Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture has a crumbly texture similar to coarse sand.
Carefully fold in the fresh raspberries and lemon zest, ensuring you don't crush the delicate berries. The goal is to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently using a spatula or wooden spoon, just until everything comes together. The dough should remain slightly sticky; avoid overmixing to ensure tender scones.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently three to four times until it forms a cohesive dough.
Shape the dough into a flat circle approximately 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into wedges (like a pizza), or employ a round cutter for classic individual scones.
Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with a splash of cream to achieve a delightful golden crust.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch closely until the scones turn a lovely golden brown and are fragrant.
Once baked, let the scones cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing for a perfect texture.
Notes
Serve warm with powdered sugar or lemon curd for an elevated experience.