Lightly grease a baking sheet, or line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 1/3 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg, 1/2 cup whipping cream and vanilla. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture. Using a fork, stir until moistened and a dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough by folding and gently pressing dough for 10 to 12 strokes or until dough is nearly smooth. Pat or lightly roll dough into an 8-inch square or circle. Cut into 8 rectangles or wedges.
Place rectangles or wedges 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Brush rectangles or wedges with additional whipping cream and sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake in a 400 degree F. oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly golden. Transfer scones to a wire rack. Cool about 10 minutes. Serve warm with additional butter, jam, or lemon curd. Makes 8 servings.
Prepare as above, except add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the flour mixture; after cutting in butter, stir in 3/4 cup finely chopped, peeled apple. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon-sugar instead of plain sugar. Scones may take 1 to 2 minutes longer to bake.
Prepare as above, except add 1/2 cup finely chopped, peeled peaches, 1/4 cup sliced almonds and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract with the cream mixture.
Prepare as above, except add 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries or chopped strawberries with the cream mixture.
Prepare as above, except add 1/2 cup chopped fresh or dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted, with the cream mixture.
Prepare as above, except add 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the flour mixture and add 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces with the cream mixture.
Prepare as above, except add 2 tablespoons poppy seeds and 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon, orange or lime peel to the flour mixture.