Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pieces remaining for a flaky texture.
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the mixture without breaking the berries.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It's important not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy but cohesive.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently knead the dough a few times—just enough for it to hold together—then shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8 equal wedges. Carefully transfer each wedge to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow room for rising.
For a beautiful golden crust, brush the tops of the scones with additional heavy cream before baking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and maintain their texture.
Notes
Serve warm with clotted cream or lemon glaze for an indulgent finish.