Cubeb Spiced Shortbread

Preparation time:15 minutes + chilling

• Cooking time:15 minutes to 20 minutes

• Total time:30-35 minutes + chilling

Makes: about 16 biscuits (with extra spice mix)

Ingredients

For the spice mix

• 1 tbsp ground allspice

• 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper

• 1 tsp ground or freshly grated nutmeg

• 1-2 tsp ground cloves

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

For the shortbread

• 125g butter, at room temperature

• 55g caster sugar

• 180g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 1 tbsp spice mix (from the above mix)

• Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)  

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients for the spice mix together in a bowl. Store in an airtight container until needed, or for up to 1 month.

2. Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Mix in the flour and 1 tbsp of the spice mix until you have a smooth dough.

3. On a lightly floured work surface, gently roll the dough out to a 26x20cm rectangle, about 1 cm thick. Cut into 16 bars, or into your desired shapes using cutters. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray, sprinkle with icing sugar, if liked, and chill for 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. Bake the shortbread for 15-20 minutes or until pale golden. Cool on a wire rack and, if liked, sprinkle with extra icing sugar once cooled.