Festive Shortbread

[Babz]

UK measures:

Christmas really takes the biscuit when it comes to enjoying sweet treats with friends and family.

Ingredients (makes 24)


125g/4oz caster sugar

250g/8oz butter

350g/12oz plain flour, sifted

pinch of salt

Method

Beat the sugar and butter together until combined, but not creamed.

Sift in the flour and salt, and work to make a stiff dough.

Turn onto a lightly-floured surface and knead lightly until smooth (don't over handle the dough).

Chill for 10-15 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a lightly-floured board and cut into desired shapes.

Place on greased baking sheets and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180?C/350?F/Gas Mark 4 for
10-15 minutes until pale golden brown.

Leave to cool for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight tin.

Tips:
Cut out the shortbread dough with festive-shaped cutters like bells, stars and Christmas trees.
You can decorate them with icing (mix 60g/2oz icing sugar with a little water) by drizzling or
piping it onto the biscuits.
Ready-made tubes of coloured "writing" icing can be bought at supermarkets.
Finish off with silver balls (from cake decorating suppliers) or small pieces of coloured glace cherries.

If you want to hang the biscuits on the tree, wrap them in cellophane and tie with narrow ribbon or
coloured string.

Make larger versions of the biscuits, wrap in cellophane and tie with tartan bows to give away as gifts.