Here’s a my recipe for very simple cookies that kids and I make for Santa (aka me) to be bribed with (this is Kenya after all) to leave some really lovely gifts under the tree. I’d rather a new pair of shoes instead of cookies but I haven’t managed to train the kids in that direction yet. Watch this space!

SIMPLE CHRISTMAS COOKIES

You will need:

225g butter, softened

110g caster sugar

275 g plain flour

(Yup, that’s all you will need)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C.

Cream the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Ever since I got my food processor I just use that. None of that toiling over a bowl with a fancy hand whisk unless it’s for a photo shoot for a glossy magazine.

Add the sugar and mix until pale and fluffy. Stick finger into mixture while no one is watching for quick sugar fix.

Wash your hands because the next step needs you to use your hands.

Using your hands, roll the dough into walnut sized balls and place them slightly apart on a baking tray. I use the non-stick variety but with this recipe there is no need to grease the tray at all. Flatten them with a fork and bake for about 13-15 minutes or until they’re light golden brown on top.

Cool on a wire rack and ice as desired.

The kids and I have discovered amazing icing colours at our local supermarket which come in tubes and are ready to use. It’s like using crayons that spew colour so my little Michaelangelos do a great job decorating the cookies. You can add things like coloured angelica, silver balls, sprinkle chocolate or coloured strands or whatever tickles your fancy. After all, Santa’s bribe should be fit for any Santa, right….?