In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to cut in the butter until pea sized amounts of butter remain.

Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg. Use a spatula to gently combine until the dough is thick and sticky. Gently stir in your mix-in if using - example 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup fresh raspberries, broken into pieces and frozen, 1 cup blueberries, OR 1 cup strawberries, chopped.

On a silicone mat or kitchen counter, gently knead the dough, until all the flour is incorporated. Add 1-2 additional tablespoons of flour if the dough is too sticky.

Lamination (folding the dough to create flaky layers!): Fold the dough in half, press it down slightly, then turn the dough 90 degrees and fold in half again. Repeat this folding and turning process 4-5 times.

Shape the dough into a 8-10 inch disc that is about 1.5 to 2 inches tall. Refrigerate the scone in a disc for 5-10 minutes.

Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the scones into 8 equal wedges.

Place the scones 2-3 inches apart on a baking sheet that’s lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper.

Freeze the scones for 30 minutes. The last 5 minutes, preheat the oven to 400º F.

Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash (1 large egg + 1 Tbsp water), buttermilk or heavy cream. Add coarse sanding sugar if desired.

Bake for 20-26 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden. Allow the scones to cool.