Combine all dry ingredients: cake flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

Sift the dry ingredients to remove lumps.

Dice cold butter into small cubes and prepare it.

Add butter to the dry ingredients and cut it into the mixture using a scraper or spatula until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix cold milk, egg, and vanilla extract together.

Pour the liquid mixture into the center of the dry mixture and gently combine.

Form the dough into a ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Scoop the dough into small portions and place them on parchment paper or a baking sheet.

Brush the tops with egg wash if desired for a golden finish.