Step 1: Preheat & prep
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / gas mark 7. Place a baking tray inside to heat up.

Step 2: Make the dry mix
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar.

Step 3: Warm the milk
Warm the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds—just until lukewarm. Stir in the vanilla extract and a squeeze of lemon juice, then set aside briefly.

Step 4: Form the dough
Make a well in the flour mixture, pour in the milk, and mix quickly with a butter knife. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—that’s perfect.

Step 5: Shape and cut
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Dust your hands with flour, then fold the dough over itself a few times until smoother. Gently pat into a 4cm thick round. Dip a 5cm round cutter into flour and cut out scones. Re-shape scraps to get 8 scones total.

Step 6: Bake
Brush the tops with beaten egg (avoid letting it drip down the sides), then place on the hot baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes, or until risen and golden.

Step 7: Serve or store
Enjoy warm with jam and clotted cream. To freeze, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. To serve from frozen, defrost and warm in a low oven (160°C / 140°C fan / gas 3) for a few minutes.