Pistachio Cookies

These little cookies are quick to prepare and perfect for elevensies!

Preparation time 20 minutes, baking 10 - 12 minutes

Makes 30

3oz shelled pistachios

2oz caster sugar

4oz butter

5oz plain flour

1tsp vanilla extract

200g findant icing sugar

few drops of green food colouring

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4/350C/180F and grease and line 2 baking trays. Place the pistachios in a food processor and blitz to fine crumbs. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and creamy, then sift in the flour and add 2/3rds of the ground pistachios and the vanilla extract. Bring together as a soft dough with your hands. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll out to about 1/2cm thick. Using a 6cm cutter cut out 30 biscuits - I used a little flower cutter. Transfer to the trays and bake for 10 - 12 minutes until the cookies are golden - turn the trays half way through cooking for even colour. Transfer to a rack and place a sheet of foil or grease prooof paper underneath to catch the icing drips. Mix together the icing sugar with a few drops of green colouring (if using - I didn't, as I have run out of green after making very green whoopies the other day!) together with 2 - 3 tbsp of water - mixing until you have a smooth thick icing. Spoon the icing over the cookies whilst still warm and sprinkle with the remaining ground pistachios before the icing sets. You can use normal icing sugar but I prefer fondant icing sugar as this sets with a lovely glossy finish.