Vanilla Biscuits

Step 1

Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and light. Add vanilla essence and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Step 2

Sift together the flour, baking powder, Bi-Carb and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture to form a dough. Wrap dough in cling film and refrigerate for an hour. Preheat oven to 170°C . Line three oven trays with baking paper.

Step 3

Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the dough evenly to a thickness of approximately 5mm. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough and arrange on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 10-12 minutes on the middle shelf.

Step 4

Allow the biscuits to cool completely before decorating. To make icing: Using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites with lemon juice until combined. Gradually add icing sugar on low speed until smooth. For coloured icing add a few drops of food colouring of your choice.

Sprinkle some sugar on top for added sweetness and fun.

To make chocolate biscuits, substitute 50g plain flour for 50g cocoa powder.