Makes 36

INGREDIENTS

350g/12oz/3 cups plain flour
5ml/1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
10ml/2 tsp baking powder
2.5ml/1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
115g/4oz/1/2 cup butter or margarine
225g/8oz/1 cup caster sugar
2.5ml/1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1 egg
115g/4oz/1/2 cup milk
coloured or demerara sugar for sprinkling
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TRADITIONAL SUGAR COOKIES

Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and nutmeg into a small bowl. Set aside.

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter or margarine, caster sugar and vanilla essence until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat to mix well.

Add the flour mixture alternatively with the milk to make a soft dough. Wrap in clear film and ch for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ Gas 4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 3mm/1/8in thick. Cut into rounds or other shapes with floured biscuit cutters.

Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.