American biscuits are very similar to scones. They are both made by cutting cold butter into flour and adding milk, cream or buttermilk to form the dough. They both use baking powder as a rising agent. Where they differ is that scones are sweetened with a bit of sugar and usually have mix-ins or other flavors added. Cream scones are most similar to this recipe as they use heavy cream. In Great Britain the term "biscuit" is used for what we call "cookies" here in the USA.