The simplest biscuits

• unsalted butter↗200g g

  soft

• granulated sugar↗200g g
• large egg1
• vanilla extract↗½ tsp tsp
• wheat flour↗400g g

  plus extra for dusting

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C with convection/gas 6 and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the butter in a bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until soft and creamy. Add the sugar, then the egg and vanilla, and finally the flour to form a dough. If the dough seems a bit sticky, add a little more flour and knead it.

2. 2

   Cut pieces of dough and roll them out to a thickness of about two £1 coins on a flour‑dusted surface. The easiest way to do this with small children is to roll the mixture on a baking mat. Cut shapes using a 9 cm cutter or the edge of a small glass and trim the excess dough. Gently press clean toys onto the biscuits, making sure to leave a sufficient imprint without cutting all the way through. Roll the leftovers and repeat.

3. 3

   Transfer the whole mat or individual biscuits onto the tray and bake for 8‑10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve. They will keep for three days in a biscuit tin.