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)

Instructions

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 onto 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.