SWEET SNOWFLAKES
Look out for sets of snowflake cookie cutters in all shapes and sizes and little pots of sparkly edible sprinkles to decorate your cookies
Makes: 12 (depending on size) Time: 1 hour
To make the cookies:
■ 225g (8oz) unsalted butter, softened
■ 225g (8oz) caster sugar
■ 1 egg, lightly beaten
■ ½ tsp vanilla extract
■ a pinch of salt
■ 450g (1lb) plain flour
■ 250g icing sugar
■ 2-3 tbsp water or lemon juice To decorate:
■ Edible white glitter
■ Edible silver balls
1. Put the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a large bowl and an electric whisk). Cream until pale and fluffy. Add the beaten egg, vanilla extract and salt and mix again.
2. Gradually add the flour and mix until incorporated and smooth. Tip the dough out onto the work surface, flatten into a disc, cover with clingfilm and chill for a couple of hours until firm.
3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5mm (¼in). Stamp out shapes with a snowflake cookie cutter and arrange on the baking trays lined with baking paper. Chill in the fridge for a further 15 mins.
4. Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/Gas Mark 4.
5. Bake for about 10-12 mins until pale golden and firm to the touch.
6. To make the icing sift the icing sugar into a bowl and, using a whisk, gradually stir in enough water or lemon juice to make a smooth icing. Set aside.
7. Remove the trays from the oven and leave to cool.
8. Pipe the icing onto the cookies and dust with glitter. Decorate with silver balls.
9. Once dry string up and place on your tree.