/2 cup frozen unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for creating those flaky layers, as the cold butter creates steam during baking.

4-Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream or buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, then gently stir this into the dry mixture to form a soft dough.

5-Shape and bake: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly about 5-6 times, being careful not to overwork it to keep the scones tender. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut it into 8 wedges, placing them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. For an extra touch, brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cream or buttermilk and sprinkle with optional coarse sugar. Bake the scones for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown, then let them cool on a rack. If you’re adding mix-ins like 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups of chocolate chips or berries, fold them in gently before shaping.