Splash of vanilla extract or vanilla bean pasteoptional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the milk and melted butter and mix just until combined.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 15-20 times, until dough comes into a soft but smooth ball. Cut dough into 4 equal portions, then pat each portion into a shortcake 3/4-inch thick. Place shortcakes on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of one of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove to a cooling rack to cool.
While the shortcakes bake and cool, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a medium bowl. Adjust sugar depending on how sweet your berries are. Set aside.
While shortcakes cool, combine cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, or place in a pint jar and shake vigorously until the liquid stops sloshing and has thickened into whipped cream.
Serve shortcakes sliced in half and filled with berries and whipped cream.