Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 6-8 shortcakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown.
While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the strawberries. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. Mix well and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
Once the shortcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack.
To assemble, slice the shortcakes in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with a generous spoonful of the strawberry mixture and a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake on top and add more strawberries and whipped cream.