Christmas Cookies

These festive cookies can make a lovely present - as well as a teatime treat on Christmas Day. Have a go, you wont be disappointed and friends will appreciate a home-made gift this Christmas.

Ingredients: (makes about 12)
75g butter - plus extra or greasing
50g icing sugar
1 small lemon rind - finely grated
1 egg yolk
175g plain flour - plus extra for dusting
salt

Method:

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar and lemon rind together until pale and fluffy. 
• Beat in the egg yolk and then sift in the flour and a pinch of salt.
• Knead together to form a smooth dough
• Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 190'C or Gas Mark 5.
• Lightly grease two baking trays.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 3 mm thickness.

• Using a 6 cm cutter, stamp out as many cookies as you can, with the cutter dipped in flour to prevent it from sticking to the dough. (You can use decorative shaped cutters too).

• Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking trays.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they begin to colour around the edges. 
• Cool slightly on the baking trays, then transfer to a wire rack.