Begin by preheating 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, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until the mixture is well combined and no clumps remain.
Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining—this will ensure a flaky texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently stir until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are acceptable.
Carefully fold in the chopped cherries and dark chocolate chunks. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without excessive handling.
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough 3-4 times just until it comes together, forming a cohesive ball.
Flatten the dough into a circle roughly 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice it into 8 wedges. Alternatively, use a biscuit cutter to create individual round scones.
Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between them. Brush the tops generously with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture.
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown on top and cooked through (a toothpick inserted should come out clean).
Once baked, allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by clotted cream or whipped cream.