White chocolate and dried cranberry:
Add 50g (2oz) chopped dried cranberries to the flour. When the cookies are baked and cooled, dip the tops in 50g (2oz) melted white chocolate and allow to set on greaseproof paper.
* 225g (8oz) butter, softened
* 110g (4oz) caster sugar
* 275g (10oz) plain flour
* Ground spices or finely grated zest (optional; see Variations below)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F), Gas Mark 3.
2. Cream the butter in a large bowl or in a food mixer until soft.
3. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Sift in the flour and spices or grated zest (if using) and bring the mixture together to form a dough.
5. Using your hands, roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them slightly apart on a baking tray (no need to grease or line). Flatten them slightly with the back of a damp fork and bake in the oven for 13–15 minutes or until they are light golden brown and slightly firm on top.
6. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.