Preheat oven to 400 F.

Whisk the first four ingredients together in a large bowl.

Add the butter to the flour mixture and mix with either your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives until it forms the texture of coarse meal.

Add the milk and cherries and mix gently until just incorporated (the dough may look a bit dry, but allow it sit for a few minutes and the flour will soak up all the milk).

Place dough on a lightly floured surface and gently press into a 1″ thick circle.

Cut out scones using a heart shaped cookie cutter.

Place scones on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush with beaten egg or heavy cream, if desired (this will give the scones a golden crust)

Bake in oven for 25 minutes.

Move immediately to a wire cooling rack and serve.