Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (about 220 degrees Celsius). This high heat will ensure your scones bake perfectly, resulting in that golden crust we all love. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see some small butter pieces because they create pockets of flakiness!
Stir in the instant lemon pudding mix until thoroughly combined. This is where the magic happens; it adds flavor and moisture to your scones.
In a separate measuring cup, combine the heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth. This mixture will join the dry ingredients next.
Create a well in the center of your dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Using a fork, gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if there are still some dry bits; over-mixing can lead to tough scones.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it just a few times until it comes together smoothly. Be careful not to over-knead; you want to maintain that tender texture!
Divide the dough into two halves and shape each half into a disk, about 1 to 2 inches thick. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that perfect scone shape.
Slice each disk into 8 wedges, which will give you a total of 16 mini scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one for rising.
Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the scones should be fluffy and light!
Once baked, allow the scones to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones and let set for a few minutes before serving.
