British Spice Biscuits (cookies)

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (200 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon clove
• 1/8 teaspoon mace
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter (100 g)
• 1/4 cup caster sugar (50 g aka superfine granulated)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon cold water (if needed, see instructions)
• jam (optional)
• icing (optional)

Recipe

• 1 sift the flour, baking powder, spices and a pinch of salt together.
• 2 cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then gradually beat in the egg.
• 3 add the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. add a tsp of cold water to bring the dough together if you need to.
• 4 press into a disc, wrap in clear wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• 5 heat the oven to 356°f (180°c / gas mark 4).
• 6 on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to the thickness of a coin and using cookie cutters, cut-out shapes. prick tops lightly with a fork. lift parchment-lined baking sheets or well-greased baking sheets.
• 7 bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden in color.
• 8 leave to stand for a few minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
• 9 if desired when cold, sandwich 2 biscuits together with jam, and drizzle light icing/glaze over tops.