Smartie Cookies

Smartie Cookies

• 175g caster sugar
• 110g brown sugar
• 225g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 450g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 55ml full-cream milk
• Smarties, to decorate

Method

1. Place the sugars and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer (or use an electric hand beater), and beat until pale and fluffy.
2. Use a whisk to beat together the eggs and vanilla in a jug, then gradually transfers to the butter mixture, a little at a time, beating between each addition (this prevents the mixture from curdling).
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, soda and a pinch of salt over the mixture, then use a metal spoon to carefully fold together until there are no lumps of flour in the mixture.
4. Gradually add the milk, stirring until you have a soft dough (don't add too much milk or it will be too sticky). Use your hands to roll the mixture into 2 (about 30cm long) logs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease 2 large non-stick baking sheets or trays.
6. Use a serrated knife to cut 5mm-thick discs from the dough and use a rolling pin or the flat of your hand to slightly flatten each disc.
7. Transfer to the baking sheets, leaving space between them as they will spread on cooking.
8. Press 3 or 4 Smarties into the top of each biscuit and bake for 8-9 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. (They will still be a little soft at this stage so transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.)