Almond Heart Shaped Biscuits

Method

1. Heat the oven to 190°C (gas mark 5). Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.

2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and almond extract, a little at a time, until well combined. Stir in the flour and mix to a dough.

4. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1 cm/1/2 in thick. Using heart shaped cookie cutters, cut shapes out of the dough and carefully place onto the baking tray.

5. Bake the biscuits for 8-12 minutes, until pale golden. Leave on the baking tray for 5 minutes to firm up, then place on a wire rack to cool.

6. For the icing sift the icing sugar into a large bowl and stir in water as directed on the packet to create a smooth mixture. Stir in the food colouring.

7. Carefully spread the icing on the biscuits and place a sugar flower on each biscuit before the icing sets.