Shortbread

A lovely alternative to the classic pie, crumbly shortbread is enriched with ground almonds and stuffed with a layer of juicy mincemeat

This baking project will keep older children busy – and the biscuits can double up as a sweet homemade gift to give teachers at the beginning or end of the school term, just make sure the chocolate is set before wrapping

The slightly bitter edge of marmalade cuts through the sweetness in these buttery chocolate-orange squares

These are delicious as a nibble with chilled white wine. Once baked and cooled, pack up in transparent gift bags or an airtight gift box lined with tissue paper

Try your hand at these fun shortbread biscuits – they’re easier than they look!

All the butteriness of traditional shortbread, infused with chai tea spices

Shortbread evolved from medieval biscuit bread, where leftover bread dough was baked as the oven lost its heat. In time, yeast was replaced by butter, and biscuit bread became shortbread

A crumbly shortbread finger topped with a sweet, sticky pecan caramel. The perfect mid-afternoon indulgence

Melt-in-the-mouth pastry makes these mince pies super special – fill with homemade mincemeat, or shop-bought will do the trick